We visit the famous Mae Klong train market (Talat Rom Hup). Imagine a train going straight through a public market!
The Mae Klong Railway Market has been around since 1905. Fishing was (and still is) one of the main livelihoods of the people who lived here, and the market was another way in which to sell their goods. Officials decided to build a railway in order to better deliver these goods to other provinces. The market remained, however, despite the new tracks that cut through it.
We also visit Wat Bang Kung, famous for its small chapel that is completely enclosed within the roots of a banyan tree called Bot Prok Po. It is almost like the tree itself is the pillars of the temple and that without the roots the chapel would fall down. You can also go inside to pay respect to the Buddha image.
Then we continue to Amphawa, one of the most popular floating (or actually ‘riverside’) markets near Bangkok (only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday). It’s not as large as Damnoen Saduak but it’s more authentic and popular among Thai people.Â
This once small village has been around since the mid-17th century and back in the day, the agricultural community of Amphawa used the river as their daily trading hub. Many wooden houses were built along this river to make it easier for the people to trade and transport by boat.Â
Along the canal are countless wooden restaurants, some vendors cook and sell food from their boats. If you’re a foodie, this is the place to be! There is a wide choice of snacks, street food, seafood, sweets and desserts as well as fresh fruit.
Of course your visit to Amphawa is not complete without a boat trip, so of course we board one of the boats for a trip on the canals and hopefully we spot some of the large population of fireflies that live in the trees on the canal banks!
Meeting point:
For our small group tours we only pick up from a few selected areas in Bangkok.
If your hotel is outside our regular pick up area, you have to come to our office in Chao Khamrop Road, Chinatown.
Meeting point location on Google Maps:Â https://goo.gl/maps/9SnsNdNh2ZyVXv6C6
Attractions
- Maeklong Railway Market (Talad Rom Hub)
- Wat Bang Kung
- Amphawa Floating Market
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25 Comments
5
Long 2hr drive but Siri made it great
Our family of 9 loved the floating market tour because of our guide Siri. An engaging and entertaining guide who checks everyone is fine, is so important for these tours as they get very packed with lots of visitors watching a slow moving train.and canal side markets ( we did not actually see floating markets trading as we arrived late afternoon) .But Siri took us through a smorgasboad of market food explaining culture and local tastes and entertaining us even from temple tour to fireflies she made it informative and kept us laughing and having fun throughout. Our young and old especially enjoyed Siri’s explanation that we needed to cover up us sexy ladies to not tempt the monks :). Sunset on the canal was a lovely touch to see fireflies and we loved that even though no trading markets. 5 stars Siri
5
Wonderful Experience!!!
A great experience starting at the market where the train passes through. Then go to the floating market which was bustling and end with a boat ride where were greeted by fireflies! Start to finish, a very pleasant experience!
5
Beyond Expectations!
Our tour experience was amazing! We were lucky to have the tour to ourselves which made it special and personalized. Siri our guide was fun, knowledgeable, and a great photographer! You can tell she really enjoys showing people around. The driver was very helpful and courteous with a comfortable suv. Would recommend!
5
This Tour is a Must
This was our third tour in three days with WanderSiam. I didn’t realize I was booking all three tours with the same company until after everything was booked. I’m so happy I did.
On this tour our tour guide, Surina was jovial and full of information and folk stories, and we were so happy to see Moo, our driver from our Ayutthaya tour two days prior.
Initially I was not keen on visiting the Mae Klong Railway Market based on reviews of other tour companies, but I’m so happy that I booked this tour. The Mae Klong Market was a mix of both local items and nice items geared for tourists. We enjoyed lunch and a beer just inside the red line and it was exciting seeing the train arrive. We were given a little too much time here. I would have preferred more time at the Amphawa Floating Market.
Next we visited Wat Bang Kung. Surina’s passion for her culture and the people of Thailand was evident as she told us about the importance of this temple. She even got a piece of gold leaf for each of us to place on the Buddha.
The floating market was beautiful and amazing! I only wish we had more than 40 minutes to explore it.
Finally we finished on a longboat on the river in search of fireflies. Surina shared a lovely tale about the firefly. We were not disappointed!!
5
Excellent Tour
Excellent tour. Surina was a great guide and looked after us well (including my infant daughter). The locations were great and I would recommend them to any travelers.
The bus was comfortable and air conditioned.