Similar to the famous Hanoi Train Street, Thailand’s version — Maeklong Railway Market — is located in between Bangkok and Hua Hin.
As the train makes it final stop at Maeklong Station, not only will you be able to stand just inches away from it, you’ll also be able to witness how the store owners swiftly pack up their area for the train to pass.
Distanced a 2-3 hours drive from Bangkok and 1-2 hours from Hua Hin, Maeklong Railway Market is the perfect pit stop for those who are driving from Bangkok to Hua Hin. But here’s everything you need to know about this must-see attraction near Hua Hin — from what time to visit, where to take the best photos, how long to spend there, and what to eat or drink there.
What time does the train pass by Maeklong Railway Market?
While the market itself has tons of interesting local crafts, as well as wet market ingredients, and cafes and restaurants, the best time to visit Maeklong Railway Market will be anytime between 1:30-2:30pm.
The train arrives at the market at 2:30pm sharp.
Where to take the best photos?
We recommend heading all the way to the head of the market — the opposite end of the Maeklong Station — where the train first passes through.
You can either sit in one of the cafes or restaurant, though you’ll probably have to arrive earlier to snag the front row seats. We wouldn’t recommend it though, because you’ll be stuck in the same spot. On the other hand, standing on the side of the streets offer much more flexibility in terms of photo angles.
Right before the train reaches the start of the market, you’ll hear a bell ringing. Upon the signal, the store owners will begin packing up — keeping the carts of food and trinkets from the street back to their store, or pulling back the shelters so the train can pass through smoothly.
As the train passes, you’ll have to stand behind the red line, which is about 10 inches from the walls. You’ll be just breaths away from the train, so be careful when you’re taking pictures.
Pro-tip: 0.5x works amazing here.
To take the best photos, immediately rush out to get a photo with the back of the train after it passes your spot.
If you missed your chance here, you can still head to the end of the market — Maeklong Station. The train will be parked here.
After 30 minutes, the crowd will disperse and the queue will take only about five minutes.
How long should you reserve at Maeklong Railway Market?
You can reserve 1-2 hours here, depending on whether you want to sit at a restaurant while the train arrives.
We recommend visiting at 2pm. Start from the end of the market, where Maeklong Station is, and make your way to the head. The market is relatively small, and 20 minutes of idle shopping is more than enough to cover it.
What to eat or drink at Maeklong Railway Market?
The only eateries with proper food and drinks are located at the start and end of the market.
However, if you’re just looking for a solid cup of coffee, we recommend this underrated store located nearer to the end of the market.
This is the only store that uses a proper espresso machine for their coffee. It also happens to serve one of the best Coconut Lattes I’ve had in the whole of Thailand.
In addition to a relatively proper espresso shot, the integral reason to its taste is a balanced mix of coconut milk and water. You get a touch of creaminess and sweetness from the milk, but it’s not too cloying, due to the intervention of coconut water’s crisp sweetness.
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