Exploring Maeklong Railway Market

Submitted by Taylor Cannon on the 2024 Winter BUAD/FINC program in Thailand and Australia…

One of the many stands at the market

We got to explore the Maeklong Railway Market located in the Samut Songkhram province about 50 miles outside of where we’re staying in Bangkok. The market is notorious for the train that runs through it twice a day – once in the morning and another in the evening. It was so interesting to see how close the train gets to the walls of the market. Once the warning bell goes off, everyone rushes to the side and is instructed not to stand on the tracks. Walking through the market it was amazing to see more into the local culture. Items sold at the market varied from souvenirs catered towards tourists to freshly sliced fish and fruits that local people would buy as groceries. 

The experience was definitely once in a lifetime and we even stopped at one of the shops for delicious watermelon and mango smoothies. A motif I have seen during our time in Thailand so far is the kindness that exudes from the local people. I was immensely grateful to have the opportunity to experience this unique and lively market! (Submitted on January 10, 2024)