#thachalom

7 March 2014, Friday

Maeklong Railway market!

My roommates Eugenia, Laura and I decided to take a day trip to Maeklong Market on 22nd February, before our midterm exams the week after. Maeklong railway is famous for its route through the Market (Talad Rom Hoop) which means 'Umbrella Pulldown Market'. It is one of the largest fresh seafood markets in Thailand and is centred around the Maeklong Railway's track.

We decided to take the long way (note: if you don't have time don't do the same) to the market. After taking the BTS to Wongwian Yai station, we walked towards the King Taksin Monument and took the first train from Wong Wian Yai station and got off at the last stop, Mahachai station which is in Samut Sakorn province. (Approximately 50 mins)

We got lost in the market and had to ask for directions to the ferry, which was difficult due to language barrier. Its interesting how both people as well as those on their motorbikes could enter the ferry. We took the ferry to Tha Chalom Pier, and boarded the train at Baan Laem station.

Since Maeklong station was the terminal station, this train ride took an hour and a half. When we were approaching the terminal, everyone on the side of the tracks were busy taking photos of us on the train, while we were taking photos of them as well, which I found rather funny :D

The highlight of the trip was several minutes before the train passes through the market, when shoppers hop off the tracks and vendors pack their goods, away from the tracks in a swift motion. Once the train leaves, everything is back in business. This happens for 8 times a day, since 1905.