Maeklong Railway Market & Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Tour from Bangkok
- Duration8 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
This guided trip from Bangkok visits two of Thailand's most famous markets. You ride a longtail boat through the canals of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where vendors trade from their boats, then watch the train squeeze through the stalls of Maeklong Railway Market, with a short train ride on most departures. The default option is a shared tour with one-way hotel pickup in central Bangkok, ending at our central drop-off point. It takes about eight and a half hours and suits families, photographers and first-time visitors to Thailand.
Highlights
- Longtail boat ride through the Damnoen Saduak canals
- Watch a train pass inches from the market stalls at Maeklong
- Short train ride through the countryside on most departures
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Audio guide in 41 languages via QR code
- Hotel pickup in central Bangkok in the default option
Full Description
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Around 100 kilometres south-west of Bangkok in Ratchaburi province, Damnoen Saduak grew up along a canal dug in the 1860s under King Rama IV to link the Mae Klong and Tha Chin rivers. For generations, farmers sold fruit and vegetables here directly from their wooden boats.
Today it is Thailand's most famous floating market. On this Damnoen Saduak floating market tour you glide through narrow canals in a longtail motorboat past stilt houses and orchards, then explore on foot. Vendors in wide straw hats sell tropical fruit, coconut sweets and crafts from their boats. Early morning is the most atmospheric time to visit.
Maeklong Railway Market
In Samut Songkhram, the Maeklong Railway Market is set right on an active railway line. Vendors display their goods on the tracks, and several times a day, when the warning bell rings, they pull back their awnings and baskets as the train rolls slowly through, just centimetres away.
Locals call it Talad Rom Hub, the umbrella pull-down market. Watching the stalls reopen seconds after the train has passed is an unforgettable sight. The train timetable decides the order of the day, so the two markets may be visited in either order.
The Train Ride and Rural Thailand
On most departures, part of the journey is made on the local train itself, rolling through the railway market and into the countryside of salt fields, coconut plantations and small villages. The early 7:00 am departure does not include this train ride.
Between the markets your guide explains the history of trade along the rivers and canals, and how daily life in these provinces differs from busy Bangkok. It is the best way to see a Maeklong Railway Market day trip without worrying about train schedules yourself. Keep a hand on your bag and phone when the train passes the stalls.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickupPickup from your hotel in central Bangkok in the early morning.
- Drive to RatchaburiAbout 1.5 hours by air-conditioned vehicle.
- Longtail boat rideCruise through the canals to the floating market, about 40 minutes.
- Damnoen Saduak Floating MarketFree time to walk and browse the market.
- Train rideShort train ride to Maeklong (not on the 7:00 am departure), about 30 minutes.
- Maeklong Railway MarketWatch the train pass through the stalls and explore the market.
- Return to BangkokDrive back, about 1.5 hours, ending at the central drop-off point; about 8.5 hours in total.
What's included
- Round-trip air-conditioned transport from Bangkok
- Longtail boat ride through Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and canals
- Train ride through the Maeklong Railway Market
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Audio guide in 41 languages (bring your own earphones)
- Insurance
Not included
- Train ride on the 07:00 departure
- Hotel pickup
- Earphones
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 3–12
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
- Guests over 100 kg or taller than 185 cm for the shared longtail boat (a separate boat is possible at extra cost)
Meeting point
In the default option we pick you up from your hotel in central Bangkok; the pickup time is sent after booking. Pickup is one way: the tour ends at one of our central drop-off points in Bangkok, not at your hotel. Other options meet at Khao San Road, near Chinatown (Hua Lamphong) or at MBK Center.
Important information
- Hotel pickup is one way only; there is no return service to your hotel.
- Bangkok traffic is unpredictable; be ready early. Late arrivals cannot join.
- Bring your own earphones for the audio guide.
- Wear light clothes, comfortable shoes, a hat and insect repellent.
- Food and drinks are not included.
- Large bags and luggage are not allowed.
- Not recommended on the day of a departing flight.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Maeklong Railway and Floating Market tour cost?
The price depends on the option you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and children.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, in the default option we pick you up from your hotel in central Bangkok. The tour ends at a central drop-off point, not at your hotel.
How long is the tour?
About 8 to 8.5 hours.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children love the boat ride and the train. Keep a close eye on them at the railway market.
What should I wear and bring?
Light clothes, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and earphones for the audio guide.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Tomorrow is usually possible if places are available. Same-day booking is not possible after the early departure.
What is the difference between the options?
The default option includes one-way hotel pickup. The other options are the same shared tour starting from a meeting point at Khao San Road, near Chinatown (Hua Lamphong) or at MBK Center.
How often does the train pass through Maeklong market?
Several times a day in each direction. Our schedule is planned around the train times so you can see it.
Is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market worth visiting?
Yes, for the boat ride and the unique scene of trading from boats. Go early, as it becomes busier towards midday.
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