When we picture Thailand, we think of golden temples, paradise beaches, and spicy flavors. But there are experiences that don’t quite fit into any of those categories and are still absolutely unforgettable.

Visiting the Maeklong Railway Market and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is diving into a more authentic (and absolutely chaotic) side of everyday Thai life. And believe me when I say that there’s much more behind these attractions than just a perfect photo.

My visit to both markets (and why it’s worth waking up early)

I woke up very early in Bangkok and embarked on a tour that promised to take me to both markets in just half a day. Still half-asleep and with coffee taste on my mouth, I had no idea this would become one of the most memorable days of my two-week trip to Thailand.

The road from Bangkok to Samut Songkhram, where the Maeklong Railway Market is located, slowly lit up as the morning sun rose. On the way, life filled the salt pans and agricultural lands we passed by.

When we arrived, the guide made sure we got a good spot by the tracks well ahead of time. “The train comes at 8:30,” she said. I looked around and saw stalls full of fruit, fresh fish, and exotic spices laid out almost directly on the rails. “How the hell does this work?”, I thought.

Maeklong Railway Market: where the train runs through the middle

A perfectly choreographed (and real) performance

The Maeklong Railway Market isn’t a staged show. A real train runs through the market — slowly but steadily — and vendors move awnings, trays, and baskets with the precision of a well-rehearsed dance. All in a matter of seconds. As the train approaches, you hear a signal, tourists get their cameras ready, and the locals… carry on like it’s just another Tuesday.

Seeing the train carriages pass just centimeters from our face seems like something out of a movie, but it’s daily life for the locals here. And, contrary to what I thought, the market isn’t just for tourists. Locals come to buy vegetables, haggle over the freshest fish, or just catch up with each other.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: the waterside wonder

A postcard-worthy scene

After the train market, we headed to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, perhaps the most famous in the country. Although it’s super touristy, it remains incredibly fascinating.

I boarded a small rowing boat and let myself be carried along the narrow canals. On either side, merchants in tiny wooden canoes were selling fruit, noodles, souvenirs, straw hats, even pad thai cooked on the spot.

Yes, there are a LOT of tourists. Yes, some of it is staged. But there’s also authenticity in the details: the sharp-eyed woman preparing lunch right on her boat, the scent of sizzling coconut oil, and that wonderful chaos that only Thailand delivers with so much charm.

What to eat at the Floating Market?

Don’t miss:

• Coconut ice cream with mango sticky rice
• Coconut water straight from the shell

Is it worth doing both on the same day?

If you’re short on time in Bangkok, yes, it absolutely makes sense to do both in one morning. They’re in the same direction and offer complementary experiences. One shows life on the rails, the other life on the water. Just go with realistic expectations: the floating market is super touristy, the train market feels a bit more authentic, but both are amazing experiences.

Where to book the tour?

Book it through GetYourGuide to get a smooth experience. Normally, you get a friendly guide, comfortable ride, and well-timed stops. Here are a few trusted options:

Final thoughts: two markets, two sides of Thailand

Visiting the Railway Market and the Floating Market is more than a photo op. It’s a way to be surprised by the unexpected, to witness life happening between train tracks and narrow canals, between tradition and tourism, chaos and charm.

If you’re in Bangkok, save one morning for this adventure. You’ll come back with stories no photo could fully capture.