Maeklong Railway Market is not new to many tourists. Everyone knows the special market which a train goes through (without crushing any vegetable or fruits!)
But Maeklong Railway Market is 80km away from central Bangkok, public transport and drive will be 2.5 and 1 hour respectively.
Bangkok Day Trip
It makes sense to bundle your trip with nearby attractions. We love Amphawa Floating Market (there are at least 3 floating markets in the area). (We do not know which one more suitable or has more street food.)
So we book a day trip through Klook (this package), price from $270+ . COMFORTABLE 10-seater van zip us to our destination. If I was driving, I might need to navigate or sit out huge jams 🙂
Klook Bangkok Promotion
If you are rushing for time, checkout our YouTube Video first
#01 Ride into Maeklong Railway Market (GPS for Lat Yai, 13.436389, 100.049167)
Ok, everyone know the famous Train market, why not ride the last kilometres into the market!
A novelty for us, old-school train was an attraction itself, fellow passenger enthusiasm, and the receiving crowd at the market haha.
Last station before Maeklong Railway Market
The track itself seems like a good spot for photos and wefies too. Do listen out for the Train horns.
We took the 2pm train, journey is only 10 to 15 minutes. \
It is not easy to climb up the train, we need to pull the kids and elderly up. We were told train tickets are not necessary haha, just hitch hike.
Maeklong Railway Market
Packed like sardines, but no one is complaining. This is one of those unique travel memories for keepsake. If sweat and crowd is not your thing, go to the market direct :p
GPS above is for Lat Yai (last station before Maeklong Railway Market, known as ตลาดร่มหุบ in Thai). Your train will end inside the market at (GPS 13.407422, 99.998507).
Super crowded. Locals call Maeklong Railway Market Crazy Market haha.
We had a quick lunch down the road, many folks will take the opportunity to walk along the track for selfie.
Do hold on to the kids, and do not stand at the edge. You never know who might accidentally push or shove you, it can be extremely dangerous when a train is less than a metre away!
Look at the video above to get an idea of the crowd and adrenaline!
Part two of our Bangkok Day Trip brought us to a special temple. Our guide told us the name is similar to lobster (?).
The temple is also known as Banyan Tree temple.
The most famous thing is the mini temple enclosed within the tree. The roots has gone around the temple.
You can see Buddha’s golden Leg through the roots opening. Photo (below right), temple is in the “tree”.
Quite an amazing spectacle. The temple and the Golden Buddha.
Do walk behind the compound, you will see statues of Muay Thai fighters and horses. Feeds are available for purchase, be warned horse tongue is super sticky and yucky haha.
There are many floating markets in the vicinity, all are packed with snacks and souvenirs. We only went to Amphawa (ตลาดน้ำอัมพวา), and it was authentic enough for us.
So many boats cruising up and down Mae Klong river. Some are park alongside the river, becoming a floating kitchen.
We were not too adventurous to try the boat’s menu, so we grab only side street snacks. Plenty of options and prices are very reasonable.
It was not as touristy as some other market.
Photo below-right is the signature fish from this area. Their mascot 🙂
It is more spacious after you cross the bridge.
This stall is very popular with Thais, long queue but we were worried our stomach might not be used to the mixed-rice dishes 🙂
The best food for me at Amphawa Floating Market is this stall selling grilled fish. I went back for round two after everyone gave thumbs up.
Taste a bit like grilled cuttlefish.
The last activity for us was a long boat to watch fireflies along some Maekong river tributaries.
bangkok firefly boat
Maybe we left too early, sky was not dark enough, we could only spot minimum fireflies.
The mini cruise was a lovely opportunity for me to catch a power nap.
Bangkok Day Trip
Additional Tips:
-Do take note our Bangkok Day Trip is a whole day package, and meals are not inclusive. The attractions pavements are not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
-Our Amphawa Floating Market was authentic and cool. We heard some floating markets would actually fleece tourists when you try to buy souvenirs
-The journey started at around 7:30am and we reached Bangkok city around 9:30pm.
-We will highly recommend this package if you like to explore another side of Bangkok. the Train, the Floating Market and the Banyan Tree temple are pretty unique.
We will be sharing more about our Bangkok Family Itinerary. Meanwhile, you can read our Thailand adventures here:
Everyone loves Bangkok, eating shopping and massage. Our Bangkok Family Itinerary will share some of the Fun activities we did with Klook.
We have been using Klook for the last few holidays. It is convenient, a lot of promotions and is hassle free. Order your tickets before you travel, just pickup at destination country and enjoy your holiday.
No need to queue for tickets, or trying to articulate in foreign language. Klook website always have more suggestions for your Bangkok Family Itinerary planning (and research). You may reference our Japan Klook itinerary too.
To encourage more friends to try Klook, key in code <SENGKANG5>, and first-time Klook users will enjoy $5 off their first booking (valid till 31 Dec 2019).
Thank to Klook, we have x 50 Vouchers to giveaway. Details at the end.
Our 2018 trip was to Khao Kho and Bangkok, read about our adventures here and here, or Instagram #skbThailand .
We will start with the No1 essential travel item, Roaming Wifi Plan :p
I would be clueless and helpless if I cannot Google! (unless I am enjoying my no-itinerary trip)
If you agree Wifi is critical, you may refer our Google Map Hack post (click link) on how to find the best “reviews” nearby.
Klook’s Roaming Man wifi router offers good connection for up to 6. We enjoyed good coverage and battery during our Thailand Holidays.
Collection (and return) of router was in Singapore, just show your Klook QR code and collect, no hassle.
In Thailand, just POWER on and Share hotspot, it is that simple.
Our roaming router is supposed to last up to 12 hours. Our unit was still going strong after 5 hours. Indispensable and affordable.
Be it attractions, cafes, or GPS orientation. Just go Online and Google.
Sea of Clouds from Khao Kho, Tanrak Talaymok Resort blog post.
Food hunting more efficiently in the street of Bangkok. We will share the GPS in another blog post about street food from our Bangkok Family Itinerary.
Google for popular Bangkok night market and more food recommendations.
Or cute cafes with animals?
Next up is the kids’ favourite activity in Bangkok, Cycling!
4 hours through Chinatown, we covered the alleyways and cycled along Chao Phraya river. What a fascinating way to discover Bangkok!
Do take note list price is per pax.
Cycling packages starts from 2 hours and we went for Go Red 4 hours (Bangkok culture Tour). It is really easy pedaling and our trip distance was about 11 to 12km.
If Mommy Meng Choo can do it, you can do it too. Although she did complained the cycling tour was a bit torturing for a holiday haha. (read our 台中 Taichung cycling trip too)
Bangkok Bike Tours does not have electric bikes, but you can pre-book the escooters. You need to indicate your height when you are making a booking. Helmets are available but not compulsory for cycling in Thailand.
The weather was ok during our trip, and there are plenty of shades along the route.
The bulk of cycling was done on dedicated bike lanes, but there are some sections on the main road too. Exercise vigilance and do not let people rush you, look out for each other.
Cycling confidence is more important than stamina. The operator will stop you from participating if your riding skills fails.
Chinatown was challenging due to the crowds and narrow lanes, sometimes we had to push the bikes along.
Otherwise, we enjoyed the pit-stops at cultural, food and scenic spots. We cycled through Bangkok neighbourhoods, and even cross Chao Phraya River twice on ferries!
If you like something authentic and adventurous, go for a cycling tour to explore another side of Bangkok!
Bangkok Family Itinerary
Local snacks and attractions.
Do take note photographer is not part of the cycling package 🙂
This is a whole day itinerary, and it is also the parents’ best activity. Value for money as our package was for up to 8 or 10 pax (per van).
If you are traveling by public transport, the markets are easily 1.5 hours away from Bangkok center. It makes sense to grab the Klook package and enjoy the bundled attractions.
Maeklong Railway Market is the most popular railway market in Thailand, where the train literally cuts through the market, with vendors folding their tents and daredevil tourists taking selfies!
Thai people called it crazy market, we can understand the euphoria haha.
As a bonus, we rode the train into the market! The reception at Maeklong Railway Station was unreal, as if the train is a VIP 🙂
Clapping and waving, photos snap non-stop haha. SO CROWDED!
Amazingly, the dignified Buddha sanctuary is wrapped by Banyan tree roots. Wat Bang Kung is popular with both worshipers and tourists.
If time permits, go feed the horses (behind the Muay Thai statues).
The third stop Amphawa Floating Market was the highlight for our trip. Super crowded, you will see both tourists and many Thais too, we can feel the lively buzz here.
There is something for everyone at Amphawa floating market. Folks can order their meals from the boats or walk along the market.
There are much souvenir and food to savour! The ‘street food’ is nice and cheap, grab the 烤鱼 (best!)
As you walk along the river, hold on to the smaller ones. You do not want them (or your Mobile Phones) to go swimming :p
The last activity was a boat ride to catch some fireflies. We were tired and some were dozing on the boat ride.
This package is value for money, and we would highly recommended to add to your Bangkok Family Itinerary.
BTS is the fastest and best way to commute in busy Bangkok. It might be the most economical way to beat notorious Bangkok gridlocks too, both in ฿ baht and time saved.
Each BTS card is valued at ฿140, 4 trips (inclusive to/fro) will recoup the investment. Plan your activities along BTS stations to maximise card. (Hint Chitlom, Siam for shopping and eating galore)
BTS map
Get the voucher at Klook counter (either airport or Siam Centre), then exchange them at BTS, on the day you take the ride.
Expect some easy walking from 10 to 15 minutes between BTS station and your destination. (Unless you are taking Grab)
If you have the BTS day pass, you can avoid the ticket queues.
We clock 15000 to 25000 steps daily easily. We needed a massage to sooth away the strains and knots. What better way then to go for a soothing Thai massage.
In short, no Bangkok Family Itinerary is complete without at least one massage!
Thai massage is always affordable, consider ฿250 to ฿400 for 60 mins, this is only $12 to $20 SGD! If you go to those Massage found in Night Market, even cheaper haha 🙂
Healthland franchise is slightly more upmarket, we enjoyed a 2 hours Thai Massage.
Do take note that after collecting you Klook vouchers, you need to make an appointment with Healthland directly.
The Asoke branch looks like a mansion, their reception feels exactly like a hotel!
Massage was soothing, but maybe lack a bit of kick. This is my personal preference. I have experienced more “skillful” Thai massage in Singapore and Bangkok before 🙂
First timers would enjoy the exquisite experience.
If this is your first time using Klook voucher, grab my $5 discount (detail at end of blog post) and book your Healthland massage in Bangkok.
I would say SGD 28 for airport transfer is very affordable (package for up to 8 or 10pax). If I take the BTS, Grab or Taxis, the difference in Baht (for 7 pax) would be negligible.
No need to rush and pull our luggage along. Driver will normally reach earlier and wait for you at your accommodation.
Reach airport in comfort, ready to checkout from Bangkok Thailand 🙂
Klook usage recommendations:
a.Download Klook App, so you can always get updated contacts and instructions for your bookings. To be really safe, print out hardcopy of your bookings.
c.Take note of what is included in package. Some itineraries might not include meals (example).
d.Read the “very” detail Klook instructions. Take note of tickets pickup timing, location and venue. And transfer pickup location too.
For example, some vouchers (eg BTS) are collected at Airport, but you still need to exchange for tickets at BTS station
e.For activities which include car or van transfers, take note of contact details of vendor and driver. We were a bit worried when the driver did not Whatsapp us 24 hours beforehand. But all our drivers were on time.
f.Contact Klook Online or (MobileApp) “Ask Klook” if in doubt (instead of email). The team is very responsive and helpful.
g.Klook counters are not opened 24 hours. If you arrive at 6am, you might need to wait until Klook (or partner) counter is opened. Suvarnabhumi Airport is huge, and too little English instructions, it took us a while to find the Klook corner
Try to consolidate and get all your Klook tickets at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The Klook counter in Siam Centre is always packed, with many folks trying out their sim card.
h. For first time Klook users, and from now till 31 Dec 2019, simple key in code <SENGKANG5> to enjoy $5 your first booking
===== Giveaway ==== ==
Thanks to Klook, we have x3 $50 vouchers to Giveaway. This voucher can be used for any destination.
2. Comment In Facebook and tell us an unusual activity which you might wish to attempt with your family (The activity need not be from our recommendation)
3. Tag 3 friends / Share the Facebook post (set as public)
4. Contest ends 22 Jan 10 pm, and three winners will be pick randomly
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We will be sharing more about our Bangkok Family Itinerary. Meanwhile, you can read our Thailand adventures here:
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