Private Tour from Bangkok: Railway and Floating Markets Tour

Bangkok , Thailand

Private Tour from Bangkok: Railway and Floating Markets Tour

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About this experience

Discover the unique markets outside of Bangkok on this market adventure tour. Head to the famous Maeklong Railway Market where vendors set up their goods along an active railway line and see what happens when the train comes through. Then head to the Damnoen Saduak floating market and weave through waterways as vendors sell their various goods. Purchase souvenirs or some delicious Thai treats before heading back to Bangkok.

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Private Tour from Bangkok: Railway and Floating Markets Experience

What's included

Visit Venice of the East - Damnoen Saduak floating market

Join Friendly Local English-speaking guide

Ride a small boat through narrow village canals

Taste Thai Snack and Seasonal Fruits

Take a private vehicle and drive 2 hours to the railway market

Visit local family-run village palm sugar plantation

Get tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You'll start your tour with a drive-by private vehicle to the railway market, about 1.5 hours from Bangkok. Please be on time for your tour! We'll need to leave at 6:30 am sharp or you'll miss the excitement at the surreal railway market. And trust us, you need to see it to believe it! Vendors set up their goods along active railway tracks, with fresh produce, fabrics, cooking supplies and more all lined up a mere few inches from the track's edge (and in some cases, right on top of the tracks). You'll get to see what happens when the train comes through: vendors gather up their things and lower their canopies, and both vendors and shoppers step aside as the train travels right through the middle of the market. Once the train leaves, business resumes as though nothing had disrupted them! Between the train schedule, your guide will lead you around the market and introduce you to traditional Thai foods, from desserts to snacks to fresh fruits. We'll then continue on a short drive to a palm sugar plantation, where we'll visit the house of a villager who still makes palm sugar the traditional way. There are a lot of coconut palm tree plantations in Thailand, and the local wisdom of making organic palm sugar from the nectar of coconut flowers has been passed down from generation to generation.

Stop 2

Onward, we'll board a small boat for a ride through narrow village canals, to reach the famous floating market of Damnoen Saduak — keep your camera ready as this place is a non-stop photo op. If anything catches your eye along your boat ride, let your guide know and you can stop to chat with vendors and purchase something to take home (or to eat right there!).

We'll then depart the boat and walk around to explore more of the market. You'll find a variety of Thai foods, such as seasonal tropical fruits from local orchards, as well as souvenirs, all available on both river banks.

Around noon, we'll head back to Bangkok and return you to the meeting point which is right next to BTS (Skytrain) station National Stadium. Your local guide will be happy to give you directions back to your accommodation or to other sites you should see.

What's not included

Additional food and drink

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

36 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please dress casually and comfortably for walking.

You must arrive at the meeting point ON TIME. Due to the train schedule at the Railway Market, we will not be able to wait longer than 5 minutes. We recommend aiming to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.

Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.

Please note, if any of the sites in the itinerary happen to be closed due to reasons beyond our control, an alternative site will be visited.

Traffic conditions may delay the return journey to Bangkok

Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour: Instead of visiting one of the many palm sugar plantations that have been set up for tourists to see and learn about the process, we visit a local family at their village plantation where they make palm sugar daily throughout the year. The family have been here for generations and bringing our small groups provides some additional income for them.

Meeting point

In front of Donki Mall, BTS National Stadium Station, Exit 4 (MBK Center) Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Address in Thai for Taxis: หน้าห้างดองกี้ สถานีรถไฟฟ้าบีทีเอส สนามกีฬาแห่งชาติ ทางออกที่ 4 (เอ็มบีเค เซ็นเตอร์)

Important notes

Dress Code
Please dress casually and comfortably for walking.

Meeting Time
You must arrive at the meeting point ON TIME. Due to the train schedule at the Railway Market, we will not be able to wait longer than 5 minutes. We recommend aiming to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.

Closure of sites
Please note, if any of the sites in the itinerary happen to be closed due to reasons beyond our control, an alternative site will be visited.

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About Bangkok

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a dynamic blend of traditional culture and modern urban life. Known for its ornate temples, bustling street markets, and world-class street food, Bangkok offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Top Attractions

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings that served as the royal residence from 1782 to 1925. It is a stunning example of Thai architecture and houses the Emerald Buddha.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 500 THB

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a stunning temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is famous for its beautiful porcelain decorations and the iconic prang (spire).

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours 50 THB

Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the world's largest markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market offers a vast array of goods, from clothing and accessories to food and antiques.

Shopping/Cultural Half day to full day Varies

Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok. Taking a boat tour along the river offers a unique perspective of the city and its many temples and palaces.

Nature/Scenic 1-3 hours Varies

Chatuchak Park

Chatuchak Park is a large and lush urban park that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It is home to a variety of plants, animals, and recreational facilities.

Nature/Relaxation 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pad Thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a sweet and tangy sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Tom Yum Goong

A spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.

Dinner Contains seafood.

Som Tum

A spicy green papaya salad made with shredded papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a tangy dressing.

Lunch/Snack Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Mango Sticky Rice

Sweet ripe mango served with sticky rice and coconut milk.

Dessert Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Erawan National Park Kayaking on the Chao Phraya River ATV tours in Hin Lek Fai Spa and massage treatments Boat tours on the Chao Phraya River Visiting temples and parks Visiting temples and historical sites Attending traditional Thai performances

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the most pleasant time to visit with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It's peak tourist season with lively festivals and events.

22°C to 34°C 72°F to 93°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English, Chinese
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Bangkok is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime, scams, and traffic accidents can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and tuk-tuks.
• Be wary of jet ski rentals and gem shops.

Getting there

By air

Suvarnabhumi Airport • 30 km from city center
Don Mueang International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal

By bus

Mo Chit Bus Terminal, Ekamai Bus Terminal, Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned, the MRT is a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Khao San Road Sukhumvit Chinatown (Yaowarat) Silom Banglamphu

Day trips

Ayutthaya

80 km from Bangkok • Full day

Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It is known for its stunning temples and historical ruins.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

105 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Damnoen Saduak is one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand, offering a unique shopping and dining experience on the water.

Maeklong Railway Market

80 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Maeklong Railway Market is a unique market where vendors set up their stalls on the railway tracks, and a train passes through several times a day.

Festivals

Songkran • April 13-15 Loy Krathong • Full moon night in November Vegetarian Festival • September/October (dates vary by year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Thai phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway to avoid traffic and get around the city quickly and efficiently.
Haggle and bargain when shopping at markets and street stalls, but do so politely and respectfully.
Try street food, but choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.