Their requirement included:
• A floating market
• The Railway Market at Mae Klong
• A Royal Palace
• Some old temple ruins
• Death Railway
• WWII history
I planned a route, where we could do it all in a single trip.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Mae Klong Train Market
The first leg of the trip took careful planning. The critical path was being at Mae Klong Train Market by 11:10 for the arrival of the train (departure was 11:30).
We made an early start, and headed for the floating market. Roads were clear, and as we got close, the landscape changed to coconut and banana groves, and the roads became extremely bendy. Numerous floating markets were signposted in the area, but we continued on as planned to Damnoen Saduak.
Having taken friends previously to dockside markets, I was keen to give our visitors the authentic floating market experience, albeit, still selling the same tourist tat.
I had tried to find the market opening times on the Internet, but like many things, people seem to think it will be amusing to give false information. I found opening times ranging from 04:00 to 09:00.
We pulled into the huge parking area at about 7:45, and the car park was deserted. However, a quick enquiry, and we hired a boat to take our visitors around for an hour. Mrs BB and I sat in a local coffee shop while they were paddled around – we’d seen it all before. Traders boats were tying up all of the time we were there, and I’d guess the floating part of the market was fully open by 9am.
Our friends really enjoyed their trip, which was being paddled around by their boatman, who serenaded them as they went around the market – cost for the boat hire – 500 Baht.
- 20190422_070034.jpg (92.92 KiB) Viewed 915 times
- 20190422_073127.jpg (105.04 KiB) Viewed 915 times
- 20190422_073539.jpg (102.4 KiB) Viewed 915 times
- 20190422_074834.jpg (147.07 KiB) Viewed 915 times
- IMG-20190423-WA0000.jpg (72.47 KiB) Viewed 915 times
- 20190422_075604.jpg (94.19 KiB) Viewed 915 times
We’d chosen an awful week for this mini tour, temperatures were regularly in the 40s. We entered the market, which is crazy. The walkway is the rail track and sleepers, the traders wares are stacked right up to the edge of the track. There are huge tarpaulins covering the track to provide shade, but when you’re >6’ 5”, walking through here is very uncomfortable – the tarpaulins are at Thai height. The heat close to the tented ceiling was intense.
- IMG-20190423-WA0002.jpg (156.17 KiB) Viewed 915 times
- IMG-20190423-WA0003.jpg (136.65 KiB) Viewed 915 times
It’s very well organised, and everybody moved outside when the alarm sounded, meaning the train’s arrival was imminent. This is where it gets dangerous – people see the edge of the track, and don’t realise how much the train overhangs the track. People stand in the most stupid positions, putting themselves in extreme danger, when they will see just as well stood one pace back.
All of the stalls were still in position. Then the approaching train sounded it’s horn – within seconds all of the stalls had been moved out of the way, although there was still a lot of produce on the ground right up to the edge of the track.
I’d been before, so ensured our party stood well back, but there were people still stood in the danger zone, and we could hear the engine approaching. I was stood behind a knee high steel barrier – obviously there for a purpose. On the other side of the barrier was a plump German lady – I indicated she should be on the other side of the barrier, but what did I know? I was about 1’ taller than her, but I think she thought I was telling her to get out of my way.
The train came into sight, and you could see the penny drop with the German lady – she panicked, and the train couldn’t/wasn’t stopping. She urgently tried stepping backwards over the barrier, but her legs were too short and she lost her balance – I could see the fear in her face. With about a second to spare, I reached out and lifted her back over the barrier. I think she was more put out at me grabbing her (non-sexual) bits than saving her life. I don’t remember even getting a thank you, but better saving her than getting my shoes messy. Anyway, the sight of the train going through the market, and the market stalls being restored immediately it passes is always a fantastic sight.
We moved back down the market until we found a suitable waiting position, and repeated the experience, minus the ungrateful German lady. I now had a 3 hour drive ahead of me on the road to Ayutthaya.
To be continued........................./
- as we progress through this trip, we will come across another incident involving trains.
), deposits were returned and I set off on the short trip to Ayutthaya.
