Bangkok is capital and most important city in Thailand, so its visit could not miss in our list. We went to Bangkok from Chiang Mai by bus, it was cheaper than plane or train. Surprisingly local long-distance buses are also very comfortable. We have seen enough temples in Chiang Mai so we decided to discover markets close to Bangkok this time. First of them is Damnoen Saduak floating market and second of them is Maeklong Railway market, the market through which is running train. Both markets are extraordinary experience and we will tell you more about them in this article 🙂
Damnoen Saduak floating market
This floating market belongs to the best known and most beautiful floating markets in Thailand. Unfortunately this superlative was reflected in the number of tourists coming there every morning. Therefore, it is recommended to visit market from 7 am to 9 am before all tours from Bangkok arrive.
How to get to Damnoen Saduak floating market from Bangkok
There are two ways how to get to the floating market. The simplest one, but also more expensive option is to purchase a trip directly in Bangkok. The second and cheaper option is to go on your own and get there by bus from Bangkok (and overtake the rest of the tourists). We classically chose the second option. The bus to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market runs from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). We arrived at the bus station by taxi (about 190 THB) to catch the first bus that leaves at 6 am. We bought the tickets outside The bus station close stand numer 78 and the one-way ticket cost 70 THB.
The journey took about 2 hours and after arrival we had to walk 1,5 km to the floating market. It is possible to get there by boat (they will offer to you after your arrival), but its price is around 1000 THB. So we chose walking and we arrived at the market around 8:30 am.
How does it work on floating market
First we rented a boat (just under the main bridge) for half an hour with the captain which cost 300 THB and after we went for shopping! You can buy there everything, souvenirs, fruits, clothes, paitings, coconut ice cream or even Pad Thai and Fried chicken (really prepared right on the boat!) We bought delicious coconut ice cream and enjoyed cruises along the shops. Half an hour was perfect time for cruise and our captain looked like he’d get rid of us soon. We did crazy things in the boat because of photos and videos and he was afraid of falling in the water. After the cruise we went to see stores and market from the bridge across the river. There was amazing view from it!
Maeklong Railway market
Market where the train passes eight times per day. This idea amused us a lot and awakened our curiosity. It is time to say goodbye to floating market and find a way how to get to the railway market.
How To get to Maeklong Railway market From Bangkok?
You can either take a direct bus from Bangkok or combine this trip with the Damnoen Saduak floating market. In the second case, you need to go back to the main street at the bus station and find a blue mini van (see photo below) that will take you to Maeklong. The one-way ticket cost us 20 THB, the journey took about half an hour. The bus dropped us off next to the railway market.
Back to Bangkok we chose a direct bus that took us to Ekkamai bus stop and cost 100 THB.
How does it goes on Maeklong railway market?
A train passes through this market 8 times per day, so sellers have to hide all their goods away from the railroad. Buyers have to jump away from the railroad or hide into stores. The siren sounded about 5 minutes before the train arrives. It was an instruction for everyone to clean the rail. It was funny how all the dealers were calm and not worried about it. The lady still saw the meat, the other lady did not hide the vegetables that were laid low and the tourists were passionately photographing and filming the approaching train. Immediately after train left, the sellers pulled out their stalls again and pulled out the goods as if nothing had happened 😀 Be sure to watch our video because the atmosphere cannot be described in words!
Jaká místa navštívit v Bangkoku?
There are plenty of places to visit in Bangkok. We managed to see the Wat Arun Ratchavararam Temple (admission 50 THB). Temple was significantly different from the other temples we have seen in Thailand so far. It was painted and decorated with colorful tiles. Certainly we recommend his visit during the sunset, because temple is beautifully colored. We get there by ferry, which runs from the port of Tha Tien and a single ticket costs 3 THB.
Other beautiful temples include Wat Phra Chetuphon (200 THB admission), Wat Saket (50 THB admission) or Wat Suthat Thepwararam (100 THB admission).
Don’t miss Chatuchak Weekend Market if you are in Bangkok during the weekend. It is the largest market in Thailand and has over 8000 stalls with clothing, food, electronics to furniture, books or plants.
How to get from Chiang Mai to Bangkok by bus
The cheapest option how to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is bus. We chose company Green line bus for our journey and we do not regret. We paid 549 THB for double decker night bus with comfortable seats. We got also travel pillow, blanket and two small cakes in box. The journey run very quickly and surprisingly we slept very well. Only one disadvantage was AC and cold in the bus which was fortunately minigated by the blanket.
