Coud'a Bin-A Train Wreck
- Paul Hallman
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
After our overnight stay in Bangkok, we had an early 6 am start to the day by grabbing breakfast at the Ramada Hotel - again, an impressively large buffet spread (with a sign noting it was mostly leftovers from the night before) so we opted for something freshly made - an omelet with fruit as it was a safe bet before heading out.
This blog is full of video that I took that helps you appreciate the things we did and saw during this action packed day.
Sam, our tour guide, welcomed us aboard by singing a great welcome song. He actually sang several songs to us over the two days and he has a very powerful voice. In this song he was so happy to see us, so he sang "Getting to Know You". He gave us so much information about all the sites we visited and his 22 years of being a tour guide certainly showed.
On our way to the train market we drove past a lot of canals and rivers. The Bangkok area has a vast network of canals (khlongs) and rivers because it was built on the low-lying, marshy delta of the Chao Phraya River, making water the original, primary means of transportation, trade, and flood defense. We even drove past an accident on the highway and were very glad it was two vehicles rather than scooters as they dodge and dash, in and out of the traffic, many with no helmets.
The Mae Klong Railway Market
Our first stop was The Mae Klong Railway Market which started as a traditional fresh market serving the local community long before it became famous. When the railway line was built through the area (early–mid 1900s), the tracks ran directly alongside/through the existing market zone. Vendors kept operating there because it was the town’s natural trading hub and the railway also made it easier to move people and goods. Over time, sellers adapted to the train schedule—setting up closer to the rails and then quickly pulling back awnings and displays when a train approached—turning an ordinary local market into the unique “folding umbrella” market visitors see today. What feels unbelievable to visitors now is really just a well-practiced routine that’s grown out of everyday life.
What we were about to experience was a once on a lifetime event. I cannot imagine this ever taking place anywhere else in the world and it survives because the vendors control safety, since 1905.
A Video taken as we entered at one end of the market
The market was packed with everyday life—fish, meats, fruits, and all kinds of goods, even clothing—with stalls lining the rails in a way that seemed impossible. It was one of those places where you keep looking around thinking, " how does this market work"?
This is some photos of just stuff for sale
This is some photos of the food, meat and fish being sold
I took this video of a lady trimming fish, to record what happens in these foreign countries and how comfortable the locals are with purchasing fresh foods from locals.
At precisely 8:28 am the vendors lifted the awnings over the tracks and in two minutes we heard the train whistle (more like a honk) as it approached the market. Everyone stood back and there was literally 18 inches of space between the vendor shelves and the side of the train and that was barely enough to stand because there was no where else to go. Darned good thing the train moved slowly but it still seemed to be breezing by. I did a check on injuries at this market and it is a rare occurrence, as vendors are very experienced in keeping clients safe and the train does pass slowly. This was a once in a lifetime experience. There must not be any safety laws in Thailand that would force this market to close.
This was the train as it passed. The local vendors were on the ball, telling people to step back and in some booths they put up a chain or rope barrier to let visitors know where to stand. It was very tight and as the train passed it hit my arm and phone. It did go slow but it was close.
From there we boarded the bus again and continued on to the floating market. We climbed into a longboat and took off through the canals on a fast, fun ride—about 30 minutes of whipping along the waterways. Beyond the excitement of the ride, it also offered a glimpse of local life along the canal edges—small gardens, bits of farming and homes tucked into the greenery. There were banana plantations, coconut trees and homes on stilts where the "farmers" lived - close to their crops and almost everyone has a boat to get around.
We finished our jet boat ride at the Floating Markets where vendors had their items on boats and you could boat up to them and purchase their wares.
Afterward, we stopped at a resort for a Thai buffet lunch, and it was a relaxing break before the long bus ride back to our ship. Sticky Rice, Pad Thai, Chicken Satay and Tom Kah soup, not to mention all the small specialty desserts that were cake like. But all was excellent with no spices to heat it up. You could add yourself.
During the bus trip we also had a memorable stop at a place called our “Happy Room” - local tour guides described it as a restroom, toilet, or loo. It is one of those small travel details that still makes us smile. It was large, clean and offered hand washing with soap and clean water.
Then it was time to head back to the ship. The return to Laem Chabang Port took about 3½ hours, giving us time to unwind and replay the highlights that included Bangkok’s grandeur, the Train Market, the canals, and the feeling of fitting an incredible amount into just two days.
As we returned to our ship, Sam our happy guide, explained that the official ceremonial name of Bangkok is the longest city name in the world, containing 168 letters. Derived from Pali and Sanskrit language, the full name is so long it was difficult for me to type, but I cut and pasted from Google....................... If you listen to the video below you will hear Sam say it without taking much of a breath.
Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit.
Sawasdee khrap Sam !
Tomorrow we have a sea day while the ship sails to Vietnam with our first stop in Ko Samui, which is the second largest island in Thailand.
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