Mae Klong Market
&
Ayutthaya
To view map of the Maeklong Market and Ayutthaya's route, click on the top left corner icon, and select the relevant layer.
Maeklong Station - Famous "Railway Market"
Rom Hup Market - That's where the train will run through it, vendors will keep their stuffs when the train approaches, and lay them out again after the train passes. This happens a few times a day.
Time your visit, so that you can catch the train passing through and take some nice photos.
Bear in mind to keep safety first.
Click on the map to see the Route and the location of the train station. This map shows my rail travel in Thailand.
Bangkok to Ayutthaya
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The short Bang Sue to Ayutthaya train journey is a good way to connect to this ancient city, from trains on the SRT Southern Line. The distance from Bang Sue to Ayutthaya by train is 64 Kilometres.
Bangkok to Mae Klong Station
Railway Market
The first stretch is 33 kilometers and goes from Wongwian Yai Station in Bangkok to Mahachai Station in Samut Sakhon.
The second stretch is 34 kilometers and goes from Ban Laem Station in Samut Sakhon to Mae Klong Station in Samut Songkhram.
Ayutthaya
WAT PHRA SI SANPHET
Ayutthaya, also known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, is an ancient city in Thailand and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was once the capital of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, a powerful Siamese kingdom that flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries.
Ayutthaya was adorned with magnificent temples, palaces, and other architectural structures, reflecting a blend of Thai, Khmer, and other regional influences. The city's architecture showcased intricate designs, ornate sculptures, and distinctive Khmer-style prangs (towers). The remnants of these structures serve as a testament to Ayutthaya's grandeur.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a significant historical site located within the Ayutthaya Historical Park in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was once part of the royal palace complex during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It served as the most important and revered temple within the city. The temple's name, "Sanphet," means the "most revered, splendid, and holy."
The temple features three iconic bell-shaped chedis (stupas) that were once adorned with gold and precious ornaments. These chedis were dedicated to the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings from the 15th to 17th centuries. The structures represent the classic Ayutthaya architectural style.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet held both religious and royal importance. The temple housed several important Buddha images, including the renowned Phra Si Sanphet Buddha image. It was a place of worship for the royal family and was used for important royal ceremonies.
In 1767, Ayutthaya was sacked and destroyed by the Burmese army. The temple complex was severely damaged, and the chedis were plundered for their gold. Today, the chedis stand as brick structures without the original ornate decorations. Restoration efforts have been made to preserve the ruins and showcase the temple's historical significance.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is now an archaeological site within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Visitors can explore the grounds, appreciate the grandeur of the remaining structures, and imagine the splendor of the past. The site offers a glimpse into the glorious history and cultural heritage of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Ayutthaya
WAT
PHRA SI SANPHET
Ayutthaya
WAT MAHATHAT
Wat Mahathat is a historic Buddhist temple located in Ayutthaya, Thailand, within the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Wat Mahathat dates back to the 14th century and was one of the most important temples in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It served as the center for religious ceremonies, meditation practices, and the training of monks. The temple held great spiritual and cultural significance in the region.
Wat Mahathat showcases a blend of Khmer and Thai architectural styles. The main prang (tower) is a towering structure with intricate stucco designs and ornate spires. The temple complex features various other structures, including chapels, pagodas, meditation halls, and assembly halls, surrounded by spacious grounds.
Famous Buddha Head in Tree Roots: Wat Mahathat is particularly famous for its iconic Buddha head entwined in the roots of a bodhi tree. This unique and mysterious sight has become an iconic symbol of Ayutthaya and draws countless visitors to the temple. The exact origins of the Buddha head's placement among the tree roots remain a subject of intrigue and speculation.
Wat Mahathat was a center of Buddhist teachings and practices, attracting devotees and scholars from across the region. It played a vital role in the dissemination of Buddhism in the Ayutthaya Kingdom and beyond. The temple complex was an important place for religious rituals, ceremonies, and educational activities.
Archaeological Site: Like many other temples in Ayutthaya, Wat Mahathat fell into ruins after the fall of the kingdom in 1767. Today, the temple is a captivating archaeological site within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Visitors can explore the remnants of the structures, admire the intricate details of the remaining structures, and appreciate the historical and cultural heritage of the area.
Visiting Wat Mahathat offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and spiritual traditions of Ayutthaya. It allows visitors to appreciate the architectural grandeur, experience the serene ambiance of a revered Buddhist site, and witness the enigmatic Buddha head entwined in the tree roots—an image that encapsulates the beauty and mystique of this ancient temple.
Ayutthaya
WAT RATCHABURANA
Wat Ratchaburana is a significant Buddhist temple located in Ayutthaya, Thailand, within the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Wat Ratchaburana was built in the 14th century during the reign of King Borommarachathirat II of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was constructed to honor the king's two brothers who died in a duel over succession to the throne. The temple holds historical and cultural importance as one of the oldest surviving temples in Ayutthaya.
The most intriguing feature of Wat Ratchaburana is its underground crypt and burial chamber. The crypt was discovered in the 1950s and contains valuable artifacts, including gold ornaments and statues. The chamber provides insight into the funerary practices and beliefs of the Ayutthaya period.
The interior walls of Wat Ratchaburana are adorned with beautiful murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha, Jataka tales, and various mythological stories. The intricate artwork showcases the artistic prowess of the craftsmen of that era.
Archaeological Site: Like other temples in Ayutthaya, Wat Ratchaburana fell into disrepair and ruins after the fall of the kingdom in 1767. Today, it is an important archaeological site and a popular tourist attraction within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Visitors can explore the temple complex, climb the prang for panoramic views, and appreciate the architectural and historical significance of the site.
Wat Ratchaburana showcases the architectural style of the late Ayutthaya period. The temple features a central prang (tower) with multiple tiers and intricately carved stucco designs. The structure stands as a prominent landmark within the temple complex.
Visiting Wat Ratchaburana provides an opportunity to delve into the ancient history and architectural marvels of Ayutthaya. The temple's striking design, underground crypt, and intricate murals offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the past.
MAEKLONG MARKET
The Maeklong Market is situated in the town of Samut Songkhram, approximately 72 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. What makes this market particularly interesting is its location directly on an active railway track.
Railway Track Through the Market: The train track passes right through the heart of the market, creating a distinctive sight. Vendors set up their stalls alongside the tracks, with merchandise and goods displayed just inches away from the passing trains.
The Maeklong Railway operates regular train services that pass through the market multiple times a day. Visitors can witness the unique spectacle of vendors quickly folding their stalls and pulling back their merchandise to make way for the approaching train. Once the train passes, the market quickly resumes its bustling activity.
The market provides a glimpse into the daily life and local culture of the Samut Songkhram province. It is an excellent place to observe the traditional way of selling and buying goods in Thailand and offers an authentic experience of the local market scene.
The Maeklong Market Train has gained popularity among tourists, both local and international, who are intrigued by its unusual setup. Visitors come to experience the excitement of the train passing through the market, capturing unique photo opportunities and witnessing the impressive coordination between the vendors and the train.
The market itself offers a wide range of fresh produce, seafood, meat, vegetables, fruits, spices, and local delicacies. Visitors can browse through the various stalls, sampling and purchasing a variety of goods while immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere.