Itinerary

1. Tha Kha Floating Market & Railway Market Samut Songkram

   • Start the adventure in Bangkok at 7:30 am.

   • After a 1-hour drive, arrive in Samut Songkram to explore an unusual Market: the Mae Klong Railway Market.

   • Walk along the tracks (unless, of course, a train comes through). Know when a train is about to arrive when the vendors scramble to remove quickly their awnings and shift their production to a safe distance.

   • Go on a 20-minute drive through lush coconut plantations, past some traditional Thai houses and reach the Tha Kha Floating Market.

   • See many local Thai women dressed in baggy pants, long-tail shirts, and straw hats paddling up and down the canals. Historically, these women would meet to trade their agricultural produce and sell various goods to their neighbours. Try some delicious Thai food and local sweets – incredibly for just a few Baht!

   • Have the chance to ride in a wooden boat paddling through the many small subsidiary canals. Instead of hearing the din of vendors selling souvenirs, be lulled by the melodies of the local birds. Be reinvigorated by the fresh country air and soothed by the serenity of coconut trees. See floating lotuses in the canals and the natural beauty of the local Thai houses. 

   • Visit the Thai house where King Rama V (Chulalongkorn) oversaw the abolishment of slavery in 1904 A.D. A haunting pillar used to chain recalcitrant slaves still exists at this site. These days, the villagers contentedly manufacture palm sugar. Also, get to see the making process of traditional palm sugar.

   • Explore the nearby Royal Thai Handicraft Center before having lunch at a local floating restaurant by the river.

   • Watch a demonstration of intricate teak wood carving and see the beautiful finished products, including a wide range of furniture and home decorations that are for sale.