Maeklong Railway Market in Samut Songkhram, about 60 km from Bangkok, may seem like a typical Thai street market at first glance—vibrant with stacks of lychees, durians, mangoes, dried spices, seafood, and daily essentials. Locals weave through the narrow aisles beneath low-hanging umbrellas. But take a closer look beneath your feet—you’re actually walking along active train tracks.

Only in Thailand can you truly experience the charm of a floating market. Hop on a long-tailed speedboat for a thrilling ride through narrow canals, passing traditional Thai houses and lush farms growing vegetables, flowers, and fruits. At the market, Thai-style canoes glide gently along the water, brimming with colorful fruits, fresh vegetables, local sweets, and sizzling meats. In Thailand, life has always flowed with the water—and nowhere is that more beautifully seen than here.

Centuries ago, Nakhon Pathom was a bustling coastal city on the trade route between China and India. Over time, sediment from the Chao Phraya River pushed the coastline farther out, and when the Tha Chin River shifted course, the city lost its main water source and was abandoned. Its people relocated to what is now Nakhon Chaisi. Later, King Mongkut (Rama IV) ordered the restoration of the long-forgotten Phra Pathom Chedi, hidden in the jungle. A new city gradually emerged around the restored stupa, breathing life back into Nakhon Pathom. Today, a local museum showcases the city’s rich archaeological past.