Risky Market of Thailand: You’ve got to see it!

Risky Market! We normally do not associate the word ‘risky’ with a market, but this market is called ‘Risky’ because it is located on top of a fully functional railway track where trains ply regularly. Sounds dangerous right? Set up with makeshift stools, tents, umbrellas and sticks, this local market gets 3 minutes advance notice to clear the track for passing of a passenger train. 8 such passenger trains have been crossing this market for the last 30 years.



A simple local market and one that is popular with the locals for fresh produce at bargain prices, the risky market is perfect for those who love the sight and smell of local markets. Everything from fish, frogs, vegetables, spices, tofu, basic desserts, fresh knick knacks, seafood, mushrooms, fruits, flowers and even unusual items like snake-headed fish can be found here. There are even small restaurants where you can grab a soup, a satay stick or even a small meal. 



Perfect for shoppers, the risky market is also a super experience for the regular tourists to Thailand. It is not often that you see a 300 meter long fresh produce market disappearing in a matter of 3 minutes to allow a train to pass through and then setting itself back up in record time after the train has passed. 



This risky market is located on either side of the railway track at MaeKlong station in the Samutsongkram province of Thailand.  Situated at about an hour from Bangkok city, this market is also referred to as the MaeKlong railway market. If you wish for an actual risky experience with a train passing, do check with locals on the exact passing times of the trains. 



If shopping and soaking up the local culture is on your agenda, do carry cash and ensure that you don’t block the narrow path in between the shops. You do not want to get a local angry...Do you? And beware of pickpockets!