🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Samut Sakhon practically borders Bangkok. The town of Mahachai is about 20 miles by road from Thonburi, roughly a 40–60 minute drive depending on traffic on Rama II Road. But what makes this route especially fun is the Mae Klong railway on the Wongwian Yai–Mahachai stretch, which has connected the two towns since the reign of King Rama V. It's a relaxed ride, the fare is cheap, and the final station is a short walk from Mahachai market.
The theme of this trip is sea and city. Day one is all Mahachai — the wet market, the Thai Talay seafood market, the seafood itself, the souvenirs — then the train carries you back into Bangkok for a night around Wongwian Yai or Thonburi. Day two is Thonburi on foot and by boat, finishing with Wat Arun and ICONSIAM on the Chao Phraya. It works well for Bangkok locals who want a close weekend trip, and for out-of-towners who fly into Bangkok and want to add a seaside town to the mix.
The Mae Klong railway: the line that makes this trip possible
The Wongwian Yai–Mahachai train is the first leg of the Mae Klong railway. It leaves from Wongwian Yai station in Thonburi, runs through Talat Phlu, and ends at Mahachai station in Samut Sakhon, taking about an hour. The fare for the whole line is just 10 THB, and trains run frequently from morning until night, so you have plenty of flexibility — head out to Mahachai early and come back in the afternoon, or stay until evening.
- From Wongwian Yai — the first morning train runs from around 05:30, with frequent departures through the day until the last evening train around 20:10, so you have several slots to choose from
- Fare — Wongwian Yai to Mahachai is about 10 THB; short hops like Wongwian Yai–Talat Phlu are only a few baht. Buy your ticket at the station window or on board
- Travel time — around an hour for the full line, a comfortable ride watching the trackside neighbourhoods roll by
- Heading back to Bangkok — trains return from Mahachai to Wongwian Yai throughout the day too; always check the latest times at the station first, since the schedule can change
What to know about the train
Train times are adjusted from time to time, so before you go, check the latest schedule on the State Railway of Thailand website, or snap a photo of the timetable posted at the station. If you'd rather not gamble on departures, driving yourself or taking a van from Sai Tai Mai / Mo Chit into Mahachai is a more flexible option.
Book the activities in your Samut Sakhon trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 1 — Mahachai, Samut Sakhon
Seafood markets, the freshest catch, and fishing-town souvenirs
Tips for buying seafood
Buy fresh items last, right before you leave, and bring a cooler or insulated bag. For dried goods like dried shrimp and squid, smell and check the colour before buying — the good stuff has no musty smell and isn't an unnaturally bright red. If you're carrying it onto the train, well-sealed dried goods are easier to manage.
Mahachai souvenirs worth taking home
Mahachai is one of Thailand's major fishing and seafood-processing towns, so the souvenirs revolve around the sea. Here are the things people most often buy to take home, ranked by popularity and value. Dried goods are the easiest to carry back on the train.
Dried shrimp
The star souvenir of Mahachai. Look for a natural orange-pink colour, firm flesh and a flavour that isn't too salty — great for making nam prik, in salads, or as a snack. Thai Talay market stocks several grades.
Salted fish & salted mackerel
Many kinds of salted fish from the local fishing boats. Fried, they go perfectly with rice porridge, they keep well, and they make an easy souvenir for anyone who likes simple, no-fuss food.
Shrimp paste (kapi)
Shrimp paste made from Gulf of Thailand krill — fragrant, with a greyish-purple colour, used in nam prik kapi and curries. A well-known local product that fans of Thai food often pick up.
Dried squid
Big dried squid with a sweet flesh, grilled or fried as a snack. Look for a natural light-brown colour rather than an unnaturally pale white.
Sun-dried snakeskin gourami
The snakeskin gourami around here has firm flesh and just the right amount of fat — fry it crisp and eat it with hot steamed rice. Sold by the piece or by the kilo, and easy to carry home.
Pure fish sauce
Fish sauce from locally fermented anchovies — a clear brown colour, fragrant, useful in any kitchen. A souvenir that actually gets used rather than left in the cupboard.
Fish snacks & shredded squid
Processed snacks that kids and adults both love. The souvenir shops around Mahachai let you sample before you buy, making this an easy, crowd-pleasing gift.
Which side to spend the night
This plan suggests spending the night on the Bangkok side, around Wongwian Yai–Thonburi, because that's where the train from Mahachai pulls in, and the next morning you can start exploring Thonburi right away. The area has hotels and stays along the Chao Phraya at every level, from budget hostels to riverside-view hotels. If you'd rather give Mahachai a full day before heading back, you can also overnight in Samut Sakhon town first and come into Bangkok the next morning — you'll just shuffle the order of the day-two stops a little.
Day 2 — Thonburi, Bangkok
Wongwian Yai, Talat Phlu, Wat Arun, and ICONSIAM on the Chao Phraya
Tips for exploring Thonburi
Thonburi is best explored by boat and BTS. The Chao Phraya express boats and cross-river ferries link the various piers for just a few baht, while the BTS Silom Line has stations at Wongwian Yai, Talat Phlu and Krung Thonburi near ICONSIAM. Planning your stops along the boat and skytrain routes saves more time and money than hiring a car.
Extra stops if you have time
Phan Thai Norasing Shrine
A spiritual stop beside Khlong Khok Kham in Samut Sakhon, where people pray over honesty and their careers. There's a life-size statue of Phan Thai Norasing — worth a detour if you're driving.
Samut Sakhon salt fields
Salt fields along Rama II Road. In the dry season you'll see rows of white salt mounds — pretty for evening photos, and a glimpse of one of the province's traditional livelihoods.
Wat Paknam, Phasi Charoen
A glass pagoda and a giant Buddha image on the Thonburi side, a popular temple stop not far from the Talat Phlu area. An easy add-on after the day-two plan.
Rough budget per person
- 1 night's stay — around the Wongwian Yai–Thonburi area, roughly ฿600–1,800/night (hostels are cheaper, riverside-view hotels cost more)
- Train / boat / BTS — the Wongwian Yai–Mahachai train is about 20 THB round trip, cross-river ferries and boats a few baht each, BTS priced by distance; a few hundred baht total for the whole trip
- Entry fees — Wat Arun charges around a hundred baht; the other temples and ICONSIAM are free
- Food — a Mahachai seafood meal runs about ฿150–400; city meals vary by where you choose
- Souvenirs — budget ฿300–800 and you'll come home with a full bag of dried seafood
- Whole trip — roughly ฿1,500–3,500/person, not counting travel to Bangkok
Want a full Samut Sakhon plan and recommended places to stay
See the Samut Sakhon guide →