9Maeklong Railway, Thailand
Come on, ride the train for almost 65 kilometers between Samut Songkhram, Bangkok, and Wongwian Yai in Thailand. With a total of 33 train stations, it consists of two sections separated at Samut Sakhon by the Than Chin River.
Part of the route runs dangerously through the Maeklong Railway Market. This is one of the country’s biggest fresh seafood markets and it is nicknamed Talat Rom Hup, in English the “umbrella pulldown market.” This unique and hazardous market is unbelievably centered on the railroad tracks.
People selling their wares, be they fresh fruit, vegetables, or fish, actually sit right on the tracks! There are no signals on the tracks either. Nevertheless, when the train approaches, the vendors move their umbrella awnings and little shop fronts back from the rails and then put them back once the train passes.
Luckily for both vendors and customers alike, this train is one of the slowest in the entire country. The average speed for the line is just 30 kilometers per hour. Be careful about haggling with the merchants here though or you could end up being run over by a train before you both agree on a price.
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