October 21, 2024

We embarked on an exciting 5-hour tour of Bangkok’s iconic Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The day started early as we were picked up from our hotel and driven to a small train station outside the city. Soon, we boarded an old commuter train heading straight for the heart of Maeklong Railway Market. The living conditions along the track were heartbreaking.

As the train chugged closer, Maeklong’s unique charm began to unfold. Vendors had set up their stalls right along—and even over—the railway tracks, displaying a vibrant array of goods. When the train approached, a whirlwind of activity followed: vendors hurriedly packed away their wares, clearing the tracks with choreographed precision. Spectators lined both sides, phones raised to capture this fascinating spectacle. From our vantage point on the train, we joined in, taking photos and soaking in the buzzing energy. Chenggang added a touch of fun by leaning out the window to high-five onlookers along the way.

Once we alighted, the roles reversed, and we became the market visitors. Walking along the tracks, we browsed the colorful stalls. Just as Chenggang bought a fresh coconut from a shouting aunt, we heard the unmistakable sound of an approaching train. Everyone quickly stepped aside, and the train passed by us with only inches to spare. The experience was surreal—like stepping into a movie, thrilling, unforgettable, and completely unique.

Next, we headed to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. We climbed aboard a paddle boat to explore its bustling waterways. Boats brimming with food and souvenirs floated by, and vendors called out to attract customers. While it was fascinating to see, the market felt touristy and lacked the authenticity of a traditional local marketplace, leaving us slightly underwhelmed.

Back in Bangkok, we ended the day with a stop at a major shopping mall in the city center and Erawan Shrine before returning to our hotel. The day left us with vibrant memories of excitement, culture, and the colorful chaos of Bangkok’s markets.

2024年10月21日

这一天，我们参加了五小时的精彩游览，目的地是曼谷著名的美功铁道市场和丹嫩沙多水上市场。清晨，我们从酒店出发，驱车前往市郊的一座小火车站。不久后，我们登上一列古老的通勤火车，驶向美功铁道市场的中心。

随着火车逐渐驶近，美功市场的独特魅力开始展现。摊位紧贴轨道甚至覆盖在铁轨之上，各种商品琳琅满目，色彩斑斓。当火车接近时，摊贩们迅速收拾货物，为火车让路，场面犹如一场井然有序的表演。两侧的游客纷纷举起手机记录这一奇观。我们坐在火车上，也参与到这热闹非凡的场景中，拍下照片，感受市场的独特氛围。成刚更是调皮地探出窗外，与轨道旁的路人击掌互动，为旅程增添了不少乐趣。

下车后，我们化身为市场的行人，沿着铁轨漫步，近距离感受市场的喧嚣与活力。就在成刚从一位“喊声响亮的阿姨”手中买到一颗新鲜椰子时，我们听到了火车驶来的声音。人群迅速退到铁轨两侧，火车呼啸而过，距离仅仅几厘米。整个过程既紧张又兴奋，犹如电影中的场景，让人久久难忘。

接着，我们前往丹嫩沙多水上市场，乘上一艘小船，开始探索这片热闹的水道。船只满载着食物和纪念品穿梭其中，小贩热情地招呼顾客。然而，与美功市场相比，这里显得更加商业化，缺少了传统市集的原汁原味，让人略感遗憾。尽管如此，在水道间穿行依然是一种别样的体验。

回到曼谷后，我们在市中心的一家大型购物商场停留，为这一天的旅程画上了句号。回程的路上，脑海中满是这一天的画面：铁轨上的刺激、市场的热闹与水道的繁忙，构成了一段充满活力与色彩的回忆。