Bangkok Day 2, Train and Floating Markets and a Thai Massage for the Full Bangkok Experience

Day two we put some more strategy into our planning after our slightly random day prior. We booked a tour to visit the Railway Market and Floating Market in Samut Songkhram and Damnoen Saduak (two cities southwest of Bangkok). Another early wake up call, we were really getting used to these. We headed over to our meeting point, got on a black panther themed mini van, and drove to the outskirts of the city where these markets were located.

Thee first part of the day trip was to ride the train for about 20 minutes. We saw the small towns nearby from the old moving train, sitting next to this adorable older local couple. When we pulled up to the train market, the tracks were so close to these stores/stands, the owners had to pull back their goods and roll in the canopy that helped cover the sun. Even the customers had very little space to stand out of the way for the train... I could have touched any of them if I put my hand out of the window. So many waves and jaws dropped as this train pass through only inches from people and the stores selling to them. (watch the video to see just how close!)

Once we got off the train, we went to the market ourselves to shop around. Our guide was on a mission, part of me thinks she bee-lined straight toward her favorite coffee and tea place because we stayed here for when it was time for another train to pass through the markets.

So, this time it was us at the markets looking up at the train and its passengers as it passed up by. We were required to stay behind a faded red line, so tightly packed with people I barely was behind it. We were body to body like sardines for what felt like well over 5 minutes, and then finally we saw the train coming. It went so slow as it through the market, probably only 1-5 mph. That red line I mentioned before, left enough space that I my nose would have touched the train had I not turned to the side. For a moment my arm brushed past it and really had to push myself back to make way for it. (Now a video of the street view)

To see both sides of this train was crazy, and I was in awe that these market stores went through this process daily. After the train passed, Izzy and I got Thai tea and wiped our brow, leaving the train station unscathed and in utter shock of what we signed up for. 

From that completely novel experience, we headed to the floating markets. A short drive away, and when we got there we had the option to get something lunch at the food stands before heading on the boat that takes us through the market. Both Izzy and I feeling a bit nervous about the food being served at this outdoor market, we opted for a desirable looking mango sticky rice stand to snack ourselves full until we could have a more sanitary lunch option when we got back to Bangkok. We walked around the shops, bought matching bracelets- so gorgeous and the perfect way to remember and cherish this trip together. It was soon time to hop on the boat and for about an hour, we floated down the canals and past many boats that sold food, clothes, trinkets, and anything you might think of. I didn’t shop around and instead observed the workers who came here everyday to sit in a boat all day, either cooking or waiting patiently for a customer to buy their plastic Buddha figure. It was also so cool to see some homes attached to these storefronts, and because our ride was at the closing of the market, we watched as some drivers parked their boats safely under their homes in the canals. There was so much to notice outside of what they were trying to sell you.

That concluded our tour, satisfied seeing all we did and experiencing something completely new to us and unique to Thailand. We got dropped off at a large mall in Bangkok, called MBK Center. Of course that meant we had to shop because girl math says that’s a free taxi ride to the mall and we can’t pass up the opportunity. I was on the hunt for a charger that I forgot at home and was borrowing from Izzy for the time being. We also got some food, hungry from our lack of lunch during the tour, and dove into your classic food court meal. We then pondered what to do with the rest of our night... the thought “Thai massage” rang a loud bell and flashed a bright bulb above our heads. We walked past a row of massage parlors while on the hunt for the charger so we retraced our steps there and ordered up not just any massage, but a Thai massage. An hour for just 350 Thai baht which comes out to about $9.50. 

A Thai massage is not like what you'd expect to get in America. It was a full body massage starting with the feet, legs, including arms, shoulders and back, with a head and face massage to finish. The masseuse used her hands, elbows, and even feet to massage my body. It was such a cool experience, something I could only do in Thailand, and it definitely helped relieve some of the stress of travel.

The only we could end the day was again heading back to the hotel to chill out after a long day visiting markets and the post massage allure. But first, had to capture the beautiful skyline at right outside the mall.