Koh Samet’s beauty extends beyond its well known beaches. For photographers, the island offers unique, less explored locations perfect for capturing stunning images. This post guides you to one such hidden gem: an old pier that provides an ideal setting for long-exposure photography. Let’s dive straight in!
Directions
Getting to Koh Samet
To get to Koh Samet (or Samed) you need to get to Ban Phe (about 2 1/2 hours drive from Bangkok) on the Thai mainland. Ferries and small speedboats go from here to Nandan port on Koh Samet. There are different options depending on where you are staying on the island. You may find a hotel provides complimentary boat transfer or will organise it for you.
Where to stay
I stayed at the Green Bay Samed Resort on Ao Tin Khok which is ideally placed and also the staff there were very helpful organising a speedboat. The old pier is located at Ao Cho (or Chor) and it would definitely be best to stay on the east coast of Koh Samet particularly if you wish to catch the scene at sunrise. There are many beautiful beaches and plenty of hotel options on this side of the island.
The walk to the pier
Starting from Ao Hin Khok there is a lovely coastal path which follows the beaches and headlands south. It took me about 30 min walking in the dark to reach Ao Cho.
Exploring further
I did venture a bit further south along the coastal path as far as Ao Wong Duean where there is a floating pontoon pier which is obviously no good for this type of long exposure. That’s as far as I went but some maps do indicate there are more piers of some kind at beaches continuing on south.
Map
The map below shows part of the north east coast of Koh Samet.
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Key
1️⃣ Green bay Samed Resort at Ao Hin Khok 2️⃣ The old wooden pier at Ao Cho
Wrapping up
I hope you found this post helpful and you get a chance to explore this area, managing to get some great long exposure photographs. Feel free to share your own experiences in the comments below.
As always if you find any errors in this post I would be very grateful if you would drop me a comment below.
The Mae Klong (Khlong) Railway Market in Bangkok offers a truly unforgettable experience. Imagine a bustling local market, brimming with fresh produce and various goods, uniquely situated directly on active train tracks. Several times a day, as the train approaches, vendors swiftly and skilfully clear their stalls, creating just enough space for the train to pass through mere inches away. This incredible scene, which is locally named Talad Rom Hub (folding umbrella market) has become a popular attraction, showcasing a fascinating blend of daily life and extraordinary adaptation. This blog explores the practicalities of visiting this remarkable market about 70km outside of Bangkok.
How to get there
You can easily get there by joining an organised tour however if you’re looking for something more independent and off the beaten path, then you are in the right place. With this itinerary you will ride on two trains through the market and see two trains pass through the market. Let’s dive straight in!
Step 1: Wongwian Yai Station
Not surprisingly the best way to travel to the Mae Klong Railway Market is by train! Make your way to the Wongwian Yai SRT (State Railway of Thailand) station, either by taxi or by walking from Wongwian Yai BTS station (about 20 min). You need to catch the 0835 train to Maha Chai (the timing should become apparent later). The trains have somewhat hard seats but fans and open windows for cooling. The small ticket office opens a short time before the train departs however you can always buy a ticket on the train if you have to. Wongwian Yai station is a fascinating place to spend sometime before departure. There are food kiosks on the single platform, a single rail line in and out of the station and people crossing the track on their way to work. You can wander around freely on and off the track. There are definitely, some photography opportunities here. The journey is about 30 km, takes 1hr and the fare is 10 Baht.
Step 2: Maha Chai Station to Ban Laem Station
When you arrive at Maha Chai station:
go out the entrance and turn right,
walk along the market street to the T junction,
turn left to the Tha Chin river,
catch the ferry across to the other side. The fare is 3 Baht.
Step 3: Ban Laem Station
On the other side of the river:
walk 50 m through the blue covered alley then turn right,
walk 200 m and turn right at a small sign to Ban Laem station (ignore the large sign at the school)
walk 50 m then turn left to Ban Laem station.
You are aiming to catch the 1010 train to Mae Klong station. Tickets can be bought at the station (ticket office opens 30 – 60 min before departure) or on the train. The journey is again about 30 km, takes 1 hr and the fare is 10 Baht. During the journey to Mae Klong you will probably find a number of tour groups boarding the train at the last few stations. At busy times some might have to stand but you’ll be ok as you’ll have a seat!
Step4: Mae Klong Station and the Railway Market
Now the fun begins. As the train starts to slow to pass through the market you will be amazed at how close people are standing outside. This is a great opportunity for photos and videos. After disembarking you have until 1530 to explore and have something to eat and drink but don’t miss the train you arrived on departing at 11:30 as it passes back through the market and also a train arriving at 1430. If you can, you need to find a good vantage point to observe these two trains coming through the market. Trouble is everyone else is trying to do the same! Shops and cafés next to the track offer seats and places to stand for a small charge. This is a good option if it is crowded.
How to get back
This is the reverse of the outward journey, so:
Catch the 1530 train from Mae Khlong to Ban Laem. Buy tickets at the ticket office about 30 – 60 min before departure or on the train. Board at least 30 min early to get a good seat. It could be crowded but most tour groups get off at the first station.
Cross the river by ferry from Ban Laem station and walk to Maha Chai station.
Catch the 1735 train from Maha Chai to Wongwian Yai SRT (trains depart every hour until 1900)
Itinerary and map
Train times for the outward and return journey:
Timings of the trains arriving and leaving the railway market. As you can see your itinerary gives you the opportunity to observe two trains passing through the market:
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Wrapping up
I hope you enjoy your day. It will probably be tiring and hot and therefore you will have definitely earned a drink and a massage.
As always if you find any errors in this post I would be very grateful if you would drop me a comment below.
Stepping into Hua Lamphong Railway Station is like stepping back in time. Once perpetually humming with the energy of arrivals and departures there are now fewer trains after its threatened closure in 2021. This grand old dame of Bangkok’s transportation network isn’t just a transit point; it’s a living, breathing testament to a bygone era of travel, a place where the romance nostalgia of rail still clings to the high, arched ceilings and the echoing announcements.
Sunlight streams through the vast, stained windows in the arched roof, illuminating platforms, trains and people with patterns of light. Monks in saffron robes glide through the crowds, their presence a serene contrast to the hurried footsteps of commuters. Travellers with time to spare occupy the seating in the vast waiting hall which has balconies with shops and cafés.
The architecture speaks of a different time. Sturdy pillars rise towards the ornate roof, a web of steel and glass that has sheltered generations of travellers. Ticket counters, their wooden frames worn smooth by countless hands, line a wall, once a portal to many different corners of Thailand.
How to get there
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The simplest way is to take the MRT to Hua Lamphong MRT station1 which connects to the train station via exit 2. The map shows the area around the station. Sala Daeng BTS station and Silom MRT station2 are the nearby interchange between the BTS and MRT. If you are coming on one of the river ferries then the nearest pier is Marine department3.
Photography tip
When entering the main concourse from the waiting area a dramatic scene presents itself with the arched roof and stain glass windows. However, an alternative viewpoint is to move to the left.
Train times
I have included here the departure and arrival time of some of the trains still using the station as published on the State Railway of Thailand website. I’ve not included some very early morning trains. As you can see and as you might expect there are frequent commuter trains arriving in the morning and then again leaving in the evening. Having trains in the station or arriving and departing usually provides opportunities to take some interesting photographs.
Wrapping up
Hua Lamphong isn’t just a place to catch a train; it’s an experience. It’s a place where the past and present collide, where the promise of adventure hangs in the air, and where the simple act of waiting becomes a moment to observe the vibrant pulse of Bangkok life. It’s still a gateway, a meeting point, and a grand old monument that continues to dominate the heart of Thailand. As such, it’s a rich environment for photography. For those seeking a taste of authentic Bangkok, a visit to Hua Lamphong is a journey in itself and deserves to be part of any city itinerary.
As always if you find any errors in this post I would be very grateful if you would drop me a comment below.
