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Talat Baan Mai (Baan Mai Market) - weekends only?

busylizzy

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Has anyone been to the Baan Mai market, about 80km east of Bangkok lately?

From what I've read, it is mainly a weekend market, but as I probably won't be in Bkk over a weekend, I'm just wondering what it's like during the week - quiet but still open with stuff to see/eat/try/buy, or are the doors closed? Is it worthwhile making the trip over on a weekday (most likely a Mon or Tue).

Even if the market won't be open during the week, what about the general area, Chachoengsao?

#1 Posted: 14/9/2011 - 16:11

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As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.
Tilapia

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Hi Lizzy,

Can't comment on the market, but last time I was in Chachoengsao I thought it was quite nice and interesting, especially around the old Chinese Quarter and the river. Wat Sothorn is very impressive, and there is Rin, the famous sweet shop. Much of the town isn't much to look at, but that goes for most Thai towns of the same size. Definitely worth a night, though, I'd say. Hardly any tourists bother going there ... hmmm ... might have to put it on my list of places to return to.

I believe there's a boat that travels between Talat Ban Mai and Wot Sothorn, which is nice and convenient. Haven't taken it, so don't quote me on this.

#2 Posted: 14/9/2011 - 23:01
busylizzy

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Thanks Tilapia - it sounds like my kind of place for an interesting day or two out of the big smoke.

I haven't got long in Bkk but am just trying to line up my options for consideration. I'm tossing up between the Mae Khlong Mahachai train down to Samut Songkhram (with a visit to Amphawa, where I have been before ) or Chachoengsao (the market in particular). Decisions, decisions....

#3 Posted: 15/9/2011 - 05:40

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As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.
SBE

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Hi Lizzy. Can't help with your specific question but you might want to have a rummage around Richard Barrow's site if you haven't already seen it. He's got info about loads of interesting and unusual places to visit around Bangkok and he's been to most of the markets.

http://www.thai-blogs.com/

#4 Posted: 15/9/2011 - 18:26
busylizzy

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Hey SBE - yeah, I had seen his site, thanks, and it's been the inspiration of some of my plans in the past. There's some good stuff there!

In fact, I just went to have another look and found another good idea worthy of checking out!

#5 Posted: 16/9/2011 - 03:18

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As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.