Mahachai Seafood Market, Railway Market & Phra Nakhon Khiri: Diethelm Standard

06:15 hours Transfer to Wongwian Yai Railway Station on the Thonburi side of Bangkok's Chao Phraya River. 06:45 hours board the non-air conditioning 3rd class carriage, lean back and enjoy the approximately 30 kilometre scenic journey to Mahachai. On the way, you will notice the skyscrapers of Bangkok become smaller in the distance until just rice fields and wooden houses on stilts surround. When the train stops, you will be in the middle of the Mahachai seafood market - one of Thailand's largest traditional fresh seafood markets and also where a variety of other local products are sold. After 20-minute exploring the market, take the local boat to observe the people live along the river approximately 30-minute. Your boat will stop at the opposite site of Mahachai, called the Tha Chalom ? a large fishing village and industrial centre for marine products.

Then walk a few minutes to a nearby train station to catch another train passing rice paddies before it arrives at the famous, and unique Mae Klong Railway Market. When the train comes through, the goods from the market are moved from the rails in lightning speed. After the train has sped by, everything is moved back within a few seconds. After exploring the market, proceed to Phetchaburi via a coastal road through the Bang Tabun area. The road is flanked either side by striking salt fields, riverside temples and crab-fishing huts. We will stop for a tasty seafood lunch at Rue Rae Re restaurant (inside an old boat moored in the harbour looking out to the Gulf of Thailand).

In the afternoon arrive in Phetchaburi, one of Thailand's oldest provinces. Travelling up by cable car Visit the landmark "Phra Nakhon Khiri, the hilltop place locally known as Khao Wang, which was built by King Chomklao in 1859. Enjoy the wonderful views from the top before returning to Bangkok, arriving in the evening.