Ban Laem, Mae Klong, the railway route through the salt fields

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck **Review of Ban Laem-Mae Klong Railway Route: Traveling to the View of Salt Fields and Beautiful Nature** Traveling by train from Ban Laem Station to Mae Klong in Samut Songkhram Province is one of the short train routes but is full of charm of riverside lifestyle and nature that is hard to find. Although the distance is only about 30 kilometers and takes about 1 hour, every minute on this wedding train will take you back to experience the simplicity that blends with the salt fields, rivers, canals and old communities that still maintain their uniqueness impressively. **Starting point at Ban Laem Station** Ban Laem Station is located in Ban Laem District, Phetchaburi Province. It is a small colonial-style station that still maintains its original structure. Although it is not as bustling as the big stations, it gives a friendly and intimate feeling. Most of the passengers are locals who use the service regularly or tourists heading to Mae Klong to see the famous Umbrella Market. When the train slowly starts off, the faint sound of the whistle and the rhythm of the wheels hitting the tracks echo in a familiar melody. You will experience the slowness of a "Thai train" that gives you time to absorb every image around you. **Salt Fields: Rare Images of the Samut People's Way of Life** A few minutes after leaving the station The first sight that catches your eye is the vast "salt fields" spreading on both sides of the railway. This area is an important source of sea salt in Thailand. Farmers work from early morning to scoop seawater into the salt fields and wait for the sunlight to burn the produce until they get clean white salt. During the dry season (around November-May), the salt fields are especially beautiful when the salt crust forms into sheets like a mirror, reflecting the sunlight like the sea hidden on land. In some places, there are piles of salt in the shape of cones, similar to small icebergs. Sometimes you can see villagers diligently scooping salt into baskets with brooms. These images are not only beautiful, but also tell the story of the hardships and wisdom of traditional salt production. **Nature on both sides of the road: From mangrove forests to waterways** In addition to the salt fields, this route also takes you through wetlands and lush mangrove forests. Looking out the window, you will see rows of nipa palms, mangroves, and coconut trees leaning down close to the railway tracks. At some points, there are narrow canals winding between the salt fields and the communities. Villagers' fishing boats are parked along the roadside. Some boats are sailing back and forth with the roar of their engines. It is a life that truly relies on nature. When the train passes through the Mae Klong River, you will see a panoramic view of the river. The morning or evening sunlight reflects the sparkling water surface. This is the best time to take pictures because the train moves slowly until it almost stops while people on the boat wave to greet each other in a friendly manner. **Life of the community along the tracks: Simplicity that still breathes** This train not only takes you to see nature but also reflects the way of life of the community along the tracks. There are no tall buildings or shopping malls here, but there are small, colorful wooden houses built along the tracks. Some houses have flower pots lined up, some houses dry fish along the road. Children run around in the rice fields, dogs sleep in the sunlight, while vendors wave to greet passengers warmly. This is a scene that makes the journey not boring even for a second. **Destination at Mae Klong Station: A worthwhile destination** When the train slowly stops at Mae Klong Station, you may feel sorry that the journey has ended. But don't worry, because Mae Klong still has interesting places waiting, such as the Umbrella Market (Mae Klong Market), where tourists can walk to taste local food and continue shopping. **Summary: Poetry on the tracks** Taking the Ban Laem-Mae Klong train is not just a journey. But it is an experience that deeply connects you with nature and local culture. This route is perfect for those who love photography, love the slow life and want to see a glimpse of Thailand that is fading away. Every second on the train is a poem composed by nature and humans, reminding us that...true beauty is often not far from simplicity. **(Additional advice)** - The best time to travel is **in the morning (train departs around 10.30 am)** to avoid the hot sun and enjoy the beautiful light. - **The recommended tourist season is late-early summer** (November-March) when the salt fields are at their most beautiful. - Don't forget to bring your camera and a sun hat!