Mahachai Pier: Experience the riverside lifestyle

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck **Review of Mahachai-Tha Chalom Ferry Pier: Experience Authentic Riverside Lifestyle** If you want to see the local lifestyle of Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram that has not been embellished by tourists, **“Mahachai-Tha Chalom Ferry Pier”** is an experience you must not miss! This small pier is not only a cheap transportation route, but also a simple and warm reflection of the riverside culture. ### **Life on the Boat: More than Just Travel** Mahachai Pier is located not far from the famous Mae Klong Railway Market. It is open from morning until evening (around 05.00-19.00). The fare is only **3-10 baht** per person. It takes only **10 minutes** to cross the river. But in this short time, you will see Samut Sakhon villagers crossing to work at Tha Chalom, vendors carrying fresh food, students in uniform carrying bags to school, and motorcycles and carts being loaded onto the boat with ease. Everything proceeds with a familiar rhythm. Like a routine that is in harmony with the water ### **Local atmosphere and charm** As the boat sails through the Tha Chin River, you will hear the sound of the boat engine roaring in harmony with the sound of waves hitting the side of the boat. The faint smell of salty water mixed with the heat from the local food that the vendors bring to sell on the boat, such as **Khao Kreab Pak Mo**, hot and crispy or **Old-style coffee** served in a simple plastic cup. On the side of the boat, there are small and large fishing boats docked at the pier, with fishermen lifting fresh fish from the sea to select. The cool breeze blows along with the view of the wide rice fields and wooden houses by the river that still maintain their old architecture. ### **Travel tips** - **Come in the morning or evening** – 06.00-08.00 and 16.00-18.00 are the busiest times, suitable for those who like to observe the locals' way of life. - **Prepare your camera** – A beautiful photo spot is the bow of the boat looking at the water and the sky that changes colors according to the time. - **Dress comfortably** – You may get a little wet with water mist. - **Talk to the locals** – Most of the villagers are friendly. And happy to tell you the history of the community. ### **Continue to nearby travel** When you arrive at Tha Chalom, it is recommended to walk to **Tha Chalom Market**, an ancient fresh market that sells fresh seafood, local fruits, and traditional seasonings such as Khlong Khon shrimp paste or authentic fish sauce. On the Mahachai side, don't miss **Mahachai Train Market** and **Wat Suthiwat Wararam (Wat Chong Lom)**, which have sacred Buddha images. ### **Summary: Simple but captivating beauty** Taking a ferry from Mahachai to Tha Chalom is not just a journey, but an opening up to the riverside community that still firmly maintains its traditional way of life. You may not encounter stunning beauty, but you will absorb the "truth" of the lives of people who rely on the river for their livelihood... This trip is therefore suitable for tourists who want to truly understand the "heart" of Samut Prakan people. **Note:** Check the latest time before traveling because the boat schedule may change according to the season. And don't forget to apply sunscreen! 🌊⛴️