04 July,2009 (Sat)  


 

 
Samut Songkhram

This petite coastal province, 74 kilometres southwest of Bangkok, is laced with canals that irrigate fruit orchards and support traditional floating markets at Bang Noi, Tha Kha and Amphawa. The province is served by airconditioned buses which leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal regularly between 4.40 a.m. and 9.30 p.m.

Major Attractions

  • Don Hoi Lot

    • This famous attraction is a bar of worm shells at the mouth of the Mae Klong River. The shell is plentiful during the dry season(around April to May). There are many restaurants and stalls selling a vast variety of seafood products.

  • Wat Phet Samut Worawihan

    • It is located in the town centre. People come here to pay homage to an old Buddha image enshrined in the chapel. Boats to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market can be hired at the pier near the temple.

  • Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram

    • Originally, the temple was the house of King Rama II's mother. The chapel as well as the antiques inside include beautiful art work and architecture from the early Rattanakosin period.

  • King Rama II memorial Park

    • Erected to commemorate the 'poet king,' this park is a riverside garden believed to have been a royal place of birth of King Rama II. Its major architectural complex is a traditional Thai-style teak mansion. It is now used as a museum housing the statue of King Rama II and an exhibition of his works. The park is open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. Admission fee is 10 baht. Visitors may get there by taking a local bus from the town.

  • Tao Tan

    • Palm sugar is a famous quality product of the province. A place where palm sugar is made is called 'Tao Tan.' There are about 5 of them situated between Km. 30~32 on Route No. 325, that is open to tourists.

  • Wat Chulamani

    • Located on the bank of Khlong Amphawa, it is an ancient temple behind which is an area used to be the residence of the queens of King Rama I and King Rama II.

  • Tha Kha Floating Market

    • This is a rendezvous of vendor boats at Tambon Tha Kha, 10 kilometres from the town. The floating market takes place on the 2nd, 7th, and 12th davs of both the waxing and waning moon of the Thai lunar month, and also operates on every Saturday and Sunday from 7.00 a.m. till noon.

  • Orchid Farm

    • Located 5 kilometres from town, the farm, where orchids are wildly grown, partly serves as a butterfly garden. It is open daily from 8.00 a.m. - l1.00 p.m.

  • Fish Parx at Wat Charocn Sukharam Worawihen

    • This is 5 kilometres north of Amphoe Bang Khonthi. Visitors can enjoy feeding fish, which flock the canal in front of the temple.

  • Pinsuwan Bencharong Complex

    • A destination of ceramic lovers, the complex is located in Bangchang, Amphawa. It has been recreating Bencharong and Lai Nam Thong ware for the past twenty years, and accepts commissions for a wide range of receptacles, bowls, vessels, trays, plates, either of their own or of the customer's design. Tel. (66 34) 034-751-322)

    Major Events

  • King Rama II Memorial Park Fair

    • The fair is held in February every year. Celebrations include artistic, culinary, handicraft, horticultural exhibitions and contests, and traditional Thai musical and dramatic performances.

  • Lychee Fair

    • It takes place at the end of April or beginning of May. The event has come to be regarded as the province's Agricultural Day Fair.