There are many interesting
places to visit in Samut Prakan City and Province. We have listed
some of the main ones here. If you would like some more information,
then please don't hesitate to e-mail us. We also welcome visitors
to our school, though please contact us first to arrange a suitable
date and time.
Phra
Samut Chedi. The
popular name for this pagoda is 'Phra Chedi Klang Nam', which
is somewhat confusing as it says the chedi, or pagoda, is in
the middle of the river. Today, the chedi is on the west bank,
but when it was first built it was indeed on an island in the
middle of the river. Over the years the river has silted up
causing the island to become part of the west bank. In one of
the temple buildings there is an interesting mural showing the
history of the province. There is an annual temple fair here
for nine days and nine nights in the 11th lunar month. (more
information and pictures).
Ancient
City. One of the main tourist attractions in Samut
Prakan is the Ancient City or Muang Boran as it is called in
Thai. This is a historical park covering some 200 acres. The
park contains replicas of just about all the historically important
structures in Thailand. Some are life-size, whilst others have
been scaled down. One of the most interesting aspects of the
park is that it is shaped like the map of Thailand, so that
all of the buildings can be found in their proper geographical
location. (more information and pictures)
Bang
Pu Seaside Resort. Located along the coast is the
popular seaside resort of Bang Pu. Swimming is not recommended
here as it is mainly mudflats and mangrove trees. However, there
is a famous pier where you can eat your evening meal in comfort.
From October to February every year, large flocks of seagulls
pass through, which is always very popular with the locals.
(more information and pictures)
Crocodile
Farm. Advertised as the biggest in the world, the
Crocodile Farm is our most famous and popular tourist attraction.
As the name suggests they have over 40,000 crocodiles on show
including the largest captive crocodile according to the Guiness
Book of Records (1989). The crocodile is called Yai and is 6
metres long (19 ft. 8 in.) and weighs 1114.27 kilos (2465 Ib).
The farm is really a zoo as there are plenty of other animals
to see. (more information and pictures)
Phra
Chulachomklao Fortress.
The fort, which had its baptism of fire with the French Navy
just over 100 years ago, is now open as a museum. The seven
Armstrong guns have only seen action one time. However, they
are still in good working order. Below a statue of King Rama
V there is an interesting museum about the conflict with France.
Also, on show to the public is HTMS Maeklong, a warship commissioned
from the Japanese shipyards, pre-World War II. (more information
and pictures)
Erawan
Elephant Museum. One of the latest landmarks in
Samut Prakan is the giant three-headed elephant on Sukhumwit
Road. This 17 storey structure is believed to be the largest
elephant in the world. The museum is expected to open in late
2000 and will contain antiquities. (more information and pictures)
Naval
Museum. The museum contains information about the
naval history which Samut Prakan province played an important
part. In the museum grounds are a seaplane, submarine, tanks
and various guns. Inside there are many model ships. The museum
is open Mondays to Fridays, 09.00 to 16.00. Closed Saturdays
and public holidays. On Children's Day in January there are
special exhibits and shows for the kids in the museum grounds
and in the Navy Academy opposite. Admission is free. The museum
is on Sukhumwit Road just north of the City Hall. (more information
and pictures)
Temples. There are
more than 100 temples in Samut Prakan province. Phra Samut Chedi
has already been mentioned. Others include Wat Klang Worawihan,
Wat Asokaram, Wat Songtham Worawihan, Wat Prodkatechatharm and
Wat Bang Pli Yai.
Forts.
Dozens of forts were built all along the waterfront. However,
today little evidence remains of their existence apart from
a few cannons on show. Only two forts today are open to the
public.
OTHER: City Park
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