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 th e 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 w hich
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:
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