|  Thailand Guidebook > Provinces > Central Thailand
Samut Songkhram, a coastal province at the mouth of the Mae Klong River, is 74 kms. southwest of Bangkok along Highway No. 35. It occupies an area of 416 square kilometres. The area is a low basin with many canals. The people cultivate various kinds of fruits such as grapes, lychee, pomelo, guava and coconuts.
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Samut Songkhram is administratively divided into three districts (Amphoes): Muang Samut Songkhram (locally called Mae Klong), Amphawa and Bang Khonthi.
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Don Hoi Lot This famous attraction can be reached along Highway No. 35 and a 5 km. access road on the left. It is a bar of worm shells at the mouth of the Mee Klong River. The shells are 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 Woravihan This temple is located in the town center. People come here to pay homage to ''Luang Pho Wat Ban Laem'' 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 This temple is devoted to the Na Bang Chang family. Originally, this was the house of King Rama ll's mother. The chapel as well as the antiques inside the temple include beautiful art work and architecture from the early Rattanakosin period.
King Rama ll Memorial Park This park has been erected to commemorate the ''poet king'' and patron of the arts who reigned from 1809-1824. It is a riverside garden believed to have been a royal place of birth of King Rama ll. A group of typical Thai houses has been constructed in the middle of the area. It is now used as a museum, which houses a statue of King Rama ll and an exhibition of his works. Trees and plants of all species found in Thai literature are grown throughout the area. The park is 5 kms. beyond the town along Route No 325 and 1 km. on the route to Bang Khonthivia Amphawa. Visitors may take a local bus from the town, which runs long the Bang Mun Nak route. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Wat Bang Khae Yai Located on the west bank of the Mae Klong River opposite the King Rama II Memorial Park, this temple houses beautiful mural paintings depicting a story about the Thai-Burmese wars.These paintings, completed during the reign of King Rama II, are some of the most important in Thailand. Green, white, red,black,blue and brown coloured powder and glue were used. The value of these paintings lies in the skill of the artists and historical background.
Tao Tan Sugar palm is a famous quality product of Samut Songkhram. When a coconut tree is about 3-4 years old, its spadices are cut, so that farmers can collect its sweet sap, they simmer it over a fire until it becomes brown and dry. A place where palm sugar is made is called "Tao Tan". There are some 5 Tao Tans situated between Km. 30-32 on Route no. 325, that are open to tourists.
Wat Chulamani This is an ancient temple located on the bank of Khlong Amphawa. Behind it is an area which used to be the residence of Sombet Phra Amarintharamat and Somdet Phra Suriyentharamat, the Queens of King Rama I and King Rama II. This temple was constructed by Thao Kaeo Phlung (Noi), Chang Market Control Officer, who established the Na Bang Chang family name during the Ayutthaya era.
Tha Kha Floating Market This is a rendezvous of vendor boats at Tombon Tha kha, 10 kms. from the town along Route No. 325 and 5 kms. along an access road. The floating market takes place on the 2nd and 12th days of both 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 This is 5 kms. from the town on Route No. 325. Orchids are widely grown in the area, which partly serves as a butterfly garden. Souvenirs and products of Samut Song Khram are on sale. It is open daily from 8.00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m.
Church of the Virgin Mary This is some 4 kms. north of Bang Khonthi district along the route to Bang Nok Khwaek. The catholic church was constructed in 1890 with French Gothic architecture and decorated with stained glass. It is now a place of worship for over 400 Christian families living in this area.
Fish Park at Wat Charoen Sukharam Worawihan This is 5 kms. north of Amphoe Bang Khonthi. Visitors can enjoy feeding fish, which flock to the canal in front of the temple.
Khai Bang Kung This was once an old navy camp constructed during the late Ayutthaya period. Inside its area, there is an old chapel housing a large stucco Buddha image and mural paintings. Visitors can cross the Mae Klong River by the bridge near the Church of Virgin Mary, then left and continue for another 10 kms.
King Rama ll 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.
COPYRIGHT: Information on this page is used with permission from the Tourist Authority of Thailand. Additional information from brochures produced locally and notes made by Panrit Daoruang and Richard Barrow. All photographs on this web site are the property of Panrit Daoruang.
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