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:: Amphoe Bang Phli
Bang Pu Seaside
This is located at Tambon Bang Pu Mai, about Kilometres
37 from Bangkok on Sukhumvit Road, opposite the Bang Pu Industrial
Estate. It has long been famous for its seaside resort and also
the recuperation centre, and generally associated with relaxation.
It is operated by the Quartermaster Generals Department. Inside
the compound, there are many gardens and a lot of trees and plants.
Restaurants and bungalows are also available. During November to
late July, a lot of migrating seagulls will come here, feeding along
the seashore. Call 0-2323-9138, 0-2323-9983 for more information.
Bueng Tako
This is a place for water sports lovers. Water skiing and
windsurfing can be enjoyed here. Rental fee is 200 Baht per hour.
It is open daily.
Getting there: visitors can take the Bang Na-Trat highway
going out of Bangkok, and at Kilometres13 marker, you can see the
entrance on the right hand side, on the same side as the entrance
to Wat Luang Pho To, right next to Mitsubishi Co., Ltd. Call at
0-2316-7809-10 for more information.
Nong Ngu Hao Farm
This farm is located at Tambon Bang Chalong on Bangna-Trat
Road. Between the 14 and 15 kilometres markers, take a left turn
into a side road (entrance to Krirk University) and go in about
1.5 kilometres. It started in 1986, has an area of about 10 Rais
(4 acres). The main purpose being the rearing of various kinds of
cobras. There are also shows of snake venom extraction and snake
catching. There are various snake-skin products on sale at low prices,
such as shoes, belts, bags, etc. It is open from 9.00 a.m.-5.30
p.m. Normally, it is open to only contracted Tour Operators. For
the the general public, please contact the Farm in advance at: Nong
Ngu How Farm, 23/2 Mu. 6, kilometre 15 (Bangna-Trat), Tambon Bang
Chalong, Amphoe Bang Phli, Samut Prakan 10540, or call at 0-2312-5990.
:: Amphoe Muang
Ancient City
The Ancient City is located at Km. 33 on Sukhumvit Road,
Samut Prakan Province. This is the world's largest outdoor museum
that consists of gigantic sized replicas of famous buildings, monuments,
and temples found in all parts of Thailand. Visitors can travel
around by private car in the area of 320 acres, which is approximately
the geographic shape of Thailand.
Open : Daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission : Adult 300 baht, Child 200 baht
Tel : 0 2323 9253,0 2226 1227, 0 2709 1644 www.ancientcity.com
Naval Musem
The Naval Museum is located at Bang Nang Keng, Pak Nam,
Samut Prakan, opposite the Naval Academy on Sukhumvit Road, 10 kilometres
from Bang Na intersection. The museum chronicles the history of
the Royal Thai Navy and the important Naval battles, exhibits miniature
ships such as the Royal Barges which were used in the Royal Barge
Processions of King Rama V period, the warship H.M.S. Phra Ruang,
Rau Barge, H.M.S. Matchanu - the first submarine of the Royal Thai
Navy. It is open everyday except public holidays from 9.00 a.m.-15.30
p.m. For more information, call 0 2394 1997 or 0 2475 38080 or visit
http://www.navy.mi.th/navalmuseum/index_eng.htm
How to get there: Public Bus No.508, No.511, No.525 and
No.536
Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo
It was built in 1950 as Thailand's first crocodile farm.
It is now the world's largest crocodile farm. It is situated at
Tambon Tai Ban, 3 kilometres from Samut Prakan town. The farm has
over 60,000 crocodiles of different kinds in various pits. Daily
shows feature catching crocodiles bare-handed. Shows take place
every hour from 09.00-17.00., except at noon; additional shows at
12.00 and 17.00 on holidays. Feeding time is between 16.30 - 17.30.
Another star attraction for visitors is the elephant show of which
performances are held daily every hour from 09.30 -16.30. Furthermore,
you can see tigers, chimpanzees, and other animals such as gibbons,
turtles, boa constrictors, pythons, birds, camels, hippopotamuses,
and of various species of fishes.
There is even a Dinosaur Museum which has on display life-size
models and skeletons of more than 13 kinds of dinosaurs and also
features a multi-vision slide presentation on man and prehistoric
animals. The farm is open daily from 07.00 - 18.00. Admission is
300 baht. For group tours and academic institutions that require
a tour guide, please contact Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo
in advance at 555 Thai Ban Road, Amphoe Muang, Samut Prakan 10280
or tel. 0 2703 4891-5, 0 2703 5144-8. Click www.crocodilefarm.com
for more information.
Getting there is also possible by taking the air-conditioned
buses Line Nos. 7, 8, and 11, to the end of the Line or by non air-conditioned
buses Line Nos. 25 and 102, to Samut Prakan and taking another ride
on a local truck (Song Thaeo) Line No. S. 1 and S. 80.
Open : Daily from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission : Adult 300 baht, Child 200 baht
 The
Ancient City
Muang Boran or the Ancient City is the world's biggest open-air
museum. It occupies an area of 500 rais (200 acres). Construction
began in the latter part of 1963. It is located at Tambon Bang Pu
Mai, at Km. 33.5 of the old Sukhumvit Road, 8 kilometres from Samut
Prakan town. This unique attraction is the center of scaled-down
and actual-size replicas of important historical sites of various
provinces such as Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, Wat Mahathat Sukhothai,
Phraphuttabat Saraburi, Phrathat Mueang Nakhon, Phrathat Chaiya,
etc. Furthermore, there are rare traditional folk arts and cultures,
some of which are hard to come by nowadays. For those who wish to
learn about Thailand, they will not be disappointed here.
Getting there: by car, take the Samrong - Samut Prakan Road
to Samut Prakan T-junction and turn left going along the old Sukhumvit
road (road to Bang Pu), then at approximately Km. 33 turn into an
entry road to Muang Boran and drive on for 8 kilometres, Muang Boran
will be on the left. To get there by bus, take the air-conditioned
bus Line No. 11 (Pin Klao - Pak Nam) to the end of the Line and
take the local mini-bus Line No. 36 to Mueang Boran. It is open
daily from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Admission is 50 baht. Fees for taking
a car in is 50 Baht and 100 baht for vans. For more information
call 0-2323-9253 or 0-2224-1058-7, 0-2226-1936-7 or click www.ancientcity.com
The Erawan Museum
This three-headed elephant, Airavata was born of Khun Lek
Viriyapant's ideas and imagination. It was inspired by his wish
to preserve his collection of antiques as a contribution to Thai
cultural heritage. Many of these were priceless objects of art they
were also held as sacred objects for people of ancient cultures.
According to ancient traditions they were believed to bring blessing
and prosperity to the land and its people, and therefore must not
be lost to outsiders. It had been Mr.Viriyapant's concern to find
a way that would keep these objects safe and that would also be
suitable to their traditional functions.
One day he had a visit from a Westerner who, during the course
of the conversation, suggested the idea of constructing the most
important building in the town in the form of an apple which according
to Western traditions of belief, played a crucial part in the shaping
of human destiny. This suggestion was warmly welcomed by Mr.Viriyapant.
He nevertheless thought it more appropriate to adhere to Eastern
traditions and thus decided on the heavenly elephant Airavata of
Hindu mythology. In addition, he wanted this three-headed elephant
to be more than just the vehicle of the god Indra.
The elephant would be a symbol of the centre of the universe and,
as such, the building would function symbolically as the spiritual
heart of the land where sacred objects of the land were housed and
revered. He then designed the building and gave the design to Khun
Pagpean Viriyapant, his eldest son, to begin construction. Already
during the construction, the building attracted people who came
to worship. Thus it fulfilled Khun Lek Viriyapant's wish to preserve
sacred objects for the country. Although both Khun Lek and Khun
Pagpean passed away before the construction was completed, their
heirs continued their wish to create a place where ceremonies and
festivals of Thai traditions might be held, and that would also
serve as museum to keep the memory of Khun Lek Viriyapant's life
and work alive for future generations.
Getting to The Erawan Museum : Bus No: 25,142,365 / Air-conditioned
bus No: 102,507,511,536
Admissions : Adult Baht 150 / Children Baht 50
Office : The Ancient City 99/9 M.1 Muang Samut Prakan, Samut
Prakan Province 10270
Tel: 0 2371 3135-6 Fax: 0 2371 3136
Open Everyday 9.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m.
Wat Asokaram
This temple is 6 kilometres from town. It is located in
Soi Sukhaphiban 58, Tambon Thai Ban, on Sukhumvit road, its entrance
is opposite Sawangkhaniwat Recuperation Centre. The new temple was
built by Phra Acharn Lee Thammawaro) of the Dharmayuthi sect on
May 8, 1962. It is one of the important temples for practicing mediation.
Worth visiting and seeing in this temple is Phra Thutangkha Chedi,
a group of 13 chedi as a representative of the 13 duties of the
monks on their religious trips. There is also Vihara Wisutthithamrangsi
in which Acharn Lee's remains are enshrined.
Wat Klang Worawihan
This second level royal monastery is located at Tambon Pak
Nam. The temple, of which the former name is Wat Takothong, was
built in the late Ayutthaya period. The main building was renovated
in the reign of King Rama III. The upper part of the front of the
temple, above the entrance, is decorated with Chinese porcelain
and ceramics. Inside the temple, there is a mural painting, depicting
the first book of the Buddhist scripture dealing with the life of
Lord Buddha. Later, another building was built to enshrine the 4
traces of Lord Buddha's Footprints. The hall for sermons is Thai
style structure made totally from teak and upper part of the front
of the building, above the entrance, is lavishly decorated with
exquisite and beautifully carved wood well worth preserving.
:: Amphoe Phra Pradaeng
City Pillar Shrine
The City Pillar Shrine is located at Tambon Talat. It was
constructed in 1813. It has been with Amphoe Phra Pradaeng a long
time - since the time when this Amphoe was once a city. It is a
highly revered holy place of the people.
Pom Phlaeng Faifa
This old fortress is located at Tambon Talat. Only a few
parts of the fortress are still in good condition. It was one of
the fortresses of Muang Nakhon Khuaenkhan, serving as a military
base at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. There are many fortresses
because King Rama I commanded that the fortresses be built for protecting
the kingdom. At present, Muang Phra Pa Daeng Municipality has developed
the area of the fortress into a recreational area for the townspeople.
The upper part of the fortress displays several old cannons. Trees
have been planted all around.
Wat Protketchettharam
Located at Tambon Song Kha Nong, this is the only Thai-Buddhism
temple in Phra Pradaeng. Other temples are of the Mon-Buddhism sect.
Phraya Phetphichai built it during the reign of King Rama II. A
distinct and unique architectural characteristic of the temple is
that its roof is covered with ancient Mon ceramic shingles, without
any decorations on the temple roof. The front of the main building,
Ubosot, above the entrance, is done with stucco adorned with vine
lines and decorated with ancient porcelain and ceramic pieces. Inside,
there is a cast-metal Buddha image in the attitude of Subduing Mara.
The second main building, Wiharn, has the same architecture as
the first building. Inside the second main building, there is a
reclining Buddha of which the face is very beautiful. Above the
windows, there are the pictures of Dhamma Riddles of western arts
style, which is extremely rare. Another building, Mondop, has a
roof that is covered with ceramic shingles and decorated with small
Chinese pavilions all around the edge of the roof. It enshrines
Buddha images in many the attitudes and has chedis at all 4 corners.
Inside the Mondop, there are Buddha images and the replication of
Lord Buddha's Footprint, decorated with pearl inset.
Wat Songtham Worawihan
Wat Songtham Worawihan is an old temple of Mon-Buddhism
sect. It was constructed at the same time when Muang Nakhon Khuaenkhan
was being built, during the reign of King Rama III. At present,
it is a second class royal monastery. The huge Phra Raman Chedi
was built in Mon style. Buildings in this temple are built of brick
and cement. A decoration on the roof of the temple is made of teak.
The replication of Lord Buddha's Footprint was enshrined inside
the temple.
:: Amphoe Phra Samut Chedi
Phra Samut Chedi
Phra Samut Chedi is located at Tambon Pak Klong Bang Pla
Kot, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, opposite Samut Prakan
City Hall. Formerly, this chedi was located on a small island in
the middle of Chao Phraya River's mouth behind Phisuea Samut Fortress.
Subsequently, however, the little island became linked to the right
bank of the river due to the water turning shallow. Then, King Rama
II granted the construction of the Chedi but it was not completed
in his time. Later, during the reign of King Rama III, construction
was resumed and the 20-metre high pagoda was completed. Finally,
King Rama IV commanded that the shape of the chedi be changed and
also increased the chedis height to 38 metres. Inside the pagoda,
contained Lord Buddha's relics, Phra Chai Wat and Phra Ham Samut
Buddha images (Buddha image in the attitude of Pacifying the ocean).
 Pom
Phra Chulachomklao
Naval History Park at Chulachomklao Fortress is situated
at the mouth of Chao Phraya River, Tambon Laem Fa Pha. You can get
there using the Suksawat Road from the Phra Samut Chedi intersection.
The fortress' compound houses a magnificent standing monument of
King Rama V, which is located in the front of the fortress.
Pom Phra Chulachomklao is a modern fortress and has played an important
role in protecting the sovereignty of Thailand during 1893 against
unfriendly forces. It is the fortress forever in the memory of all
Thais and a very important part of Thai history. During King Rama
Vs reign, there was a period during which England and France were
hunting for colonies. All neighbouring countries around Thailand
were colonised by England and France. This was indeed a grave situation
endangering Thailand so he sought ways to protect the country. Particularly,
protection of the water of Thailand, he commanded that the fortresses
at the rivers mouth be renovated and re-equipped, and also hired
a foreigner who was a naval specialist as a consultant for planning
the development of the Thai navy.
Pom Puen Suea Mop (Machine Gun)
Pom Puen Suea Mop (Machine Gun), used in the battle against
unfriendly forces, is situated at the lower base of the fortress.
Exhibition Hall displays the picture of damage from the wars and
pictures related to the development of the Royal Thai Navy. H.M.S.Mae
Klong Battleship Museum is a battleship that served in the Royal
Thai Navy for over 60 years, the longest period of service for any
vessel. The Ministry of Defense, seeing the battleship was no longer
fit for active duty, de-commissioned the battleship and converted
it into a museum. There are also walking paths for visitors who
are interested in nature and ecological preservation. Visitors can
see the mangrove forest, which is home to egrets, sea gulls, mudskippers,
and many kinds of crabs. There is also a garden filled entirely
with plants and trees from the mangrove forest. Getting there: by
car: 7 kilometres on Highway No. 303; by bus: take the bus line
number 20 which will pass the fortress, or you can take a Song Thaeo
from Phra Samut Chedi to fortress, or alternatively, you can take
a micro bus (Bang Pakok route) which will stop inside the fortress.
The fortress is open daily from 8.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. without any
admission fee. To get in, visitors must seek permission by exchanging
their identification cards from the on-duty officers unit at the
gate. For groups of visitors that should wish to have a guide should
send a request letter to H.M.S.Mae Klong Battleship Museum. Call
0-2475-6109, 0-2475-6259, and 0-2475-6357 for more information.
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