In-Chan Siamese Twin statue
Location: Amphoe Muang
This is located in Tambon Lad Yai, far from Samut Songkhram
Provincial Hall 4 kms. along Ekachai Road. It is built to Commemorate
Siamese Twin named "
In-Chan"
who were born in this province 180 years ago. In-Chan Siamese Twin
statue is not only a place to study its history but also a new tourist
attraction.
Location: Amphoe Muang
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
turn left and continue for another 10 kms.
The Church of the Virgin Mary or Asanawihan Maephrabangkerd
Location: Amphoe Muang
This church is located at Mu 7, Tambon Bang Nok Khwaek. The church is a holy worshipping place
for Christian families living around the area. It was constructed in 1890 A.D. by Father Paolo Salmone,
a French Missionary. The construction of the church took 6 years. Built in French Gothic architectural style.
The windows are decorated with stained glass. Within the church, there is a Statue, a pulpit,
a holy water basin, various kinds of candelabra, and carvings depicting various historical points in the Bible.
Wat Bang Khae Yai
Location: Amphoewa
Wat Bang Khae Yai is located on the bank of the Mae Klong River, at the mouth of the Bang Khae Canal in Tambon Khwae Om.
It was built in 1814. Inside the temple, there are ancient monuments and artefacts.
The large Ubosot (ordination hall) is more than 150 years old. At the front,
the square Chedi (pagoda) with twelve indented corners is the art of the Ayutthaya period.
The laterite principal Buddha image in the ordination hall is in the posture of Subduing Mara.
There are seven Dharma Chedis built in 1872 with a boundary wall. On a separating wall in a monk’s cell,
a tempera mural painting from the late reign of King Rama II depicts a battle between
the Siamese and the Burmese, probably the one that King Rama II sent troops to obstruct
the enemy at Ratchaburi in 1821. Admission is subject to permission in advance.
Location: Amphoewa
Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram is located near King Rama II Memorial Park. This temple belongs to the Bang Chang family.
It was constructed by Princess Phrarubsirisopharkmahanaknari, the mother of Queen Amarintharamat.
The area behind this temple was the residence of Luang Yokkrabat and Khun Nak. It is believed that area about
the position of the chedi at present of Wat Amphawan is the place where Khun Nak gave birth to a son (Khun Chim) who later became King Rama II.
Later, Wat Amphawan was renovated by King Rama III, IV, and V. At present it is a second class royal monastery.
The beautiful main building and precious antiques inside the temple are of an early Rattanakosin period architectural and arts style.
Location: Amphoewa
This is an ancient temple located on the bank of Khlong Amphawa.
Behind it is an area which used to be the residence of Somdet Phra Amarintharamat and Somdet Phra Suriyentharamat,
the Queens of King Rama I and King Rama II . This temple was constructed by Thao Kaeo Phluk (Noi),
Bang Chang Market Control Officer, who established the Na Bang Chang family name during the Ayutthaya era.
Location: Amphoewa
This temple is located in the town center. People come there 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 Charoen Sukharam Worawihan and Fish Sanctuary
Location: Bang Khonthi
This temple is located at Bang Nok Khwaek and about 4 Kilometres from Amphoe Muang. Luang Pho Toa Buddha image,
which is highly revered by people, is enshrined in the main building (Ubosot). The body of the Buddha image
is made of laterite and cast in the attitude of Subduing Mara of Sukhothai period style. Measuring 178 cms.
wide at the lap and 208 cms. high from the base to the tip of the tonsure. In front of the temple,
there are various kinds of fish in the stream, especially silver and red-tail tinfoil barbs. To get there,
take the Samut Songkhram - Bang Nok Khwaek Route, passing the Church of the Virgin Mary,
cross the Bang Nok Khwaek Bridge and then turn right onto an access road for 500 metres.
King Rama II Memorial Park
Location: Bang Khonthi
In the park, there are many places of interest including King Rama II Museum - 4 buildings built in traditional Thai architectural style.
The museum displays the ancient art objects dating back to early Rattanakosin era,
the lifestyle of the Thais during King Rama II period. Other attractions are: Ho Klang (main hall)
houses the statue of King Rama II and artefacts. Ho Non Chai depicts the Thai men lifestyle.
Ho Non Ying depicts the Thai women lifestyle. Chan Ruean (corridor) depicts the traditional Thai style house.
Kitchen and Bathroom depicts the traditional Thai kitchen style and bathroom of the middle class.
Furthermore, there is an out-door theatre, a botanical garden containing various species
of trees found in Thai literature, shops selling local goods and various kinds of fruit. In the park and museum are open daily from 09.00-18.00.
Location: Bang Khonthi
This is 7 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 Songkhram are on sale. It is open daily from 8.00 a.m. - 11.00 a.m.
Location: Amphoe Muang
Don Hoi Lot This famous tourist attraction of Samut Songkhram is a bar on the mouth of the Mae Klong River.
It was formed by the sedimentation of sandy soil called by villagers here as ‘Sai Khi Pet.’
The bar of 3 km wide and 5 km long covers two zones: Don Nok is on the mouth of Ao Mae Klong, accessible by boat;
and Don Nai is located on the beach of the Chuchi village in Tambon Bang Chakreng and on the beach
of the Bang Bo village in Tambon Bang Kaeo, accessible by car. In the area of the bar, there are many shellfish,
such as Hoi Lot (razor clam), Hoi Lai (undulated surf clam), Hoi Puk (Ridged Venus clam),
Hoi Pak Pet (tongue shell), Hoi Khraeng (cockle), etc. Hoi Lot is mostly found here and it has become a landmark of this place.
Tha Kha Floating Market
Location: Bang Khonthi
The Tha Kha floating market takes place on the 2nd, 7th, 12th days of both the waxing and waning moon of the lunar calendar,
and also operates on every Saturday and Sunday from 6.00 a.m. to noon.
This is a rendezvous of vendor boats that carry local food, vegetable,
and fruit for selling. Boat rental services are on offer for travelling
to the villages and fruit orchards around Tha Kha Floating Market.
Visitors wishing to go the Tha Kha Floating Market can go by car,
taking the Highway No. 325 (Samut Songkhram - Bang Pae),
take a right turn at Km. 32 and proceed for another 5 Kilometres
You can also take the local buses servicing the Mae Klong Damnoen Saduak Route
and the Tha Kha - Don Sam Route from the market in town in front of the Thai Military Bank.
Location: Bang Khonthi
Palm Sugar is a famous quality product of Samut Songkhram. When a coconut tree is about 3-4 years old,
its spaces are cut, so that farmers can collect its sweet sap, then they simmer it over a fire until
it becomes brown and dry. A place where palm sugar is made is called "Tao Tan"
There 5 Tao Tans situated between Km. 30-32 on Route No. 325, that is open to tourists.
Bencharong House
The Bencharong House is located on Samut Songkhram - Bang Phae Road. This is where beautiful Bencharong
crockery that represents the exquisite craftsmanship and the beauty of Thai Art, are produced.
The Bancharong crockery is suitable for household use as well as for house decoration.
Visitors could see the Bencharong crockery production process.
Boat Tours
From Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram town, visitors could travel by boat to see scenic views of Mae Klong riverside.
Along the banks of the Mae Klong, there are coconut groves and ancient style Thai houses, which are rare nowadays,
in the areas of Tambon Kwae Om and Tambon Muang Mai. The adjacent areas
of Amphoe Amphawa and Amphoe Bang Khonthi features lychee orchards.
The lychee contest is held yearly from April to May.
Ban Dontri or House of Music
Ban Dontri or House of Music is located in the temple compound of Wat Kudi Thong.
A school building is used for instructing traditional Thai music. The Samut Songkhram Primary School Office has
envisioned that the cultural value of folk wisdom should be preserved and inherited
to the next generation for their pride in the future. A voluntary group of
traditional Thai musicians in the past has been formed to give music lessons
for a new generation, so that the spirit of the music city would be passed down.
The House of Music has operated since 1 July, 1999. It is open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Ban Phaya So
Ban Phaya So ‘So’ or a fiddle is a local musical instrument of the Central Region.
Ban Phaya So is a house of the alto fiddle (So U) maker who combines the art of
traditional Thai music with carving. A coconut that is used for making a fiddle will be
carved with different designs, such as character figures, changeable rose flowers,
name initials, names of the twelve astrological years, etc. Nowadays, this art is rarely seen.
Visitors can see the art of carving and learn to play the fiddle at Khun Somphon Ketkaeo’s house, at 43 Mu 5,
Tambon Bang Phrom, Amphoe Bang Khonthi. For more information, call Tel. 0 3476 1949, 08 1742 1786.
Talat Nam Yam Yen Amphawa
Talat Nam Yam Yen Amphawa is an afternoon floating market by the canal near Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram
(parking area is available). On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, during 12.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.,
the Amphawa Canal is occupied by vendors who pack their boats with food and drinks,
such as fried sea mussel, noodles, coffee, O-liang (iced black coffee), sweets, etc.
There are also things for sale on wheelbarrows on the bank. Visitors can enjoy
a cosy atmosphere and music broadcast by the community members, explore the market,
have food, and hire a boat to see fireflies at night.
Ban Maeo Thai Boran
Ban Maeo Thai Boran is a house where species of genuine Siamese cats have been conserved.
It is located at 2/1 Mu 7, Tambon Khwae Om. The house of traditional Siamese cats was
created by lovers of Siamese cats to promote and support the conservation of Siamese
cats to be a treasure of the nation. It also gives information on genuine features
of Siamese cats, supports research, exchanges knowledge and views between members,
and exchanges research experiences and breeding with relevant bodies. Khun Pricha Phukkhabut,
the co-founder and caretaker of the traditional Siamese cat house, told
that “my mother raised Siamese cats of the Wichian Mat species when I was young. At that time,
I did not pay much attention to them. When I grew up, I was to feed them.
There were not many cats in my house. My family continued to keep Wichian Mat cats
and I had developed a bond with them. Later, some friends who were cat lovers talked
about the conservation of the cat since it was clever, graceful, attractive,
and had pleasing habits.” Apart from the species of Wichian Mat, Siamese cats
also include Si Sawat, Supphalak, and Koncha. Inside the house,
there is a breeding section divided into cages of various types of Siamese cats.
This is an interesting place for the study on a genuine species of Siamese cats.
For more information, call Tel. 0 3473 3284, 08 4003 4194.
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