Samut Sakhon was formerly called "Tha Chin" probably because, in the old days, it had been a trading port dealing with a vast number of Chinese junks. In 1548, a town named "Sakhon Buri" was established at the mouth of the Tha Chin River. It was a centre for recruiting troops from various seaside towns. The name of the town was changed into "Mahachai" when Khlong (canal) Mahachai was dug in 1704 to join the Tha Chin River at the town. Later, the town was renamed "Samut Sakhon" by King Rama IV but it is still popularly called "Mahachai" by the villagers. Samut Sakhon occupies a total area of 872 square kilometres and is administratively divided into 3 districts: Muang Samut Sakhon, Krathum Baen, and Ban Phaeo. It is a major fishing port and also the biggest producer of brine salt. North: Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom
South: Samut Songkham
East: Bangkok and Samut Songkham
West: Samut Songkham and Ratchaburi

□ Bangkok	36 kms.
□ Nakhon Pathom	48 kms.
□ Ratchaburi	78 kms.
□ Samut Songkham	37 kms.

□ Ban Phaeo	23 kms.
□ Krathum Baen	14 kms.

By Car
□ From Bangkok, take Highway No. 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) to Samut Sakhon via Bang Khunthian District Office and Mahachai Intersection.
□ From Bangkok, take Highway No. 3 (Phetkasem Road) to Bang Khae, then turn into the outer ring road before proceeding along Ekkachai Road to Samut Sakhon. Regular buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal daily between 4.30 a.m. and 9.30 p.m. Call 0 2435 1199-200 for more information. Visitors can take a regular train which departs from Wongwian Yai Railway Station to Mahachai Railway Station daily, and then connect a ferry from Mahachai to Samut Sakhon Town. Call 0 2465 2017 for more information Don Chedi Memorial Fair
□ January
In 1592 at Don Chedi, King Naresuan the Great won a famous duel on elephant with the leader of an enemy force. This fair commemorates the momentous event with historical exhibitions, outdoor entertainment, and the high spirits characteristic of all Thai festivals.

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