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 and is administratively divided
into three districts(Amphoes): Muang Samut Songkhram (locally
called Mae Klong), Amphawa, and Bang Khonthi. The area is a
low basin with many canals. The people cultivate various kinds of
fruits such as grapes, lychee, pomelo, guava and coconuts.
Samut Songkhram Attractions:
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 Mae Klong River. The shell is
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 centre. People cone here to pay homage to "Luang pho
Wat Ban Laem", an old Buddha image enshrined in th 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
II'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 II 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 II. 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 II 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 kms.
onthe route to Bang Khonthi via Amphawa. Visitors may take a local
bus from the town, which runs along the Bang Mun Nak route. It is
open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
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