From glittering modern cities to an ancient heritage, Thailand has it all. A stone’s throw from the capital city of Bangkok, the city of Samut Prakan is located at the junction of the Phraya River and the Gulf of Thailand. Also known as Pak Nam, Samut Prakan still bears the heritage of the Ayutthaya period. The capital of Samut Prakan Province, Samut Prakan city is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. A variety of attractions makes it an interesting place to visit.
Read on to find out about the best things to do in Samut Prakan, Thailand.
1. Explore the Muang Boran Ancient City
The Muang Boran Ancient City is one of the biggest outdoor museums in the world. Muang Boran Ancient City is also known as Ancient Siam. This park consists of replicas of the country’s important architectural and heritage sites. The entire city is shaped like Thailand, with replicas placed in the exact direction of their original geographical locations. Some of these replicas have even been built to scale. Overall, the Muang Boran Ancient City gives a detailed glimpse of this amazing country in a limited space.
Muang Boran Ancient City
Address: 296/1,Sukhumvit Rd., Bang Pu, Muang Samut Prakan, Samutparkan, 10270, Thailand
Price: from 10.70 USD
Opening Hours: 9AM–7PM
Access: Near Bangpoo Resort
Contact: +66 2 709 1644
Near by Food: Sailom Bangpoo Restaurant
Website: Ancient City Address
2. Search for history throughout the city
Samut Prakan is an ancient city that bears the heritage of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The royal monastery Wat Klang Worawihan was built during the late Ayutthaya period. This monastery was also known as Wat Takothong. Alongside typical Thai architecture, the temple is also decorated with Chinese ceramics. In the bend of the Chao Phraya River, the Phlaeng Faifa fort dates back to the reign of King Rama II. The City Pillar Shrine is a sacred place, located in the middle of a very busy street, in the heart of the town. The Chinese influence on the Thai architecture is visible in this Shrine, where candles are lit with the hope of good luck.
Wat Klang Worawihan
Address: Moo 1, Klong Paknam, Tambon Paknam, Amphoe Muang, Samut Prakan, 10270
Website: Tourism website of Thailand
3. The Erawan Museum and the three-headed elephant statue
The most attractive part of The Erawan Museum is definitely the three-headed elephant statue. This amazing structure is made of bronze and its three stories contain artefacts as well as antiquities from the ancient era. The museum’s different stories represent different parts of the universe according to Hinduism. The first floor represents the underworld, the second floor represents the Earth and the third floor symbolises Heaven. Along with its excellent artefacts, a trip through the museum’s outdoor garden cannot be missed.
The Erawan Museum
Address: 99/9 Moo 1 Bangmuangmai Amphoe Mueang Samut Prakan, Chang Wat Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand
Website: The website of Ancient City
4. The Crocodile Farm & Zoo
This crocodile farm is the largest crocodile farm in the world. Along with numerous varieties of crocodiles, you can also enjoy various crocodile shows at the park. The zoo is attached to the farm, allowing you the opportunity to observe a variety of animals such as pythons, chimpanzees, camels, leopards and tigers.
The Crocodile Farm & Zoo
Address:555 moo 7, taiban,Amphur Muang ,Samut Prakan, 10280, Thailand
Website: Official Website
5. The huge reclining Buddha of Wat Bang Phli Yai Klang
The main attraction of the temple Wat Bang Phli Yai Klang is most definitely the huge reclining Buddha, Somdet Phra Sakayamuni Si Sumet Bophit. You can go inside this image of Buddha and explore its four stories - each of which offers a different history related to Buddha and Buddhism.
Wat Bang Phli Yai Klang
Address: Moo 8, Bang Phli Yai, Bang Phli, Samutparkan 10540 Thailand
Website: Tourism Website of Bangkok
6. Take a walk or hike in the Bang Pu Seaside Park
The Bang Pu seaside is a 20-minute drive from Samut Prakan and is a famous resort getaway. Located on the Gulf of Thailand, the Bang Pu seaside attracts millions of seagulls from October to February. Sunset is the best time to spend in the Bang Pu Seaside Park.
Bang Pu Seaside Park
Address: Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10280, Thailand
Website: Tourism Website of Bangkok
7. Finding peace in the Wat Asokaram
Away from the hustle and bustle of Samut Prakan, the Wat Asokaram is located at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. Wat Asokaram is an ancient Buddhist temple and home to numerous monks and nuns. A half day trip from Samut Prakan gives you the opportunity to try meditation in the serene atmosphere. The architecture of this temple is impressive, as is the lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere that surrounds it.
Wat Asokaram
Address: Soi Sukhaphiban 58, Tambon Tai Ban, Amphoe Mueang, Samut Prakan
Website: Tourism Website of Bangkok
8. Take a boat and travel to Wat Khun Samut Chin
Wat Khun Samut Chin temple is located in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand. Take a day trip to Baan Sakhla village and opt to visit this Thai temple in the middle of nowhere. In the ancient era, the temple was part of the mainland. Due to land erosion, it eventually separated. The families living in this region have since moved away, although monks still live in the temple. Part of the temple stands on stilts, over the sea. There are no roads in this area, so only boats can take you to Wat Khun Samut Trawat Chin.
Wat Khun Samut Chin
Website: Samut Prakan Website
9. A day trip to relax and unwind in Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park And Botanical Garden
The Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden is located on the Bang Kachao sub-district of Samut Prakan Province. Away from the concrete jungle of the city, it is a great spot to enjoy some greenery and fresh air while walking or cycling.
Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park And Botanical Garden
Address: Bang Kachao, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan 10130, Thailand
Website: Website of Thailand
10. End your journey with a shopping trip in Bang Namphueng Floating Market
Your trip to Samut Prakan city and province won’t be complete without a visit to the floating markets of the region. The floating markets offer the best products at the cheapest prices and provide an opportunity to experience the local lifestyle. The Bang Namphueng Floating Market is located in a canal on the Chao Phraya River. This market is filled with goods such as local foods, accessories, souvenirs and fresh flowers.
Bang Namphueng Floating Market
Address: Soi Bua Phueng Phatthana, Bang Kobua, Amphoe Phra Pradaeng, Chang Wat Samut Prakan 10130, Thailand
Website: Tourism Website of Thailand
The amazing contrasts of the city....
From ancient rural heritage to contemporary nightlife and attractions, Samut Prakan city is a modern, bustling representation of Thai culture. While visiting Samut Prakan, its varied offerings should all be explored in order to experience the best that this region has to offer.