| Samut Songkhram is known as "the province of | | | | museum is comprised of several tradetional Thae |
| three waters" because its landscape is dominated | | | | houses on stilts. These are all packed with |
| by areas of seawater, brackish water and fresh | | | | beautiful Thai works of art, statue of King Rama |
| water. The province also boasts many other | | | | II, early Rattanakosin antiques and traditional |
| charms worth checking out and is only about an | | | | costumes used in Thai performing arts. |
| hour's drive - 72 km - from Bangkok. | | | | At certain times, visitors can also enjoy cultural |
| Among the attractions worth visiting for are: | | | | performances in an outdoor theatre setting, |
| Don Hoy Lord and Wat Sathatham. | | | | surrounded by the same fragrant blossoms that |
| Don Hoy Lord is basically a 3 km by 5 km beach | | | | are celebrated in Thailand's ancient literature and |
| and wetland around the mouth of the Mae Klong | | | | poetry. |
| River. It gets its name from the millions of razor | | | | Historic riverside Ampawa market. |
| clams - Hoy Lord - to be found there. the best | | | | These wooden shophouses that line the canal |
| time to visit is march to May. The shrine of Prince | | | | once constituted the commercial heart of the |
| Chumphon Khet Udomsak, founder of the Thai | | | | area. When its glory days were passed, the |
| Navy is located nearby and is also worth a visit. | | | | market fell silent. However, in recent times, the |
| About 1 km further on is Wat Satthatham, also | | | | area has seen something of a revival. Now there |
| known as Wat Mon. The temple features a | | | | are lots of shops selling local sweets, hand - |
| stunningly beautiful chapel built with teak inlain with | | | | painted umbrellas, medicines, gold and agricultural |
| mother - of - pearl both inside and outside. The | | | | equipmint, as well as delithtful coffee shops. The |
| walls and ceilings are decorated with scenes from | | | | atmosphere is like going back in time. Not to be |
| the life of the Lord Buddha and the Ramayana. | | | | missed. |
| The chapel is also noteworthy for housing three | | | | Fireflies. |
| nationally recognized Buddha statues, those of | | | | Plai Pong Pand Willage, in Muang District, retains te |
| Luang Por Wat Ban Laem, Luang Pu Tuad and | | | | same simple way of life amidst the orchards |
| Phra Buddha Sothorn. | | | | alongside the canals that it has enjoyed for |
| Tha Ka floating market and canal - side fruit | | | | centuries. As if to show that nature is alive and |
| orchards. | | | | unspoiled, come nightfall, millions of fireflies twinkle |
| Tha kd Floating Market is a lovely place to | | | | in the dark alongside the canal like pixie dust. |
| leisurely enjoy noodles with fresh vegetables and | | | | How to get there |
| a cup of coffee, along with many other delicious | | | | By car : Take highway 34 (ThonBure - Pak Tho |
| drinks and things to eat. You can also pick pu a | | | | Rd.) past the Mahachai Intersection. Take the |
| boat cruise and explore around a canal running | | | | turning to samut Songkhram at the Km. 63 |
| through beautiful fruit orchards where you will be | | | | interchange. |
| able to relax anidst the slow pace of local life. | | | | By bus : Buses for Samut Songkhram leave the |
| Mae Klong River and the canals of Ampawa and | | | | Southern Bus Terminal at Baromrat Chonnanee |
| Suan Nok Bang Chang. The leafy fruit orchards | | | | Rd. at regular intervals between 5.40 am. and 9.00 |
| that surround Ampawa and Bang Khon Thee are | | | | pm. |
| well known for pomelo and lychee. Again, visitors | | | | By train : Regular trains from Wong Wian Yai |
| can enjoy the open air life of the farmers | | | | Station to Mahachai are scheduled throughout the |
| surrounded by greenery and immersed in their | | | | day. Get off at Mahachai station and board the |
| traditional culture. | | | | ferry to Tha Chalom. From Tha Chalom, catch a |
| Kink Rama II Museum. | | | | train to Samut Songkhram from Ban Laem |
| Located in Ampawa, this unique museum is | | | | Station. Alternatively, take the bus from Mahachai |
| located at the birthplace of King Rame II. The | | | | station all the way to Samut Songkhram. |