City
of Naval History and Mon Culture |
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By
Dararai |
If your purpose is to find a recreational place
within easy reach of Bangkok, Samut Prakan is a choice to be
considered. Formerly, as a Bangkokian, the most favourable image
of the province that I could think of was its Songkran Festival
because of its famous joyful atmosphere of water splashing plus
its unique Mon* tradition. However, after joining a trip to
Samut Prakan arranged by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT),
I surprisingly realize that there are a lot of things to see
in this province.
*Mons or Ramans are another race having a long-time relationship
with the Thais since 1287. They migrated to Thailand in the
reign of King Naresuan (1590-1605).Today most of them live in
Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan and in Ko Kret, Nonthaburi.
Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival
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Samut Prakan has countless tourist attractions such as historical
sites, museums, old markets and indigenous lifestyles along
the canals and shady orchards. The largest crocodile farm in
the world is also situated here. The province is just 29 km.
from Bangkok and is located at the Chao Phraya River's estuary.
Hence, its name "Muang Paknam" in Thai, which
means River Mouth City.
From the Ayutthaya to the early
Rattanakosin period, it served as an important fortress town
being the gateway to the country's capital. Due to its location,
Muang Paknam enjoys fresh sea breezes all year round, making
it a popular recreational spot in the proximity of Bangkok.
ATTRACTIONS
Now let me introduce to you some outstanding attractions of
Samut Prakan.
The first place that the press group and I visited was Phra
Samut Chedi.
Phra Samut Chedi Pagoda |
Phra Samut Chedi, a sacred stupa of Samut
Prakan built by King Rama II (1809-1824), is over 180 years
old. Originally, the stupa was on a mid-river islet of the
Chao Phraya River. Time went by and the islet became part
of the mainland. Since it is situated at the mouth of the
Chao Phraya River, the white stupa wrapped around with a red
cloth, was once a landmark signalling to navigators that they
were approaching the capital of Thailand. At present, it is
used as the province's emblem.
Standing at the base of the stupa, wondering how tall is it,
I heard the guide mention that it is 36 metres tall after
its restoration in the reign of King Rama IV (1851-1868).
Around the base, on four corners, there are situated four
little Chinese-style pavilions. A European-style hall is located
nearby. It was constructed in the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910)
to be used in religious ceremonies. Enshrined in the hall
is a statue of King Rama II.
Now a question may arise as to why several styles of architecture
are included in the same compound. The answer is that each
construction was built in a different reign and was thus influenced
by a different art style.
A European-style hall at
Phra Samut Chedi Temple |
Phra Samut Chedi Temple was established
after Phra Samut Chedi by a well-to-do person. Annually around
late October, a temple fair takes place here accompanying the
grand festival of paying homage to Phra Samut Chedi. Its core
activity is the replacement of red cloth wrapping around the
stupa which has become an important ceremony for the local people.
The next place we visited was the Naval Historical Park at Phra Chulachomklao Fort.
Phra Chulachomklao Fort was erected at the Chao Phraya River's
estuary under the order of King Rama V. The objective was to
prevent foreign naval forces from invading the Kingdom. At present,
the fort is a Naval Historical Park in Phra Samut Chedi County.
It exhibits the Royal Thai Navy's history over the centuries
and its roles in protecting the country's sovereignty.
The exhibition hall of
Phra Chulachomklao Fort |
The Historical Park showcases an ancient firearm museum, an
exhibition room and a majestic statue of King Rama V. A point
that you should not miss is the Mae Klong Ship which is the
first royal battleship to be put on display in the open air.
Other interesting items here are the "Disappearing Guns"
or "Puen Sua Mop" in Thai. Once they represented
the state-of-the-art technology and now they are under excellent
maintenance. Click to learn
more about the fort on "Phra Chulachomklao Fort: A Fort
turned museum". |
The next place
that we visited was Ban Sakhla Village. It is an old village
aged more than 200 years along the Sakhla Canal, Phra Samut
Chedi County. The village is the centre of seafood products
and is famous for its "straightened" shrimps (kung
yiat in Thai) or salted and sweetened shrimps.
The scenery along Ta Phoem Canal |
Then we cruised along the "Ta Phoem" Canal,
along which people's way of life can be seen. At both sides
of the canal, a kind of palms named Nypa fruticans Wurmb or ton chak in Thai, grow densely. If you are interested
in cruising along the canal, you can call Uncle Prayun on tel:
0 2848 4240 or mobile: 08 1935 5925.
Our trip ended after disembarking but Samut Prakan still has
several other places to see.
• Muang County
Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm &
Zoo |
Samutprakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo keeps
more than 60,000 crocodiles in its 400-rai (160 acres) area.
Of course, the crocodile wrestling performed by a bare handed
man is its highlight. You may have to hold your breath while
he is doing so.
The replica of Sanphet Prasat Throne Hall |
The replica of Phra Kaeo Hall
(Both are in Ancient City.)
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Ancient City is the largest outdoor museum in Thailand
with replicas of multi-cultural architecture of ancient Thai.
Visiting only this place is like you have travelled to all regions
of Thailand. What's more, during famous festivals of Thailand
such as Songkran, special events will be held here.
Naval Museum is where the weapons and
firearms used in the Royal Thai Navy since the early Rattanakosin
period are exhibited.
Bang Pu Recreational Spot Several decades ago, it was
a popular destination for Bangkokians. Nowadays, it remains
a much-loved place particularly between November and May when
thousands of migratory seagulls flee from winter to take refuge
here. Also, it is a famous site where people flock to taste
fresh and palatable seafood.
• Phra Pradaeng County
Song Tham Temple, the first ancient Raman temple
highlighting distinctive Raman art style.
Prot Ket Chettharam Temple
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Prot Ket Chettharam is an important temple established
in Rama III's reign. Its architecture received Chinese influence
with an exceptional gable decorated with delicate ceramics.
Bang Namphueng Floating Market
If Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi Province is
a little too far for you, you can visit Bang Namphueng Floating
Market to see indigenous ways of life of people here, shop local
products and taste local foods. It opens only on Saturdays and
Sundays from 07:00-15:00 hrs.
Suan Si Nakhon Khuenkhan Park covers more than
200 rais (80 acres) of land area. It features a seven-metre-high
vantage tower where you can go up and enjoy the park's panoramic
view. In the evening, a scene of fireflies shining their lights
may hold you spellbound.
BEST BUYS OF SAMUT PRAKAN
• Straightened
shrimps produced only at Ban Sakhla, Samut Prakan
• Delicious
dried gourami fish
• Nam Dokmai
Mangoes
• Bamboo
weaving products
Best buys of Samut Prakan
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If you would like to spend your time in Samut Prakan you may
contact TAT Central Office Region 8 on tel: +66 (0) 3731 2282,
fax: +66 (0) 3731 2286 or you can conveniently consult Alex
Holiday.
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