Samut Songkhram is located on the sea shore of the Mae Klong Bay, 74 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. It occupies an area of 416 square kilometers and is administratively divided into three Amphoes: Muang, Amphawa and Bang Khonthi. Samut Songkhram area is a low basin having a river and canals passing all through it. This with frequent rains make the most of the area suitable for cultivation of fruits such as grapes, guava and lychee. Coconut sugar production is seen every now and then. In addition, along both sides of Thon Buri-Pak Tho Highway, there are several salt production fields and lobster farms.

 

What to see and what to do in Samut Songkhram?

Don Hoi Lot is located at the mouth of the Mae Klong River not far from the township area. The bar, located amidst the bay, can be seen during the dry season (April and May) only. To access the bar one can hire a long-tailed boat from the Mae Klong Market Landing. The trip takes 45 minutes.

Floating Market : There are several floating markets in area of Chagwat Samut Songkhram. A visitor can hire a boat from Mae Klong Market Landing to visit them. They are:

Bang Noi Floating Market floating market, located in the area of Kradang-Nga Sanitary Area of Amphoe Amphawa takes place on the 3rd, 8th and 13th days of both waxing moon and waning moons from 06:00 to 11:00 hours.

Tha Kha Floating Market is located in the area of Tambon Tha Kha, Amphoe Amphawa and takes place on the 2nd, 7th and 12th days of both waxing and waning moons from 07:00 to 12:00 hours.

Amphawa Floating Market In Front Of Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, located in the area of Tambon Amphawa, Amphoe Amphawa, takes place everyday from 06:00 to 09:00 hrs.

Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram is the monastery of the Na Bang Chang family. It was constructed by Somdet Phra Roop Sirisophak Mahanak Nari, the princess mother of Somdet Phra Amarintharamat. It is believed that King Phra Phuttha Lertla, Rama II, was born here. The location is at the mouth of Amphawan Canal, Tambon Amphawa, Amphoe Amphawa.

King Buddhalertla Naphalai Memorial Park : This garden, occupying an area of 11 rai, is the royal birthplace of King Phra Phuttha Lertla. There is a group of traditional Thai houses used as a museum with some shops selling produce, local food stuffs and handicraft items within the compound. Trees and plants of all species found in Thai literature are grown throughout the landscape. To access the garden, one can travel by Highway No.4 to Km.63 and enter Highway No. 325 leading to Changwat Samut Songkhram. It is six kilometers further with guide signs are displayed all the way. Alternatively, one can make a bus trip via the Bang Mun Nag route from the bus terminal located at the Municipality Market. The Park is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00 hours and the admission fee is 20 baht per person.

Annual Lychee Fair : Being a fertile province, Samut Songkhram has many kinds of fruit including lychee. The province conducts a fair from the end of April to the beginning of May called "The Annual Lychee Fair". It is also called the Agricultural Day Fair of the province. Interested persons can inquire the proper schedule at the Sala Klang or at TAT Bangkok.

King Rama II Memorial Park Fair, held in February every year, celebrates Thailand's "poet king" Rama II (reign:1809-1824). It includes artistic, culinary, handicraft and horticultural exhibitions. There are also contests, traditional Thai musical and dramatic performances which include dancing and puppetry and burlesque. This is all held in the riverine park's bucolic setting.

[recent update with lots of pictures of Samut Songkhram]