SUMUT PRAKAN

Samut Prakan, also known as Pak Nam, is located at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. the town is only 25 kms. south of Bangkok and easily frequented by bus. Its old community settled in Phra Pradaeng (now a northern district) during the Ayutthaya Period. the modern town and several fortresses were built by the command of King Rama Ii in 1819.

Samut Prakan occupies an area of 1,004 square kilometres and is administratively divided into 5 districts (Amphoes) and 1 subdistrict (King Amphoe): Amphoe Muang Samut Prakan, Amphoe Phra Pradaeng, Amphoe Bang Phli, Amphoe Bang Bo, Amphoe Phra Samut Chedi and King Amphoe Bang Sao Thong.

Naval Museum - This is opposite to the Naval Academy on sukumvit Road, 10 kms. from the Bang Na intersection. The museum displays models of the royal barges procession, as well as equipment and utensils used in warships. It is open between 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Phra Samut Chedi - This remarkable chedi or pagoda, opposite the City Hall, was constructed in 1826 during the reign of KIng Rama II. It is commonly called " Phra Chedi Klang Nam" as its original location was on an island near the river mouth, Later, the island was connected with the mainland due to the expansion of the alluvial area near the estuary, and the pagoda is now seen standing on the western river bank. An annual celebration, lasting for 9 days, takes place around October.

Pom Phra Chulachomklao - This is an old forthress, shortly called by the people "Pom Phra Chun" It is located 7 kms. south of Phra Samut Chedi on Suksawat Road (Road NO. 303). King Rama V commanded it to be built in 1884, and it took 9 years to be completed. In 1893, French warships invaded the Chao Phraya Estuary and the Royal Thai Navy stopped them by firing from this fortress. The fortress is now open to the public and displays an old warship namely "Rua Luang Mae Klong" as well as several old cannons and binoculars

Muang Boran or the Ancient City - This famous attraction is located at Tambon Bang Pu Mai, Km.33 of Sukhumvit Road (Highway No. 3). It is a wonderful land where visitors can appreciate the splendors of Thailand in the past. The replicas of major historical structures, which exist or used to exist in the kingdom, have been constructed in both smaller and actual sizes. All structures are categorized according to Thailand's northern, southern, northeastern and central regions. Visitors can either stroll or drive around the extensive area. The compound is open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Call 226-1936, 224-1057 for more information.

Bang Pu Seaside - This is about 10 kms. from the town on Sukhumvit Road. A pier stretching out over a tidal muddy beach affords a long walkway for tourists who like to enjoy a pleasant seaside atmosphere, especially at sunset. Every evening in the cool season (around November to February), visitors can view plenty of seagulls flying around the area.

Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo - The world's largest crocodile farm is the most famous attraction of Samut Prakan. It houses more than 60,000 fresh and salt water crocodiles, and also offers an exciting show of a man playing with this dangerous animal. The farm is located in the vicinity of Tambon Thaiban, 3 kms. from the town. Crocodile skins are produced as material for quality leatherware. Beside crocodiles of all age, the farm also raises elephants, tigers, snakes and chimpanzees. The Dinosaur Museum in the compound displays life-size models and skeletons of dinosaurs. Call 703-4891-5 703-5144-8 for more information.

Pom Phlaeng Faifa - This is another old fortress by the Chao Phraya River. It is located at Tambon Talat, Amphoe Phra Pradaeng. Several old cannons are kept in the fortress. The site and its surroundings have been developed to be used as a rest area for the local people.

Bung Tako - This is a place for the people who love playing water sports like water skiing and windsurfing. It supplies players with a full range of those sport equipment. A training course is also arranged for beginners. The club is at Km. 13 off the Bang Na - Trad Road. Call 316 -7809 -10 for more information.

Pak Lat Songkran Festival - This is a famous and enjoyable festival of the Mon in the Phra Pradaeng District. It is held annually on Sunday after April 13. The Mon were among Thailand's earliest settlers and a large community of them still lives in Phra Pradaeng. They celebrate their Songkran Day, formerly regarded as the first day of the year, with religious observances, colourful parades and folk plays.

Yon Bua Festival - This is a long merit-making tradition held by the Bang Phli inhabitants on the 14th day of the waxing moon of the 11th month (around October). "Yon Bua" means tossing the lotus. This tradition usually sees large crowds of people waiting to toss lotuses onto the boat bearing the Luang Pho To Buddha image of Wat Bang Phli Yai, which sometimes is covered with a floral tribute almost up to the head.