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 district during the Ayutthaya period. The modern town
and several fortresses were built by the command of King Rama
II in 1819. Pom Phra Chulachomklao – This is an old fortress, shortly called by the people “Pom Phra Chun”. It is located 7 kms. south of Phra Samut Chedi on Suksawat Road. King Rama V commanded it to be built in 1884, and it took 9 days 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.
Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo – The world
largest crocodile farm is the most famous attraction of Samut
Major Events 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 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. |
King Rama II. It is commonly called “Pra 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.
Muang
Boran or the Ancient City – This famous attraction is
located at Tambon Bang Pu Mai. It is a wonderful land where visitors
can appreciate the splendours of Thailand in the past. The replicas
of major historical structures, which exist to 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.
evening in the
cool season (around November to February), visitors can view plenty
of seagulls flying around the area.
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.