The Naval Museum
is located at Bang Nang Keng, Pak Nam, Samut Prakan, opposite
the Naval Academy on Sukhumvit Road, 10 kilometres from Bang Na
intersection. The museum chronicles the history of the Royal
Thai Navy and the important Naval battles, exhibits miniature
ships such as the Royal Barges which were used in the Royal
Barge Processions of King Rama V period, the warship “H.M.S.
Phra Ruang”, Rau Barge, H.M.S. Matchanu - the first submarine of
the Royal Thai Navy. It is open everyday except public
holidays from 9.00 a.m.-15.30 p.m. For more information, call0
2394 1997 or 0 2475 38080 or visit http://www.navy.mi.th/navalmuseum/index_eng.htm
How to get there: Public Bus
No.508, No.511, No.525 and No.536
Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo
It was built in 1950 as Thailand’s
first crocodile farm. It is now the world’s largest crocodile
farm. It is situated at Tambon Tai Ban, 3 kilometres from Samut
Prakan town. The farm has over 40,000 crocodiles of different
kinds in various pits. Daily shows feature catching crocodiles
bare-handed. Shows take place every hour from 08.00-17.00.,
except at noon; additional shows at 12.00 and 17.00 on
holidays. Feeding time is between 16.30 - 17.30.
Another star attraction for visitors is the elephant show of
which performances are held daily every hour from 09.30
-16.30. Furthermore, you can see tigers, chimpanzees, and
other animals such as gibbons, turtles, boa constrictors,
pythons, birds, camels, hippopotamuses, and of various species
of fishes.
There is even a Dinosaur Museum
which has on display life-size models and skeletons of more than
13 kinds of dinosaurs and also features a multivision slide
presentation on man and prehistoric animals. The farm is open
daily from 07.00 - 18.00. Admission is 300 baht. For group tours
and academic institutions that require a tour guide, please
contact Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo in advance at 555
Thai Ban Road, Amphoe Mueang, Samut Prakan 10280 or tel. 0-
2703-4891, 0-2703-5144-8. Click
www.crocodilefarm.com
for more information.
Getting there is also possible by taking the air-conditioned
buses Line Nos. 7, 8, and 11, to the end of the Line or by non
air-conditioned buses Line Nos. 25 and 102, to Samut Prakan and
taking another ride on a local truck (Song Thaeo) Line No. S. 1
and S. 80.
The Ancient City
Mueang Boran
or the Ancient City is
the world’s biggest open-air museum. It occupies an area of 500
rais (200 acres). Construction began in the latter part of 1963.
It is located at Tambon Bang Pu Mai, at Km. 33.5 of the old
Sukhumvit Road, 8 kilometres from Samut Prakan town. This unique
attraction is the center of scaled-down and actual-size replicas
of important historical sites of various provinces such as
Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, Wat Mahathat Sukhothai, Phraphuttabat
Saraburi, Phrathat Mueang Nakhon, Phrathat Chaiya, etc..
Furthermore, there are rare traditional folk arts and cultures,
some of which are hardl to come by nowadays. For those who wish
to learn about Thailand, they will not be disappointed here.
Getting there: by
car, take the Samrong - Samut Prakan Road to Samut Prakan
T-junction and turn left going along the old Sukhumvit road
(road to Bang Pu), then at approximatley Km. 33 turn into an
entry road to Mueang Boran and drive on for 8 kilometres, Mueang
Boran will be on the left. To get there by bus, take the
air-conditioned bus Line No. 11 (Pin Klao - Pak Nam) to the end
of the Line and take the local mini-bus Line No. 36 to Mueang
Boran. It is open daily from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Admission is 50
baht. Fees for taking a car in is 50 Baht and 100 baht for vans.
For more informaiton call 0-2323-9253 or 0-2224-1058-7,
0-2226-1936-7 or click
www.ancientcity.com
The Erawan Museum
This three-headed elephant,
Airavata was born of Khun Lek Viriyapant's ideas and
imagination. It was inspired by his wish to preserve his
collection of antiques as a contribution to Thai cultural
heritage. Many of these were priceless objects of art they were
also held as sacred objects for people of ancient cultures.
According to ancient traditions they were believed to bring
blessing and prosperity to the land and its people, and
therefore must not be lost to outsiders. It had been
Mr.Viriyapant's concern to find a way that would keep these
objects safe and that would also be suitable to their
traditional functions.
One day he had a visit from a Westerner
who, during the course of the conversation, suggested the idea
of constructing the most important building in the town in the
form of an apple which according to Western traditions of
belief, played a crucial part in the shaping of human destiny.
This suggestion was warmly welcomed by Mr.Viriyapant. He
nevertheless thought it more appropriate to adhere to Eastern
traditions and thus decided on the heavenly elephant Airavata of
Hindu mythology. In addition, he wanted this three-headed
elephant to be more than just the vehicle of the god Indra.
The elephant would be a symbol of
the centre of the universe and, as such, the building would
function symbolically as the spiritual heart of the land where
sacred objects of the land were housed and revered. He then
designed the building and gave the design to Khun Pagpean
Viriyapant, his eldest son, to begin construction. Already
during the construction, the building attracted people who came
to worship. Thus it fulfilled Khun Lek Viriyapant's wish to
preserve sacred objects for the country. Although both Khun Lek
and Khun Pagpean passed away before the construction was
completed, their heirs continued their wish to create a place
where ceremonies and festivals of Thai traditions might be held,
and that would also serve as museum to keep the memory of Khun
Lek Viriyapant's life and work alive for future generations.
Getting to The Erawan Museum :
Bus No: 25,142,365 / Air-conditioned bus No: 102,507,511,536 Admissions : Adult Baht 150 / Children Baht 50 Office : The Ancient City 99/9 M.1 Muang Samut Prakan,
Samut Prakan Province 10270 Tel: 0 2371 3135-6 Fax: 0 2371 3136
Open Everyday 9.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m.
Wat Asokaram
This templeis 6
kilometres from town. It is located in Soi Sukhaphiban 58,
Tambon Thai Ban, on Sukhumvit road, its entrance is opposite
Sawangkhaniwat Recuperation Centre. The new temple was built by
Phra Acharn Lee Thammawaro) of the Dharmayuthi sect on May 8,
1962. It is one of the important temples for practicing
mediation. Worth visiting and seeing in this temple is Phra
Thutangkha Chedi, a group of 13 chedi as a representative of the
13 duties of the monks on their religious trips. There is also
Vihara Wisutthithamrangsi in which Acharn Lee’s remains are
enshrined.
Wat Klang Worawihan
This second level royal monastery
is located at Tambon Pak Nam. The temple, of which the former
name is Wat Takothong, was built in the late Ayutthaya period.
The main building was renovated in the reign of King Rama III.
The upper part of the front of the temple, above the entrance,
is decorated with Chinese porcelain and ceramics. Inside the
temple, there is a mural painting, depicting the first book of
the Buddhist scripture dealing with the life of Lord Buddha.
Later, another building was built to enshrine the 4 traces of
Lord Buddha’s Footprints. The hall for sermons is Thai style
structure made totally from teak and upper part of the front of
the building, above the entrance, is lavishly decorated with
exquisite and beautifully carved wood well worth preserving.
Phra Pradaeng, Samutprakan
City Pillar Shrine
The City Pillar Shrineis located at Tambon Talat. It was constructed in 1813.
It has been with Amphoe Phra Pradaeng a long time - since the
time when this Amphoe was once a city. It is a highly revered
holy place of the people.
Pom Phlaeng Faifa
This old fortressis
located at Tambon Talat. Only a few parts of the fortress are
still in good condition. It was one of the fortresses of Mueang
Nakhon Khuaenkhan, serving as a military base at the mouth of
the Chao Phraya River. There are many fortresses because King
Rama I commanded that the fortresses be built for protecting the
kingdom. At present, Mueang Phra Pa Daeng Municipality has
developed the area of the fortress into a recreational area for
the townspeople. The upper part of the fortress displays several
old cannons. Trees have been planted all around.
Wat Protketchettharam
Located at Tambon Song Kha Nong,
this is the only Thai-Buddhism temple in Phra Pradaeng. Other
temples are of the Mon-Buddhism sect. Phraya Phetphichai built
it during the reign of King Rama II. A distinct and unique
architectural characteristic of the templ is that it’s roof is
covered with ancient Mon ceramic shingles, without any
decorations on the temple roof. The front of the main building,
Ubosot, above the entrance, is done with stucco adorned with
vine lines and decorated with ancient porcelain and ceramic
pieces. Inside, there is a cast-metal Buddha image in the
attitude of Subduing Mara.
The second main building, Wiharn,
has the same architecture as the first building. Inside the
second main building, there is a reclining Buddha of which the
face is very beautiful. Above the windows, there are the
pictures of Dhamma Riddles of western arts style, which is
extremely rare. Another building, Mondop, has a roof that is
covered with ceramic shingles and decorated with small chinese
pavilions all around the edge of the roof. It enshrines Buddha
images in many the attitudes and has chedis at all 4 corners.
Inside the Mondop, there are Buddha images and the replication
of Lord Buddha’s Footprint, decorated with pearl inset.
Wat Songtham Worawihan
Wat Songtham Worawihan is
an old temple of Mon-Buddhism sect. It was constructed at the
same time when Mueang Nakhon Khuaenkhan was being built, during
the reign of King Rama III. At present, it is a second class
royal monastery. The huge Phra Raman Chedi was built in Mon
style. Buildings in this temple are built of brick and cement. A
decoration on the roof of the temple is made of teak. The
replication of Lord Buddha’s Footprint was enshrined inside the
temple.
Bang Phli, Samutprakan
Bang Pu Seaside
Thisis located
at Tambon Bang Pu Mai, about Kilometres 37 from Bangkok on
Sukhumvit Road, opposite the Bang Pu Industrial Estate. It has
long been famous for its seaside resort and also the
recuperation centre, and generally associated with relaxation.
It is operated by the Quartermaster General’s Department. Inside
the compound, there are many gardens and a lot of trees and
plants. Restaurants and bungalows are also available. During
November to late July, a lot of migrating seagulls will come
here, feeding along the seashore. Call 0-2323-9138,
0-2323-9983 for more information.
Bueng Tako
This is a place for water sports
lovers. Water skiing and windsurfing can be enjoyed here. Rental
fee is 200 Baht per hour. It is open daily.
Gettingthere:
visitors can take the Bang Na-Trat highway going out of Bangkok,
and at Kilometres13 marker, you can see the entrance on the
right hand side, on the same side as the entrance to Wat Luang
Pho To, right next to Mitsubishi Co., Ltd.
Call at 0-2316-7809-10 for more information.
Nong Ngu Hao Farm
This farm is located at
Tambon Bang Chalong on Bangna-Trat Road. Between the 14 and 15
kilometres markers, take a left turn into a side road (entrance
to Krirk University) and go in about 1.5 kilometres. It started
in 1986, has an area of about 10 Rais (4 acres). The main
purpose being the rearing of various kinds of cobras. There are
also shows of snake venom extraction and snake catching. There
are various snake-skin products on sale at low prices, such as
shoes, belts, bags, etc.. It is open from 9.00 a.m.-5.30 p.m.
Normally, it is open to only contracted Tour Operators. For the
the general public, please contact the Farm in advance at: Nong
Ngu How Farm, 23/2 Mu. 6, kilometre 15 (Bangna-Trat), Tambon
Bang Chalong, Amphoe Bang Phli, Samut Prakan 10540, or
call at 0-2312-5990.
Phra Samut Chedi, Samutprakan
Phra Samut Chedi
Phra Samut Chedi is located
at Tambon Pak Klong Bang Pla Kot, on the banks of the Chao
Phraya River, opposite Samut Prakan City Hall. Formerly, this
chedi was located on a small island in the middle of Chao Phraya
River’s mouth behind Phisuea Samut Fortress. Subsequently,
however, the little island became linked to the right bank of
the river due to the water turning shallow. Then, King Rama II
granted the construction of the Chedi but it was not completed
in his time. Later, during the reign of King Rama III,
construction was resumed and the 20-metre high pagoda was
completed. Finally, King Rama IV commanded that the shape of the
chedi be changed and also increased the chedi’s height to 38
metres. Inside the pagoda, contained Lord Buddha’s relics, Phra
Chai Wat and Phra Ham Samut Buddha images (Buddha image in the
attitude of Pacifying the ocean).
Pom Phra
Chulachomklao
Naval
History Park at Chulachomklao Fortress is situated at the mouth
of Chao Phraya River, Tambon Laem Fa Pha. You can get there
using the Suksawat Road from the Phra Samut Chedi intersection.
The fortress’s compound houses a magnificent standing monument
of King Rama V, which is located in the front of the fortress.
Pom Phra Chulachomklao is a modern fortress and has
played an important role in protecting the sovereignty of
Thailand during 1893 against unfriendly forces. It is the
fortress forever in the memory of all Thais and a very important
part of Thai history. During King Rama V’s reign, there was a
period during which England and France were hunting for
colonies. All neighbouring countries around Thailand were
colonised by England and France. This was indeed a grave
situation endangering Thailand so he sought ways to protect the
country. Particularly, protection of the water of Thailand, he
commanded that the fortresses at the river’s mouth be renovated
and re-equipped, and also hired a foreigner who was a naval
specialist as a consultant for planning the development of the
Thai navy.
Pom Puen Suea Mop
(Machine Gun)
Pom Puen Suea Mop (Machine Gun),
used in the battle against unfriendly forces, is situated at the
lower base of the fortress. Exhibition Hall
displays the picture of damage from the wars and pictures
related to the development of the Royal Thai Navy. H.M.S.Mae
Klong Battleship Museum is a battleship that served in the
Royal Thai Navy for over 60 years, the longest period of service
for any vessel. The Ministry of Defense, seeing the battleship
was no longer fit for active duty, de-commissioned the
battleship and converted it into a museum. There are also
walking paths for visitors who are interested in nature and
ecological preservation. Visitors can see the mangrove forest,
which is home to egrets, sea gulls, mudskippers, and many kinds
of crabs. There is also a garden filled entirely with plants and
trees from the mangrove forest. Getting there: by car: 7
kilometres on Highway No. 303; by bus: take the bus line number
20 which will pass the fortress, or you can take a Song Thaeo
from Phra Samut Chedi to fortress, or alternatively, you can
take a micro bus (Bang Pakok route) which will stop inside the
fortress.
The fortress is open daily
from 8.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. without any admission fee. To get in,
visitors must seek permission by exchanging their identification
cards from the on-duty officers unit at the gate. For groups of
visitors that should wish to have a guide should send a request
letter to H.M.S.Mae Klong Battleship Museum.
Call 0-2475-6109, 0-2475-6259, and 0-2475-6357
for more information.
