Heading 2: 1. Amphawa Evening Floating Market
The Amphawa Evening Floating Market is a popular tourist attraction located in Amphoe Amphawa, Samut Songkram. It is situated by the canal near Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram and is open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays from noon to 9.00 p.m. This market is well-known for its delicious menus and attracts a large number of tourists.
One of the main highlights of the Amphawa Evening Floating Market is the canal vendors selling a variety of food and beverages. Visitors can find vendors selling fried mussels (Hoi Thot), noodles, coffee, black coffee, and a wide range of sweets. The canal is crowded with these vendors, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. On both sides of the riverbank, there are vendors selling products from their cars.
The market offers a relaxing atmosphere with music playing from the community’s broadcasting. Visitors can also rent a boat for a sightseeing tour to see the fireflies in the twilight. This is a unique and enchanting experience that shouldn’t be missed.
In addition to its bustling market, the community by Khlong Amphawa has received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage in the Honorable Mention category in 2008. This award recognizes the successful collaboration between the government and private sectors in conserving ancient buildings with architectural values and beauty that reflect the local characteristics of the area.
Heading 2: 2. Phra Bat Somdet Phra Phutthaloetlanaphalai Memorial Park
Phra Bat Somdet Phra Phutthaloetlanaphalai Memorial Park, also known as King Rama II Park, is located in Amphoe Amphawa. This park is dedicated to honoring King Rama II for his significant contributions to art and culture, which have become national heritage. King Rama II is recognized as one of the great personalities in UNESCO’s Anniversaries of Great Personalities and Historic Events.
The park showcases five traditional Thai houses, four of which serve as a museum displaying the early Rattanakosin period Thai way of life. Ruean Chai exhibits the lifestyle of Thai boys in the past, who would study with monks at the temple to prepare for government work in the future. Ruean Klang is an exhibition of various rooms in the house, including a bedroom, Buddha image room, and dressing room. It also displays artifacts from the early Rattanakosin era.
Ruean Ying showcases the way of life of Thai girls in the old times, where they would learn housekeeping and handicrafts at home. Ruean Klang Nam is the Amphawa cultural heritage museum, exhibiting the unique character of Amphawa, including temples, houses, music, food, and desserts. The park also features an open theater and a botanical garden with various plant species from Thai literature.
The memorial park offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Thailand and provides a serene and educational experience for visitors. It is open between Monday and Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and on weekends from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Heading 2: 3. Wat Phet Samut Worawihan (Wat Luangpho Ban Laem)
Wat Phet Samut Worawihan, also known as Wat Luangpho Ban Laem, is located in Amphoe Ban Laem. This temple has a fascinating history and is home to a highly revered Buddha image called “Luangpho Ban Laem.”
The temple was formerly known as Wat Champasi and was a refuge for people from Phetchaburi town during an attack. They settled in Tambon Mae Klong and named their village “Ban Laem.” One day, while fishing in the Mae Klong Bay, the villagers discovered two Buddha images in their fishnet. One of the images, a seated Buddha, was brought to Wat Ta-khrao, and the other, a standing Buddha holding alms, was installed at Wat Ban Laem. This standing Buddha image became the highly revered Luangpho Ban Laem.
Wat Phet Samut Worawihan is a significant religious site and a testament to the rich history and culture of the area. Visitors can explore the temple grounds and pay respects to Luangpho Ban Laem, experiencing the spiritual ambiance of the temple.
Heading 2: 4. Talat Rom Hup (Risky Market)
Talat Rom Hup, also known as the Risky Market or Railway Side Market, is located in Tambon Mae Klong, Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram. This unique market is situated by the side of the Mae Klong Railway Station and stretches for about 100 meters. What makes this market special is the vendors’ behavior when the train arrives.
When the train approaches, the vendors quickly pull down their umbrellas and put away their products to make way for the passing train. This exciting and unusual sight has earned the market its nickname, “Talat Rom Hup” or the “pulling down umbrella market.” Visitors can witness this spectacle while exploring the market and shopping for vegetables, fruits, and fresh seafood.
The market is open daily from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. The train passes through the market eight times a day, providing visitors with multiple opportunities to witness this unique interaction between the vendors and the passing train.
Heading 2: 5. The Amphawa-Chaiphatthananurak Conservation Project
The Amphawa-Chaiphatthananurak Conservation Project is a royal initiative project located in Tambon Amphawa, Amphoe Amphawa. This project was established by HRH Princess Sirindhorn with the aim of preserving the local wisdom and way of life of the Amphawa community.
The Amphawa community has a long history that is deeply intertwined with Thailand’s identity. The project consists of different zones that highlight the geosocial and sufficiency economy principles of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the late king of Thailand. These zones include an Agricultural Demonstration Farm, community shops, a cultural playground, and a local museum.
The Agricultural Demonstration Farm showcases various agricultural practices, including coconut plantations and gardens for other plants. Visitors can learn about traditional farming techniques and the importance of sustainable agriculture. The community shops offer souvenirs made by the local people, providing visitors with an opportunity to support the community’s economy.
The Nakhawarang Cultural Playground is a multi-purpose area where various activities and events are organized. It serves as a platform to promote the unique culture and traditions of the Amphawa community. The Local Amphawa Museum displays antique utensils found in Amphoe Amphawa, providing insights into the local history and heritage.
The Amphawa-Chaiphatthananurak Conservation Project is not only an educational and cultural attraction but also a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich traditions and way of life of the local community.
Heading 2: 6. Bang Kung Camp/Prok Bodhi Ubosot
Bang Kung Camp, also known as Prok Bodhi Ubosot, is located in Tambon Bang Kung, Amphoe Bang Khon Thi. This camp holds historical significance as it was a former camp of the Royal Thai Navy during the Second Fall of Ayutthaya in 1767.
The camp’s main attraction is the Prok Bodhi Ubosot, an ordination hall that was built during the Ayutthaya era. This unique ubosot is covered with four different types of trees: Pho (Bodhi), Sai (Banyan), Krai, and Krang. The local community refers to it as “Bot Prok Pho.” The Prok Bodhi Ubosot is a testament to the rich history and architectural heritage of the area.
Nearby, visitors can also find a monument dedicated to King Taksin the Great, a revered Thai monarch who played a significant role in the country’s history.
Heading 2: 7. Don Hoi Lot
Don Hoi Lot is a sandbar located at the Mae Klong Estuary. It is formed from the deposit of loam and serves as a habitat for various types of shellfish, including razor shells, baby clams, ridged Venus clams, lamp shells, and blood clams. Due to the abundance of razor shells in the area, it is known as Don Hoi Lot or the “razor shell sandbar.”
Visitors can rent a boat to explore the sandbar and engage in a unique activity – catching razor shells. This activity is usually done when the tide recedes, and a small stick dipped in lime is used to pierce into the holes where the razor shells live. The lime affects the shells, causing them to emerge. The best time to visit Don Hoi Lot is between March and May when the period of the tide’s recession is longer, allowing for a better viewing experience.
When visiting Don Hoi Lot, tourists can also explore the surrounding area and visit attractions such as the Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine. Boat rental services are available at Sala A-phon, located close to the shrine.
Heading 2: 8. Ban Bang Phlap Community
Ban Bang Phlap Community is an agro-tourism community located in Tambon Bang Phrom, Amphoe Bang Khon Thi. This community has received numerous tourism awards and offers various learning experiences for visitors.
One of the main activities in the community is biking and sightseeing orchards. Visitors can explore the beautiful orchards and learn about different fruit varieties. The community also offers demonstrations on how to make palm sugar, fruit charcoal, and fruit preserves. These hands-on experiences provide insights into the traditional practices of the community.
Ban Phaya So is another attraction in the community. It is a historical site that showcases the traditional way of life in the past. Visitors can learn about the local culture and heritage while exploring this site.
The Ban Bang Phlap Community is an excellent destination for those interested in agro-tourism and cultural experiences. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about the local way of life and support the community’s sustainable development.
Heading 2: 9. Bang Noi Market
Bang Noi Market is located in Tambon Kradangnga, Amphoe Bang Khon Thi. This market is situated in the Pak Khlong Bang Noi community, which used to be an important river trading zone of the Mae Klong River. Today, the market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
The market is known for its agricultural products, including fruits and vegetables from local orchardists. Visitors can find a variety of fresh produce, as well as famous food and desserts from Samut Songkhram province, such as Khlong Khlon shrimp paste, Manao Dong, and Teochew-styled Roti by Je Renu. Walking along the canal bank, visitors can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of the wooden houses and stores lining Khlong Bang Noi.
Bang Noi Market offers a unique shopping experience and a chance to sample local delicacies. It is a great place to immerse oneself in the local culture and support the community’s economy.
Heading 2: 10. Tha Kha Floating Market
Tha Kha Floating Market is the only market in Samut Songkhram that still preserves the original lifestyle of the locals. This market is located in Tambon Tha Kha, Amphoe Amphawa and operates on specific days based on the lunar calendar. It is open on the 2nd, 7th, and 12th days of the waxing moon or waning moon, and on weekends and public holidays.
The market is known for its emphasis on selling vegetables and fruits directly from the orchards. Visitors can find a wide range of fresh produce, including chili, onions, garlic, palm sugar, guava, coconut, rose apples, and pomelo. Exploring the market, visitors can witness the vibrant atmosphere and interact with the friendly locals.
To fully experience Tha Kha Floating Market, visitors can rent a paddle boat and take a tour of the village and orchards in the area. This allows for a deeper understanding of the local way of life and provides a unique perspective on the region’s agricultural practices.
For further information about the market and boat rentals, visitors can contact the Tha Kha Sub-district Administrative Organization.
In conclusion, Samut Songkhram offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences for visitors. From the bustling Amphawa Evening Floating Market to the serene Tha Kha Floating Market, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The rich cultural heritage, traditional way of life, and natural beauty of the region make it a must-visit destination in Thailand. Whether it’s exploring historical sites, tasting local delicacies, or immersing oneself in the local culture, Samut Songkhram has it all.
Subscribe, follow travelbloggerindonesia.com