Samut Songkhram, Thailand

Samut Songkhram, Thailand

Samut Songkhram is a small province in central Thailand, known for its rich cultural heritage, floating markets, and serene riverside lifestyle. Located only about 70 km southwest of Bangkok, it offers a perfect day trip or weekend escape for those looking to experience traditional Thai culture in a peaceful setting.

 

Tourist Attractions:

  1. Amphawa Floating Market

    • Entrance Fee: Free to enter (but costs depend on what you buy).
    • Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Friday to Sunday).
    • Highlights: One of the most popular floating markets in Thailand, Amphawa offers a unique shopping experience. Local vendors sell a variety of goods, especially seafood, fruits, and Thai desserts from their boats. In the evening, you can take a boat tour along the river to see fireflies among the trees.

  2. Maeklong Railway Market (Talat Rom Hup)

    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
    • Highlights: This famous market is located on active train tracks, and vendors must quickly pull their stalls away whenever a train passes through. Watching this unique spectacle, known as the “umbrella pull-down market,” is a must-see experience. The trains pass through the market several times a day.

  3. Wat Bang Kung

    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Highlights: This small but fascinating temple is engulfed by the roots of a large banyan tree, creating a natural and spiritual wonder. Inside is a revered Buddha statue, and the temple area also has a historical significance as it was a military camp during the Ayutthaya period.

  4. Wat Phet Samut Worawihan (Wat Ban Laem)

    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Highlights: This ancient temple is home to a highly revered Buddha image called Luang Por Ban Laem. The temple is also an important pilgrimage site for locals who come to seek blessings.

  5. King Rama II Memorial Park

    • Entrance Fee: THB 30 for adults, THB 10 for children.
    • Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Highlights: This beautiful park commemorates King Rama II and is home to traditional Thai-style houses, a museum displaying artifacts from the early Rattanakosin period, and beautiful gardens. The park is located along the Mae Klong River, offering scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere.

  6. Tha Kha Floating Market

    • Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
    • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM (weekends).
    • Highlights: A quieter, more local version of Amphawa, Tha Kha is where you can experience an authentic floating market without the crowds. It’s a great place to buy fresh produce, handmade goods, and local snacks.

How to Get to Samut Songkhram:

  • By Train: From Bangkok’s Wongwian Yai Station, you can take a train to Maeklong Station in Samut Songkhram. The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours, and the fare is around THB 10-30.
  • By Bus/Van: From Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), buses and vans to Samut Songkhram take about 1-1.5 hours, with fares ranging from THB 60-100.
  • By Car: Driving from Bangkok to Samut Songkhram via Highway 35 (Rama II Road) takes approximately 1.5 hours.

How to Get Around:

  • Tuk-tuks and Songthaews: These are the most common modes of transport around the town and nearby attractions. Fares range from THB 20-80, depending on the distance.
  • Boat Tours: Especially around Amphawa and Tha Kha, boat tours are a great way to explore the local waterways, floating markets, and firefly watching at night. Prices vary but typically range from THB 50-200 per person.
  • Bicycles and Motorbikes: Many guesthouses and hotels offer bicycles or motorbikes for rent, usually costing around THB 50-200 per day. This is a great way to explore the area at your own pace.

Popular Local Food:

  1. Pla Too (Mackerel): Samut Songkhram is famous for its delicious mackerel, often grilled or fried and served with fresh vegetables and spicy dipping sauces.
  2. Khanom Jaak: A local dessert made from coconut and sugar, wrapped in palm leaves and grilled over charcoal. You can find it at floating markets or roadside stalls.
  3. Hoy Tod (Oyster Omelette): A crispy, savory dish featuring fresh oysters or mussels in a fluffy egg batter, often found in local markets.
  4. Mee Krob (Crispy Fried Noodles): A sweet and tangy noodle dish made with crispy rice noodles, tamarind sauce, and shrimp. This dish is popular in the Amphawa area.

Top Nightlife Spots in Samut Songkhram:

Nightlife in Samut Songkhram is more laid-back and relaxed compared to bigger cities. It mainly revolves around evening dining and river cruises rather than bars and nightclubs.

  1. Amphawa River Cruise (Firefly Boat Tours)

    • Location: Depart from Amphawa Floating Market.
    • Entrance Fee: THB 60-100 for a 1-hour tour.
    • Highlights: Firefly-watching boat tours along the Amphawa River are a popular evening activity. As the sun sets, these tiny creatures light up the mangrove trees along the riverbanks, creating a magical experience.
    • Happy Hours: The best time to take the tour is between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM when the fireflies are most active.

  2. Baan Amphawa Resort & Spa Riverside Bar

    • Location: Along the Amphawa River, part of Baan Amphawa Resort.
    • Entrance Fee: None (but drinks and food must be purchased).
    • Highlights: This riverside bar offers a tranquil atmosphere with a scenic view of the Amphawa River. You can enjoy Thai and international drinks, light snacks, and cocktails while listening to soft music in the background.
    • Happy Hours: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, offering discounted drinks.

  3. Chom Suan Amphawa

    • Location: Near Amphawa Floating Market.
    • Entrance Fee: None.
    • Highlights: A casual restaurant and café offering Thai food, local desserts, and drinks in a relaxed garden setting. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors to unwind after visiting the floating market.
    • Happy Hours: Typically 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM with drink specials.

Getting to Nightlife Spots:

  • Tuk-tuks or Motorbike Taxis: The most convenient way to get to riverside bars or firefly tours in Amphawa is by tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi. Fares typically range from THB 30-80 depending on the distance.
  • Walking: If you are staying near the Amphawa Floating Market, most nightlife spots are within walking distance.

Samut Songkhram offers a peaceful blend of history, culture, and nature, perfect for visitors seeking a relaxing getaway with unique local experiences. From the excitement of the railway market to the serenity of floating on the Amphawa River at night, this small province has plenty to offer.