Roland Lefevre
Tipped to be one of Thailand's hidden treasures the province of Samut Prakan is teeming with attractions and activities for tourists from around the world. Here are some of the area's top activities.
Often described as one of Samut Prakan's most intriguing landmarks and tourist attractions a visit to the Naval History Park in the Chulachomklao Fortress is a must-experience highlight for all visitors. Located in Tambon Laem Fa Pha the venue is synonymous with the King Rama V sculpture within its confines. Having played a vital part in preserving the country's sovereignty the mammoth defense mechanism and naval park are a source of pride for residents of Samut Prakan and Thai citizens nationwide.
Known as the globe's largest open space museums the Ancient City of Muang Boran is a massive cultural enclosure spread out across 200 acres. Built in 1963 the tourist highlight is situated in Tambon Bang Pu Mai, less than 10km from the heart of Samut Prakan. Littered with life-size and scaled replications of significant cultural and historic attractions in the country the venue provides visitors an all encompassing look at Thailand's most coveted national monuments. Points of interest Wat Mahathat, Phrathat Chaiya and Prasat Hin Phanom Rung as well as replicas of Phrathat Mueang Nakhon and Phraphuttabat Saraburi. Visitors based at Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa or any other reputable airport hotel Bangkok has to offer can book a tour of the park through the hotel.
Occupying pride of place at Tambon Bang Pu Mai the Bang Pu beachfront is the best place in Samut Prakan to spend a relaxing day at the beach. As a thriving resort town littered with gardens and lush vegetation the area is a beach lover's dream come true. Bird watching enthusiasts can observe and feed seagulls who migrate to the beach area during the months between November and July.
Known as Wat Phlapphla Chai Chana Songkhram and Wat Luangpho after the iconic bronze statue that is enshrined within its confines Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai is a cultural and religious landmark in Samut Prakan. Visitors can pay their respects to monarch Naresuan's victorious battle against the Burmese. The Rap Bua Festival is also held here while visitors must not forget to shop at the nearby thoroughfare known as the Old Market for local food items and other curios.
Exploring the remains of the Pom Phlaeng Faifa Fortress is another preferred activity among frequent visitors to Samut Prakan as the former military camp in Tambon Talat is both a historic site as well as a cultural relic at the start of the Chao Praya River. A recreational enclave is also part of the property of this King Rama I construction which is managed by the Muang Phra Pa Daeng Municipality.
Offering dinosaur fans a treat for the senses the Dinosaur Museum in Samut Prakan is an edutainment point of interest unlike any other. Divided in to 3 zones the venue employs state-of-the-art audio visual technology to bring the live and times of the prehistoric mammals back to life.
Water sports enthusiasts touring the region should not forget to spend an afternoon at Samut Prakan's premier water sports hub in Bueng Tako. Providing a plethora of water sports facilities including windsurfing and water skiing activities this scenic enclosure devoted to splashing around is a must-experience hotspot for all.
