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Exploring Samut Prakan in Bangkok

Wat Asokaram Themple at Samut Prakan

Samut Prakan is a bustling fishing town only a half hour drive south of Bangkok. Because of its closeness to the capital, it continues to retain part of the bigger picture or in this case, the metropolis. The town is situated at the estuary to the Chao Phraya River which then continues its flow into the Gulf of Thailand.

This may not be the real reason why you should take the time to venture out here, but it does however offer a route to some rather interesting sites in the near vicinity. It is also a safe alternative to the relative chaos and confusion which some tourists often feel when touring the capital.

The province in which the town is located is basically divided into two distinct regions. On the western side of the river you will find mostly rice fields, prawn farms and a few mangrove forests. You could give these a miss unless of course you are wanting to do a thesis on agriculture in Thailand. Well perhaps not.

To your left, (I am currently practicing to be a non Thai tour guide) I mean the east of the river, you will find the urban center complete with its dull industrial factories. Lets give this one a miss too. Okay then lets move on. Rather I want to take you to the very reason why you should spend some quality time here.

Three-Headed Erawan Elephant Statue

Exploring Samut Prakan

Crocodile Farm and Zoo

First let us go and visit Thailand's biggest Crocodile Farm only a few kilometres southeast of Samut Prakan on the old Sukhumvit Highway also known as route 3. There is a rumour circulating that this particular crocodile farm and the adjacent zoo is the largest of its kind in the world but I'll leave that for you to decide. No matter what the outcome, the farm certainly has its share of veracious beasts.

Apparently there are some sixty thousand of these creatures wondering around the park albeit in their respective enclosures of course. They consist mostly of local fresh and saltwater species but some are from the Nile River while others are South American Caimans. In all probability, there will be a lot more by the time you get the chance to visit, as the farm has a breeding program in place.

Crocodiles are hatched and raised in large tanks with netting put in place to protect them against mosquitoes which are known to bite their eyes causing serious blindness. In the breeding section you can see crocodiles hatching and their various stages of growth. Once the crocodiles are fully grown many are skinned and their meat sold to restaurants in the town as well as in Bangkok.

A visit to the souvenir shop here will reveal how the skins are transformed into handbags, wallets, key rings and various other items. What a terrible shame. If you are the type of person willing to forgive and forget then the highlight of your visit to the farm would be the wrestling shows held throughout the day.

Handlers here enter a pond teeming with crocodiles and then unceremoniously toss them around. Rather roughly I might add. While this may seem frightening
if not a little dangerous at times, you have to remind yourself that the reason the crocodiles seem a lot less likely to bite, is because the beasts have become somewhat lethargic, especially after their afternoon nap has been interrupted.

The Photo tells the full Story

Exploring Samut Prakan

Ancient City of Muang Boran

After you've spent the first the portion of the day at the crocodile farm, take a drive to the Ancient City of Muang Boran where you will find a cultural theme park displaying numerous replicas of important monuments and temples all scaled down to one third of their original size. The park was the brainchild of a Bangkok millionaire with a passion for Thai art and history. You could start your day here before going to the crocodile farm as they are both very close to one another.

Isn't it rather strange that a worthwhile attraction such as this, is billed as the largest outdoor museum of its kind in the world. It is no coincidence either that two of the worlds largest projects just happen to be in Thailand, let alone in the same town. I must give the Thai people credit here because when they turn their attention to producing enterprising assignments, there's really no stopping them.

Temple Replica at the Ancient City

Exploring Samut Prakan

Other Interesting Sites

Also in the vicinity is the magnificent Wat Asokaram. It is one of the province’s newest (built in 1962) and most important mediation temples. What's particularly striking on arrival at the temple is the dazzling whiteness of its super structure. The thirteen chedis seem perfectly placed upon a three-story building complete with four porches. The reasoning behind the number of chedis is represented as the same number of duties that monks perform when on their religious rounds.

If you still have some time, visit the three-headed Erawan Museum containing
a collection of art objects and antiquities as well as numerous cultural heritage items. From there you can pop down to the market near the docks for a bite to eat. The warmth and charm of the Thai and Mon people set the pace for the local community here. Try one of their fried mussel pancakes known as Hoi Thot.

Then cross the river by ferry to the famous Wat Phra Chedi Klang Nam. It is a temple constructed upon a solid piece of land in the middle of the river. The land was the result of the river shifting its course. In the good old days, kings used to stop off at this temple on their way in and out of the country on state visits, praying for success in their out going journey or offering thanks on their return.

Wat Phra Chedi Klang Nam

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