Samut Prakan
Introduction
Located just south of Bangkok, you will find the City of Samut Prakan, which serves as the capital of its namesake province. Established in the late 20th century, this area offers a distinct destination within the region.
Before you go
Prepare for your journey to Samut Prakan, a coastal area also known as Pak Nam. Located south of Bangkok, you will find yourself near the point where the Chao Phraya River meets the Gulf of Thailand.
Getting there
When you fly into the region, you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport. From here, you can choose to take a metered taxi or the airport rail link. Alternatively, you can board the BMTA bus 553, which travels from the airport through various points including Kingkaew Road and Srinakarin Road before reaching Samut Prakan.
If you are traveling by car, you can reach the area from Bangkok via Sukhumvit Road or Highway 303. For those using public transit, numerous BMTA bus lines serve the area, including both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned options. You can also navigate the region using the Skytrain system, which features several stations such as Samrong, Pu Chao, Chang Erawan, Royal Thai Naval Academy, and Pak Nam.
Getting around
You can navigate the local area using several BMTA bus and van lines that run throughout Samut Prakan. If you prefer a private ride, metered taxis operate in the region just as they do in Bangkok.
Where to stay
You can find various accommodations situated conveniently close to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Depending on your preference for atmosphere, you might choose a family-owned budget stay in Bangpli Yai that features a swimming pool and a gym, or opt for a uniquely themed hotel near the airport featuring a hippopotamus theme, a co-working space, and a shuttle service.
Other nearby options include boutique guesthouses and resorts located along local roads like Bang Na-Trat. These locations provide easy access to the airport area, ensuring your stay is convenient before or after your travels.
Food & drink
You can experience local flavors at Bang Namphueng Floating Market, where you can find a variety of food and fruit. While the market also sells various trinkets, it serves as a popular spot for those seeking a break amidst the greenery.
What to see and do
Explore the cultural and historical landmarks of the region, starting with the Ancient City where you can cycle among scaled replicas of buildings from across Thailand. Visit the Erawan Museum to see a massive three-headed elephant made of bronze and decorated with millions of tiles, housing an extensive collection of religious objects across three levels representing different worlds. For a unique maritime experience, take a public boat to Wat Khun Samut Chin, a temple in the sea that remains inhabited by monks despite being surrounded by water. You can also visit the Naval Museum to view decommissioned tanks, submarines, and planes guided by active-duty officers, or head to the Samut Prakan Learning Park and Tower for a high vantage point over the province.
Experience the local wildlife and nature through these diverse sites:
- The Crocodile Farm & Zoo features crocodile wrestling, elephant shows, a dinosaur museum, and a research center.
- Si Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden serves as a green "lung" where you can ride a bike along a wooden bridge to observe local plants and aquatic life.
- Bang Pu Seaside offers extensive trekking routes and bird watching for over 200 species, including thousands of migrating seagulls during the winter months.
- The Suk Ta Bridge at Bang Pu provides a scenic spot to watch the sunset and view brackish water fish like mudskippers and needlefish.
Three days in Samut Prakan
Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the local area near Pak Nam along the Chao Phraya River. You might choose to visit the Royal Thai Naval Academy or travel toward Bangpli Yai to see the sights of the region.
Day two, you can head toward the outskirts to experience the culture at the Bang Namphueng Floating Market. Alternatively, you can spend your time exploring the grounds of the Ancient City or visiting the Erawan Museum.
Day three, you can travel further to see Wat Khun Samut Chin. Depending on your preference for scenery, you can also visit the Pu Chao area or explore the surroundings of Chang Erawan.