Samut Prakan

Samut Prakan, also known as Pak Nam, is situated at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. It is popularly called by the people " Muang Pak Nam". It occupies an area of 1,004 square kilometers and is located only 25 kilometers from Bangkok. Samut Prakan was established in the Ayutthaya period having an original site at Amphoe Phra Pradaeng and was called Muang Phra Pradaeng. In 1819 King Rama II commanded that Muang Samut Prakan be reestablished at Tambon Pak Nam and it took three years to complete. Currently, Samut Prakan Province is administratively divided into five Amphoes: Muang, Plea Pradaeng, Bang Phli, Bang Bo and Phra Samut Chedi. What to see and what to do in Samut Prakan? Phra Samut Chedi is popularly called "Phra Chedi Klang Nam" due to its original site on an island amidst the river. It is currently located close to the bank of the Chao Phraya River opposite the Provincial Hall. It was started during the reign of King Rama II in 1826 and completed in the reign of King Rama III. There is an annual fair celebrating the Pagoda which lasts for nine days and nine nights, commencing on the fifth waning moon day of the 11th lunar month. Phra Chulachomklao Fortress, popularly called "Porn Phra Chun", was constructed during the reign of King Rama V in 1893 and is located seven kilometers from Phra Samut Chedi on Suksawat Road. The Royal Thai Navy sank a French warship which was invading Thai waters by firing from this fortress. The binoculars and the ancient cannons are still kept there and a visit can be made with a permit issued by the Public Relations Section, The Royal Thai Navy. The Ancient City This park, located in Tambon Bang Pu Mai, Amphoe Muang at Km.33.5 of Sukhumvit Road, houses replicas of important places of worship of various Thai provinces. Some of those are miniaturized and some are actual size. It is also a center of interesting folk arts and culture. Bang Pu Seaside Resort is located in Tambon Bang Pu Mai, about 10 kilometers from Amphoe Muang. It is great place to rest and vacation. A beautiful garden and restaurant within make it suitable for dining and viewing the pleasant scenery. Crocodile Farm is located near Tambon Thaiban, three kilometers from town. It is claimed to be the world's largest crocodile farm.It reproduces crocodiles whose skins will be used for leatherware production while their flesh is exported as food. Beside crocodiles of ages, the farm also raises elephants, tigers and chimpanzees. Crocodile wrestling and feeding are demonstrated everyday. In addition, visitors will enjoy the dinosaur museum where more than 13 species of life-size dinosaurs and skeletons are on display. There is also a slide multi vision presentation on extinct animals and human beings. Paklat Songkran Festival is a very famous and enjoyable annual festival falling on the Sunday following Songkran Day (April 13). The inhabitants of Muang Phra Pradaeng with the cooperation of Muang Phra Pradaeng Municipality conduct the festival according to the Monus original tradition. This includes the Nang Songkran procession and the setting free of birds and fishes. Various games which originated with the Mon people are also enjoyed. http://travel.thainn.com/thailand/