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Top 10 Things to Do in Samut Prakan
- Explore the ancient city of Muang Boran
- Delve into the past at the Erawan Museum
- Shop and chill at the Mega Bangna
- Enjoy the views at the Bangpu Recreation Centre
- Bask in the majestic beauty of Wat Asokaram
- Do some cycling at Sky Lane
- Be one with nature at the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park And Botanical Garden
- Be amazed at the statues of Wat Bang Phli Yai Klang
- Take a stroll around Pom Phra Chulachomklao
- Admire the beauty of Phra Samut Chedi
Samut Prakan isn’t as mentioned in most travel blogs and guides compared to Bangkok. It’s close to the nation’s capital and the Chao Phraya River, and with many exciting activities for you to do in this more suburb-like neighbourhood of Bangkok, it’s a must-visit.
We’ve listed down some of the best things you can do when in Samut Prakan to make your trip here much more enjoyable. Read on to find out more!
Explore the ancient city of Muang Boran
Address: 296, 1 Sukhumvit Road, Bang Pu Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10280, Thailand
Contact details: +66 2 026 8800
Operating hours:
- 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost:
- 700 THB per adult
- 350 THB per child
Mueang Boran is a unique park that you need to visit when visiting Samut Prakan. You’ll see structures here that can only be described as truly “Thai” thanks to their very distinct shape and choice of colour palettes.
The park’s name literally translates to “ancient city.” You’ll see replicas of famous buildings across the country and those that were created using original designs and those that were restored.
There are also structures here built on top of a pool of water which will give you a sensation that they are floating. Plus, ancient-looking Thai barges and boats (all man-made replicas) are scattered across this large pool for your viewing pleasure.
Once you’re done taking in the sights offered by the park, you can rent a bicycle to ride around the grounds of Muang Boran. They also offer tram tours around the park so you can enjoy the views in comfort and convenience.
It’s like a theme park if you’re a history buff or an ancient architecture enthusiast where you get to enjoy the many different buildings and structures across the country without having to travel far from Bangkok!
Pro tip:
- We recommend putting on some sunscreen and wearing a hat if you plan to spend the entire day at the park. There are very few shaded areas here and it’s best to protect yourself from the extreme heat of the midday sun.
Delve into the past at the Erawan Museum
Address: Tambon Bang Muang Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand
Contact details: +66886959307
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost:
- 400 THB per adult
- 200 THB per child
The Erawan Museum is another ideal place to visit if you’re coming from Bangkok. It’s a must-see site thanks to its unique rooftop statue of a three-headed elephant– something so majestic that you definitely need to share it on your social media account!
After looking up and taking photos of the towering statues, you can then walk down to the exhibition of the Suvarnabhumi Kingdom. Here, you’ll see the different sections of the museum featuring the country’s local porcelains and cultural artistry.
You can then proceed to the Mortal World and Nirvana sections of the museum where you can take pictures of the colourful backgrounds surrounding the exhibits.
The Mortal World features gorgeous stained glass while Nirvana will let you enjoy a colourful star map painted on the wall.
After exploring these exhibitions, you can then just chill in the peaceful and beautiful outdoor garden of the Erawan Museum while enjoying the different statues, structures, and sculptures depicting mythical creatures dotting the area.
Pro tip:
- To make the most of your visit to the Erawan Museum, we recommend that you explore the site for around 2 to 4 hours. This makes it an ideal part of your itinerary if you want to visit other nearby attractions such as the Muang Boran.
Shop and chill at the Mega Bangna
Address: 6 Bang Na-Trat Frontage Rd, Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
Contact details: +6621051000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
If you’re into shopping, then the Mega Bangna lifestyle mall is the place to be in Samut Prakan. It not only has shops, groceries, and restaurants but it also has an ice rink that can help you and your kids cool down after a long day of touring the province.
This sprawling shopping complex is home to some of your most recognizable stores such as Robinson Department Store, IKEA, and Home Pro. If you’re a fashionista, then Mega Bangna has got you covered with its numerous clothing boutiques!
It’s also impressive that there are over a hundred restaurants here for you to choose from. After all that shopping, you can choose to dine and relax with your loved ones at any of the Japanese, Italian, Western, and Thai restaurants within the mall.
Once you’re done with your meal, head to the Sub-Zero Ice Skate Club where you can do some ice skating in and around a 1,000-metre skating rink.
You’ll love the atmosphere here as the ambience of the rink shifts to glow in the dark making it a fun experience for both adults and kids!
Pro tip:
- The ice skating rink charges 300 THB per person during weekdays and 350 THB during weekends. This already includes the rental of ice skating shoes for 2 hours.
Enjoy the views at the Bangpu Recreation Centre
Address: 164 Sukhumvit Road, Bang Pu Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10280, Thailand
Contact details: +6623239911
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
The Bangpu Recreation Centre is a site you need to check out if you’re into bird-watching and sunset-viewing! Located near Bangkok, this place is usually teeming with locals and tourists who are all there just chilling and enjoying the scenery of the area.
The site is actually a seaside port where you can hang out and do some bird watching (mostly seagulls). The location also has a great view of the open waters of the Gulf of Thailand making it a wonderful spot to enjoy that great Thai sunset.
You also have the option to feed the birds flying in and out of the Bangpu Recreation Centre. There are vendors selling some bird feed for only 20THB and these treats are proven to draw these seagulls to your hand if you start feeding them.
Pro tip:
- To get the best experience for bird feeding, we highly recommend that you do it towards the edge of the bridge.
Some guests throw the bird feed on the road and while this may attract seagulls, it’s not the most ideal way for you to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures!
Bask in the majestic beauty of Wat Asokaram
Address: 2 Tessaban Bang Pu Soi 60, Thai Ban, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10280, Thailand
Contact details: +66811489285
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wat Asokaram literally translates to “monastery of no sorrow” and we can’t help but agree that it should be called just that.
You’ll most probably be elated with the stunning views of this temple as it perfectly portrays what a Thai temple should look like – classic and traditional yet elegant and majestic.
The temple itself has an impressive-looking chedi or stupa as it is elevated among the rest of the structures thanks to its pyramidal setup. You can easily spot this part of the temple even from miles away!
Littered across the temple grounds are the previous outbuilding ruins which are indicative of how old the site is. If you’re into archeology, the site might unleash your hidden Indiana Jones persona due to the location’s mysterious and historical vibe.
These ruined pillars also have detailed inscriptions and unique structures that you can take photos of as a souvenir since you won’t find anything like them in all of Thailand.
The highlight of your trip here though, is the Phra Thutangkha Chedi, or the 13 chedis representing the 13 duties of monks. These chedis add to the calm and tranquil feel of the temple, a perfect respite from the urban jungle that is Bangkok.
Pro tip:
- Monks do ceremonies and meditative chants that can help you feel more relaxed as you stroll the temple grounds. If you want to experience these activities, then we recommend that you visit between 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Do some cycling at Sky Lane
Address: Suvarnabhumi Airport, Suvarnabhumi 3 Rd, Nong Prue, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
Contact details: +66 83 023 7777
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Fees:
- 400 THB for a hybrid bike (maximum of 4 hours)
- 700 THB for a road bike (maximum of 4 hours)
- 900 THB for a carbon road bike (maximum of 4 hours)
If you’re on vacation but still want to stay healthy and active in Thailand, there’s no better way to achieve this than to go cycling at Sky Lane. This is a 23.5-kilometre track dedicated to cyclists and bike enthusiasts and is definitely worth your time!
It’s located near Suvarnabhumi Airport but you’ll be surprised at how beautiful the scenery around the area is.
It has multi-coloured lanes for different levels of cyclists (purple lanes for advanced cyclists and blue if you’re a newbie) and beautiful views around.
There are trees planted on both sides of these bike lanes which are perfect if you want to relax and chill out after a long day of biking. Plus, there’s also a dedicated rest pavilion for you to recharge before heading back to ride around the track!
You can also rent different bicycles here depending on your skill level and preference. If you want something easier to manage, you can just go for their carbon road bikes which are easier to navigate around the track thanks to their lightweight material.
We also recommend talking with other cyclists as they can give some tips on how to better use the shift gear levels of your rented bikes. You don’t want to stay in the lowest gear if you want to go around the track fast!
Pro tip:
- Your bike rentals will come with some cycling gear which includes a rear bike light and a helmet. The bicycles for rent will also come with your own bottle holder so we recommend bringing your own water bottle as well.
We also suggest bringing your own face towel, shades, and some sunscreen especially if you plan on cycling around the track mid-day.
Be one with nature at the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park And Botanical Garden
Address: 73 Soi Wat Rat Rangsan, Bang Kachao, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan 10130, Thailand
Contact details: +6624610972
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost
- 20 to 30 THB for bike rentals
One of the best and least crowded parks in the country, the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park And Botanical Garden is located near the Chao Phraya River and has stunning views of Bangkok’s buildings. But it’s not just the views around the park that matter.
Once inside the park, you’ll immediately get the feel of being in a countryside garden. There are trees, plants, flowers, and lawns that are carefully curated to make you feel like you’re in a rural setting despite being close to urban centres.
You can also stroll and do some cardio exercise while in the park. If you want to take your physical activity a notch, you can also rent some bicycles to ride around the bike-designated sections of the site.
Bird watchers will also have a great time here as you can proceed to the bird-watching tower within the park grounds. It’s an observatory measuring with an impressive 7-metre height which makes it perfect for you to spot these amazing birds even from afar.
Pro tip:
- While you can visit the park on your own, we suggest that you hire a local guide to help you explore the different sections of the park better. You can also join bike or cycling tours to ride around the park in groups.
Be amazed at the statues of Wat Bang Phli Yai Klang
Address: Bang Phli Yai, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wat Bang Phli Yai Klang is one of Samut Prakan’s most historic temples and for good reason. It was built in 1824 but its main highlight is its statue of the reclining Buddha– an image you won’t see a lot of even in Thailand.
It’s quite long at 53-metres and it has an interior consisting of 4 different levels which you can explore. The first level is dedicated to Buddhist practices while the second floor contains 500 different statues of Buddhist arahants (those who achieved Nirvana).
You can take photos of these impressive statues before moving on to the third level which houses the sacred images of the Buddha. The topmost floor is called the heart room where you can observe the locals offer golden leaves to gain favours.
Located on the topmost floor of the Buddha’s statue are some of the Buddha’s relics that came from Sri Lanka. You can check these relics out as well and take photos to keep as a souvenir or show your loved ones once you go back home.
Pro tip:
- You can visit the different areas of the temple (including temple grounds) from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, the interior levels of the reclining Buddha can only be accessed from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Take a stroll around Pom Phra Chulachomklao
Address: Laem Fa Pha, Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan 10290, Thailand
Contact details: +6624756260
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost
- Free of charge
Pom Phra Chulachomklao is a military fort that is near and dear to most locals and if you know its history, you’ll understand why. This site is a special one as it was used to defend the country’s sovereignty many times and you’ll see and feel it around the fort.
Inside the complex, you’ll also see the majestic statue of King Rama V, the sovereign who did battle with France to keep the country’s independence. You can then stroll through the fort’s grounds and appreciate the different military relics inside.
Next, you can check out one of the most unique museums in Thailand– the H.T.M.S. Mae Klong, Royal Navy Museum. It’s a museum made from a retired battleship that can give you in-depth information on the military heritage and history of the fort.
After exploring the museum, you can take a stroll around the naval park and enjoy the beautiful views of the Chao Phraya River. You’ll also see the famous Armstrong Cannons that were used to fend off Western invaders– they’re still working to this day!
Pro tip:
- You can bring a private car when you visit the fort as there are ample parking spaces here. However, taking the bus to the site is also rather convenient as you can take an air-conditioned bus going to the fort (Bus No. 20).
Admire the beauty of Phra Samut Chedi
Address: Samut Prakan 10290 Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Cost:
- Around 5 THB per ferry ride
You can’t get more Thai or local than the Phra Samut Chedi (locally referred to as the floating pagoda). It’s a traditional-looking chedi with intricate designs and colourful structures surrounding the main building.
These structures include smaller golden pagodas, and statues depicting Buddhist Ogres that are supposedly there to grant you good health and fortune. You can hop from one picturesque area to another to get some memorable photos of the site.
While the site itself is unforgettable, you’ll also enjoy the trip to Phra Samut Chedi itself. It’s located on the Chao Phraya’s west bank and you’d have to ride a ferry to get to the site giving you the opportunity to do some sightseeing along the way
Fortunately, these ferries operate from dawn until night and you can choose which time of day you wish to visit. Simply proceed to the Samut Prakan pier to get into one of the ferries and enjoy your boat ride going to Chedi.
If you choose to visit in the morning, you’ll be treated to some of the most colourful and vibrant sites in all of Thailand. On the other hand, visiting at night will provide you with the spectacle of multi-coloured lights while enjoying the refreshing breeze of the river.
Pro tip:
- Once you’re in the area, you can also check out the other points of interest near Phra Samut Chedi. Some attractions you may want to visit near the site include Phi Suea Samut Fort Museum, Wat Sakla, and Phra Chulachomklao.
