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Welcome to the wonderful province of Samut Sakhon! Here, you'll find a truly unique cultural experience and some amazing off-trail adventures. To make the most of your time here, learning a little about the local culture and etiquette is a great idea.
Do you know Samut Sakhon is home to Thailand's largest fresh seafood market? Or that, for centuries, the famous Tha Chalom floating market has been an excellent centre of bustle with its network of canals and the vendors peddling their goods from little boats? If you are still wondering about this destination, let Asia King Travel answer these questions!
History traced Samut Sakhon back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom, when it was already a major maritime centre. Maha Chai, now a busy centre in the province, used to be a crowded port where Chinese traders would anchor their ships laden with merchandise from faraway lands. The local architecture, food, and pace of life have all been greatly influenced by this infusion of multiple cultures.
The wonderful coastal province welcomes visitors to come and explore this remarkable setting, fully steeped in history, rich in culture, and uniquely bound to a way of life.
Samut Sakhon welcomes visitors to come and explore its remarkable setting (Credit: Tripadvisor)
November to February next year is the best time to visit Samut Sakhon. These are the 'cool months' when one could walk around the city without getting drenched in sweat. Temperatures have been known to go as low as approximately 22 degrees Celsius during these evenings.
Noticeably, July is the busiest tourist month, closely followed by June and January. Predictably, these are also the most expensive months if one books their hotels and flights during these times; however, if you book way in advance, you will save money. Moreover, April will probably be the cheapest month if people are willing to go during this period.
Samut Sakhon from the above (Credit: Thailand Guidebook)
Samut Sakhon is just 40 kilometres south-west of Bangkok, so the destination offers a good day out or even a weekend. Nowadays, there are a few different ways to get to this coastal province, so you can choose the one that suits you best according to your budget and what you want to spend.
Usually, one of the easiest ways to get to Samut Sakhon is to take the BTS Skytrain to the last stop on the Silom Line, Wongwian Yai. After reaching the stop point, you can get a bus or minivan directly to Samut Sakhon. Depending on the high period or not, the journey will take around 45 minutes to an hour.
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The most iconic landmark is the Samut Sakhon City Pillar, a holy place where the guardian of the province is believed to reside. It's located close to Pom Wichian Chodok, an ancient fortress, as it is the heart and soul of the province, especially for those whose livelihood depends on fishing. Fishermen come and pay their respects, then set off firecrackers at the City Pillar Shrine to bring them good fortune before sailing to sea.
This wooden pillar is intricately designed and depicts mythical creatures in a folkloric setting, making it a valuable cultural asset for the region. It's a must-see for anyone interested in Thai spirituality and traditions.
Samut Sakhon City Pillar (Credit: Temple Thai)
Wat Tha Mai is a place of immense faith and creates the community's spiritual centre. Known for its serene atmosphere, this temple sits in Krathum Baen District, the centre of Samut Sakhon Province. The atmosphere here is proper for worship or even meditation, as well as for just lying around. This is always a good time to visit this fine temple on a traveller's own or with family.
Wat Tha Mai is just the place to release your stress and have rest. Even a short-duration trip here will leave one refreshed, satisfied, and contended.
Wat Tha Mai (Credit: Thailand Tourism Directory)
Mahachai Market is conveniently located in Maha Chai, Samut Sakhon Province, right near the Maha Chai train station.
This market is well-known throughout Thailand and is probably the largest seafood market. This place is a famous name in the seafood distribution game, sending fresh catches to different parts of Thailand. If you're interested in experiencing the local life, food and unique experience, it's definitely worth a visit, thanks to the vibrant atmosphere and large assortment of fresh seafood.
Additionally, while seafood is the main draw at Mahachai Market, there's more to it than that. You can also find a wide range of handicrafts, such as colourful sarongs made in the area, pottery, and wicker furniture, for sale.
Mahachai Market (Credit: Get Your Guide)
Wat Krok Krak is right in the middle of the Samut Sakhon municipality. The area was originally called Kokkak, but the Chinese community there changed its name to Krok Krak by the influence of Thai culture. The locals have affectionately nicknamed the statue "Father Black Glasses" or "Phra with Black Glasses" because of this unique feature.
In detail, the main Buddha image in the temple's church is the most striking feature of Wat Krok Krak. With its black glasses, this laterite Buddha, which dates to the late Sukhothai period, is a rare and intriguing sight, making Wat Krok Krak the place for those interested in historical art and cultural traditions thanks to this distinctive feature that sets it apart.
Wat Krok Krak (Credit: Thailand Tourism Directory)
If you're on a budget, you'll find some great, affordable places to stay in Samut Sakhon that are still pretty comfortable by staying at local guesthouses for more authenticity. These places have a homey atmosphere and friendly hosts who are happy to chat. Most of these budget options also offer free breakfast and an easy way to get to the local points of interest.
What's more, these unique stays offer so much more than a personal experience. You can also spend time with locals to get inside information on the way of life in the region.
Hotel in Samut Sakhon (Credit: Agoda)
Samut Sakhon is well-known for its excellent and authentic Thai cuisine. So, treat yourself to the famous "Hor Mok Pla" with creamy and fragrant curry custard made of fresh fish, coconut milk, and a mix of Thai herbs and spices. Furthermore, you've got to try the "Khao Mok Gai," a Thai chicken biryani, it's rice cooked with spices and a rich curry-based gravy.
If you like seafood, you'll love the Pla Pao, a salt-crusted whole fish. It's basically a fresh fish wrapped in salt crust and baked until the flesh is tender and flaky. Then, you get to enjoy the taste of the sea as you crack open the salt crust to reveal the juicy steamed fish within.
Khao Mok Gai (Credit: Lada's Kitchen)
You'll be surprised at the amazing facts about the rich history and traditions of Samut Sakhon. This famous attraction will capture your heart and please your senses if history, culture, and exploration of the Thai way of life are on your agenda.
If you want to plan your own Thailand itinerary, don’t hesitate to contact us here. See you soon in Samut Sakhon!
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