The capital of the coastal Samut Prakan Province, Samut Prakan sits on the Gulf of Thailand and is intersected by the Chao Phraya River, where a busy pier area meets a naval museum, revered temples and an ancient fort. Samut Prakan grants easy access to numerous alluring attractions, including a crocodile farm, floating market and fighting fish gallery.

Things to do

You can explore life-sized and scaled-down replicas of some of Thailand’s biggest architectural wonders at the Ancient Siam museum park, including The Phimai Sanctuary and Three Pagoda Pass. History lovers will also enjoy visiting the Erawan Museum, which is home to a giant three-headed elephant art display and cultural and religious artefacts.

Immerse yourself in local life at the popular Bang Phli Floating Market, where you can pick fresh regional produce, trinkets and handmade goods from boat stalls. Combine it with one of Samut Prakan’s most unique attractions, the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery. Here you can get up close to numerous varieties of Siamese fighting fish and other river marine life.

Adults and kids alike will enjoy visiting the Naval Museum and seeing model ships and decommissioned submarines, tanks and planes. On those hot summer days, treat everyone to the pools and inflatable climbing structures at Water Park Fun.

Hang out around the Pak Nam Market Ferry Pier to discover excellent seafood eateries and bakeries, such as Butter Bakery. You can also walk to Pak Nam Fresh Market to pick up goods for cooking or visit Infinite Mall to browse contemporary fashion, beauty and electronic products.

Getting around

Samut Prakan is serviced by Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is about 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre. You can walk around certain parts of the city or use motorcycle taxis, ferries or bicycle rentals to travel longer distances.