Talk:Samut Songkhram/Listings

Amphoe Mueang
Don Hoi Lot This famous tourist attraction of Samut Songkhram is a bar on the mouth of the Mae Klong River. It was formed by the sedimentation of sandy soil called by villagers here as ‘Sai Khi Pet.’ The bar of 3 km wide and 5 km long covers two zones: Don Nok is on the mouth of Ao Mae Klong, accessible by boat; and Don Nai is located on the beach of the Chuchi village in Tambon Bang Chakreng and on the beach of the Bang Bo village in Tambon Bang Kaeo, accessible by car. In the area of the bar, there are many shellfish, such as Hoi Lot (razor clam), Hoi Lai (undulated surf clam), Hoi Puk (Ridged Venus clam), Hoi Pak Pet (tongue shell), Hoi Khraeng (cockle), etc. Hoi Lot is mostly found here and it has become a landmark of this place.

Hoi Lot is a species of bivalve mollusks, having muddy white meat in a straw-shaped shell and living in mud. Hoi Lot will be caught during low tide. A small stick previously dipped in lime will be put in a hole where the shellfish live. Because of the lime, they will be stimulated to appear and are caught easily. The lime should not be directly spread on the bar since it will kill all other shellfish in the area. The best time for a visit is around March – May because the low tide will last longer and the bar will emerge to be seen. Tourists can hire a boat from the Aphon Pavilion (near the Krommaluang Chumphonkhetudomsak Shrine) to visit Don Hoi Lot. The charter boat fee is 60 Baht (not over 6 persons), or 10 Baht per person. To visit the bay mouth, it costs 200 Baht per boat (not over 5 persons). To admire the beauty of the mangrove forest, it is 300 Baht per boat (not over 7 persons). For more details on the times of the high and low tides, contact the Bang Chakraeng Sub-district Administration Organization at Tel. 0 3472 3749, 0 3472 3736.

Here, there is a Krommaluang Chumphonkhetudomsak Shrine, and traditional Thai music is performed monthly on the first and third weeks on its front lawn during 4.30 – 6.30 p.m.

Furthermore, many restaurants and souvenir shops here offer fresh and dried seafood, Hoi Lot, fish sauce, shrimp paste of Khlong Khon, coconut sugar, palm sap, etc.

To get there By car
 * 1) To the Bang Bo village in Tambon Bang Kaeo, take the Thon Buri – Pak Tho Road (Rama II Road), and before Km 62, follow the direction sign on the left to Don Hoi Lot for around 7 km.
 * 2) To the Chuchi village in Tambon Bang Chakreng, take the Thon Buri – Pak Tho Road (Rama II Road), and at the foot of the Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai Bridge or around Km 64, follow the direction sign to Don Hoi Lot for around 5 km.

By bus A bus service is available all day from the market in Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram to Don Hoi Lot in Chuchi village.

By boat A boat service of various sizes is available from the pier on the Mae Klong River to Don Nok. For a group of 60-250 people, contact Khun Phonthip Saengwanit at the Sun Huat Heng Sawmill in advance at Tel. 0 3471 1466, 0 3471 2558, 0 3471 2451, 08 1378 5858; Fax: 0 3471 4240 (Food can be ordered to serve on the boat.), or contact the ferry ticket booth at the pier by the Mae Klong River.

Wat Satthatham or Wat Mon is located at Mu 5, Tambon Bang Chakreng. Take the Thon Buri – Pak Tho Road (Rama II Road). At around Km 64, follow the route to Don Hoi Lot for around 1 km. This temple is on the right before Don Hoi Lot. A landmark is the Ubosot (ordination hall) built by Phrakhru Samutwisutthiwong (former abbot) in 1992. The ordination hall is made of golden teak with mother-of-pearl-inlaid walls both inside and outside. The designs are exquisite, depicting the Lord Buddha’s history and Ramayana episodes. Housed inside the ordination hall are Buddha images: Luangpho Ban Laem, Luangpu Thuat Yiap Nam Thale Chuet, and Luangpho Phuttha Sothon, which are worshipped by the people of Samut Songkhram and nearby provinces. On the temple grounds, Kalamae-Raman or coconut toffee is sold by the Raman Phatthana Group of Housewives. It is a famous dessert of the temple for its sticky, sweet and creamy taste. The sweet is uniquely wrapped in Kap Mak (leaf sheath of a betel nut tree). Visitors can also see Kalamae making in a giant wok at the temple. For more information, call Tel. 0 3471 1305, 0 3471 3642.

Wat Khao Yi San is located in Ban Khao Yi San, Tambon Khao Yi San. Presumably, this ancient temple was built in the late Ayutthaya period. Here, there are many interesting spots. The Wihan on the hilltop is a boat-shaped hall where the four Buddha’s footprints are enshrined. The Mondop (square building) and wood-carved door panels from the late Ayutthaya period are fine craftsmanship of the master art. The renovated Ubosot possesses the art of stucco by craftsmen from Mueang Phet or Phetchaburi. Inside, there are original paintings, and figures from the Chinese chronicles seen on the window panels. The Phra Non Cave has a reclining Buddha image with nine toes. At the lower part lies the sacred shrine of Luangpho Pu Si Racha which is respected by the villagers. A fair to pay homage to the revered image is held in the first lunar month of every year.

Ban Khao Yi San Museum is situated on the temple grounds, using Sala Kan Parian (preaching hall) as its building. It was established in 1996 with full cooperation from the villagers of the Yi San Community who have been aware of their local history. Yi San is an ancient community of the same age as the Ayutthaya Kingdom, with people living in it continuously. The museum presents the stories of the community which are important and worth a study. On the ground floor, there are displays of folk wisdom, life and culture, tools for making herbal medicine, and household utensils. Other local tools and utensils are exhibited on the upper floor. The museum is open only on Saturday and Sunday from 9.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m., except for Buddhist holy days during Buddhist Lent. Contact should be made at least one week in advance for admission on Monday to Friday. For the reservation of a whole day visit, lunch will be provided. Admission fee is 30 Baht. For a group visit of not more than 20 persons, the admission is 200 Bath with a guide provided. For more information, contact Khun Siri-a-pha Ratchatahiran at Tel. 0 2433 1547, 08 1859 3195; the Khao Yi San Sub-district Administration Organization at Tel. 0 3476 3108; or Khun Amphon at Tel. 08 5164 9293, Fax: 0 3476 3109.

To get there Take Rama II Road. At Km 72, see the PTT petrol station on the left. Turn left to follow the direction sign to Wat Khao Yi San for around 7 km.

Wat Ban Laem or Wat Phet Samut Worawihan is located in town on Phet Samut Road. This is an important temple of the province. Initially, it was called Wat Si Champa. According to the Chronicles of the royal records, the Burmese led an army to attack the city of Phetchaburi in 1764. At that time, a Thai army from the capital came in time to help protect the city. Villagers of Ban Laem in Phetchaburi fled from the Burmese to resettle in Tambon Mae Klong to the north of Wat Si Champa, and called their village ‘Ban Laem,’ the same name as their former village in Phetchaburi. Later, the villagers helped restore the temple and renamed it ‘Wat Ban Laem.’

Most of the villagers of Ban Laem are fishermen. Once they went fishing in Ao Mae Klong and found two Buddha images in their trawl net. One was a seated image and the other was a standing figure. The seated image was brought to Wat Khao Takhrao in Amphoe Ban Laem, Phetchaburi, while the other was enshrined here in Wat Ban Laem and commonly called ‘Luangpho Ban Laem.’ The standing Buddha image holding an alms bowl is around 167 cm high. (The original alms bowl was lost in the sea. Somdet Chaofa Krom Phraya Phanuphantwongworadet offered a new one of blue glass instead.) Because of its sacredness, the image has gained respect from the villagers. Wat Ban Laem was developed to be a large temple since faithful people continued to make merit and pay homage to the image. Later, it was promoted as a royal temple of the third class and given a new name as ‘Wat Phet Samut Worawihan. Inside the temple compound, there is a Sangha museum with displays of Buddha images, amulets of different periods, ancient artefacts, blue-and-white porcelain, and a pulpit of the Ayutthaya period. Admission is allowed only through contact in advance to the abbot.

Chang-Eng Siamese Twins Memorial and Boat Museum are located in Tambon Lat Yai on Ekkachai Road, around 4 km from City Hall. The statues were built in memory of Chang-Eng, the Siamese twins who made Thailand famous around the world. They stand in the middle of a broad ground decorated with trees and flowering plants. There is a large pond in the foreground. Furthermore, the biography of Chang-Eng, the Siamese twins, is on display in a hall. Chang-Eng, the Siamese twins were born on 11 May 1811, in Samut Songkhram. During 1828-1829, Captain Coffin and Hunter came to Mae Klong to conduct trade and they encountered the Siamese twins. They were allowed to take the Siam twins back with them to America and the United Kingdom for shows in public places where the life stories of Chang-Eng who were joined to each other at the chest were repeated again and again. Both of them lived a normal life to the age of 63. The name of ‘Siamese twins’ made Thailand famous worldwide.

In addition, the hall has an area for a ‘Boat Museum.’ Here, there is a variety of local boats collected for a study on the Mae Klong villagers’ way of life. The museum is open daily from 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 8.00 – 12.00 a.m. Admission fee is 15 Baht. For more information, call Tel. 0 3471 1333.

Amphoe Bang Khonthi
Church of the Virgin Mary or Atsana Wihan Maephra Bangkoet is situated at Mu 7, Tambon Bang Nok Khwaek. This is a sacred place of worship of the Christians living in the area. It was built in 1890 by Father Paolo Salmone, a French missionary with supporting funds from his relatives in France, the overseas mission of Paris and Rome, and philanthropists in Bangkok. It took up to six years to complete the construction. The official opening ceremony was held on 11 February, 1896. It is a building of the French Gothic architectural style and coated with pounded lime. The interior is decorated with coloured stained glass. There are statues, a pulpit, a holy water basin, various kinds of candelabra, and carvings depicting historical stories in the Bible. The church is not far from the river bank. Advance contact should be made to the priest in charge for a guided tour at Tel. 0 3476 1347.

To get there Follow the Samut Songkhram – Bang Nok Khwaek route (the same way to King Rama II Memorial Park) for around 5 km. The church is around 100 m from the Somdet Phra Ammarin Bridge Junction.

Wat Charoen Sukharam Worawihan  is located in Tambon Bang Nok Khwaek, around 5 km from town. Within the temple, there is the Ubosot (ordination hall) built in a unique style with its ceiling curved like a boat’s roof. The hall houses Luangpho To, a Buddha image of the Sukhothai period. This laterite image has a lap width of 178 cm and a height of 208 cm from the seating base to the halo. In front of the temple, a pond teems with fishes, especially Pla Taphian Ngoen and Pla Taphian Thong. Here, visitors can enjoy feeding the fish and having a bowl of delicious noodles.

To get there Follow the Samut Songkhram – Bang Nok Khwaek route (the same way to King Rama II Memorial Park) for around 5 km, past the Church of the Virgin Mary, cross the Bang Nok Khwaek Bridge, and see the temple’s sign on the right. Turn right for around 500 m.

Bang Kung Camp is located at Mu 4, Tambon Bang Kung. When arriving at the camp site, visitors will firstly see an imitation wall built in memory of the battle. Here is a historic navy camp site. Following the second defeat of the Ayutthaya kingdom in 1767, King Taksin the Great moved the naval force to set up camp in the district of Bang Kung since Mueang Mae Klong (the city of Mae Klong) was in the way used by the Burmese army. A wall was built to make Wat Bang Kung be in the middle of the camp as a spirit centre for soldiers. King Taksin the Great later commanded the Chinese from Rayong, Chon Buri, Ratchaburi, and Kanchanaburi to form a guard unit for the camp. The camp was, therefore, called the ‘Bang Kung Chinese Camp.’ The king named the guards ‘Thahan Phakdi Asa’ or the ‘voluntary loyal soldiers.’ In 1768, the Burmese king of Angwa led an army via Kanchanaburi to surround the camp. King Taksin the Great and Phra Maha Montri (Bunma) jointly fought and defeated the Burmese. It was the first battle against the Burmese after the Kingdom of Thon Buri had been established by King Taksin the Great. The victory was hailed as moral support to the Thai people while it created a sense of fear among the Burmese army. The camp site was left deserted for almost 200 years. In 1967, the Ministry of Education established a boy scout camp on the site to celebrate King Taksin the Great, and also built a shrine as a memorial to the king. The ceremony to raise the shrine was held on 20 June 1968. Within the camp compound, there is the Ubosot (ordination hall) commonly called as ‘Bot Luangpho Dam,’ which was built in the Ayutthaya period. The hall is wholly covered by four species of ficus plants: Pho (Bodhi), Sai, Krai, and Krang. Therefore, it is also called ‘Bot Prok Pho’ (ordination hall covered by Bodhi trees). The monument of King Taksin the Great is in the nearby area.

Wat Bang Kung is located in the same area as the Bang Kung Camp, on the opposite side and separated by a road. Within the temple, there is an old ordination hall which houses a large sculptured Buddha image commonly called by villagers as Luangpho Bot Noi. Mural paintings from the late Ayutthaya period depict Lord Buddha while he was sitting in the niche and preaching, flanked by the disciples in paying respect to him. For more information, call Tel. 0 3476 1631, 08 9201 9684, 08 9014 5681.

To get there Follow the Samut Songkhram – Bang Nok Khwaek route (the same way to King Rama II Memorial Park). Turn left before the Church of the Virgin Mary to cross the Somdet Phra Ammarin Bridge. Turn left again and go straight for around 6 km.

Cruise the Mae Klong River
A boat for rent is available to see views along the river banks occupied by a line of houses. Among the houses are rarely-seen traditional ones called Ruean Panya or hip-roof houses. Furthermore, there are riverside temples, such as Wat Amphawan, Wat Bang Khae Yai, Wat Bang Khae Noi, Wat Phummarin Kudi Thong, etc. Visitors can also take a boat ride into canals through coconut groves and lychee orchards amidst a shady ambience. This canal route is less known among visitors, but it is quite interesting.

Sino Phattra Boat House is situated at 24 Mu 6 on the Samut Songkhram – Bang Nok Khwaek Road, Tambon Bang Khonthi, Amphoe Bang Khonthi. A boat service is available for cruising the Mae Klong River. The boat which was once used for carrying rice will cruise the Mae Klong River, past the Bang Kung Camp, the King Rama II Memorial Park, and Wat Bang Khae Yai, in which visitors will see traditional hip-roof houses along the river banks, and experience the tranquil river and nature. For more information, call Tel. 0 3473 0811, 08 1847 8051.

Ecotourism
Mangrove Forest Plantation in Tambon Khlong Khon offers an interesting ecotourism activity at the mouth of the Mae Klong bay, not far from Bangkok. At present, the mangrove forest area has been increased to cover more than 2,000 rai. Most of the trees are Samae and Lamphu. Visitors can ride a long-tailed boat to explore the mangrove forest area, see birds and crab-eating macaque, as well as witness the fishermen’s way of life closely. The Khlong Khon Sub-district Administration Organization Office will prepare a long-tailed boat, a sliding board, saplings and planting tools for visitors who wish to take part in mangrove reforestation. For more information, contact the Khlong Khon Sub-district Administration Organization Office (Oboto Khlong Khon) at Tel. 0 3473 1329, 08 9169 3862.

To get there Take Rama II Road. At Km 72, see the PTT petrol station, then turn left to the lane with an entrance sign to the Khao Yi San local museum for around 500 m, and turn left again for around 4 km.

Agro-tourism
How to make coconut palm sugar without using a bleaching agent
 * Dao Dong Agricultural Group of Housewives (Mrs. Prueang Makkhasap)34 Mu 4, Tambon Khlong Khoen, Amphoe Mueang, Tel. 0 3471 4900; Khun Yupha, Tel. 08 6040 1207.

How to grow pomelos without using pesticide
 * Mr. Somsong Saengtawan 29/2 Mu 3, Tambon Bang Phrom, Amphoe Bang Khonthi, Tel. 0 3476 1985.

Chili products
 * Thoet Thai Ruam Chai Agricultural Group of Housewives (Mrs. Thongho Sutsawat) 47 Mu 9, Tambon Mueang Mai, Amphoe Amphawa, Tel. 0 3473 5106, 08 6548 3106.

Food and product centre
 * Thoet Thai Ruam Chai Agricultural Group of Housewives (Mrs. Thongyip Kaeoninlakun) 34/1 Mu 9, Tambon Mueang Mai, Amphoe Amphawa.

Homestay

 * Ban Tha Kha is located in Tha Kha village, Tambon Tha Kha, Amphoe Amphawa, and operated by a group of Tha Kha villagers. Visitors will stay with the villagers, witness how to collect coconut sap, simmer coconut sugar, paddle around the orchards, see fireflies at night or visit Tha Kha Floating Market (an overnight stay is recommended before the day scheduled for the local market). For more information, contact the Tha Kha Sub-district Administration Organisation at Tel. 0 3476 6208, 0 3476 6123, 0 3476 6094; Khun Thawip Chueathai at Tel. 0 3476 6170; and Khun Sap Phongphet at Tel. 0 3476 6190.


 * Ban Suan Ruean Thai (Talat Nam Tha Kha) is located at 27 Mu 2, Tambon Tha Kha. Visitors will experience the villagers’ way of life by the canal. Activities include offering morning alms to Buddhist monks, visiting  orchards, seeing how to simmer coconut sugar, paddling along the canal, seeing fireflies at night, taking traditional massage (advance booking), and riding a boat to Tha Kha Floating Market. Contact Village Headman Urai Silueang at Tel. 0 3476 6323, 08 6789 8130; Bangkok: Tel. 0 2949 8888, Fax: 0 2948 2054.


 * Baan Rim Khlong (around Khlong Phi Lok) is located at 43/1 Mu 6, Tambon Ban Prok, Amphoe Mueang, Tel. 0 3475 2775, 08 1659 1189, 08 9170 2904. There are 9 houses; 700-800 Baht. (700 Baht/night including 2 meals and boat trips to see fireflies and visit Tha Kha Floating Market, and 800 Baht/night including 3 meals and boat trips to see fireflies and plant a tree at the Khlong Khon mangrove forest.) Contact can be made via e-mail address: baan-rimkhlong@yahoo.com. Activities include a boat ride along the canal and the Mae Klong River, a visit to the art group of handicrafts made from wood and coconut shell, traditional massage, and a boat trip to see fireflies.


 * Ban Hua Hat is located in Hua Hat village, Tambon Mueang Mai, Amphoe Amphawa. Activities include giving morning alms to Buddhist monks, a visit to see processed agricultural products and Thapthim fish (Red Tilapia) farming,  a boat to see fruit orchards, and a visit to Ban Dontri Thai. For more information, contact Khun Thongyip Kaeoninlakun (Village Headman of Mu 9) at Tel. 0 3473 5073.


 * Mu Ban Ruean Thai (Village of Traditional Thai Houses) is situated at Mu 6, Tambon Plai Phongphang, Amphoe Amphawa. Activities include giving morning alms to Buddhist monks, a visit to pay homage to revered Buddha images at temples, a visit to see the villagers’ way of life along the canal, a firewood oven for making coconut sugar, and traditional Thai houses. For more information, contact Sub-district Headman Thawat Bunphat at Tel. 08 1403 7907, 0 3471 7510, 0 3476 7333, 08 9988 1754, Fax: 0 3471 7511.


 * Thai Boat House Amphawa Homestay is located at 9 Mu 6, Tambon Suan Luang, Amphoe Amphawa, Tel. 08 6551 0549, 0 2875 4771, or visit www.thaiboathouse.com (650-1,000 Baht/person, including meals, river cruising and morning alms giving.)


 * Nayok Oboto Suan Luang Homestay is situated by the Pracha Chom Chuen Canal, Tambon Suan Luang, Amphoe Amphawa, Tel. 08 1793 5560, 0 3475 1023, 0 3473 2623. There are 6 houses; 350 Baht/person, including 2 meals, and 650 Baht/person, including 2 meals and boat trips to see fireflies at night and visit Tha Kha Floating Market in the morning.

Events and Festivals
Fair in Honour of King Rama II To be held in early February at the King Rama II Memorial Park in Amphoe Amphawa. There are performances, a demonstration of traditional Thai desserts, folk plays, outdoor classical Thai masked dance, handicrafts, and local products for sale.

Lychee Fair To be held from around the end of March to the early of April in Amphoe Amphawa (subject to the produce of each year).

Luangpho Ban Laem Fair To be held between 13-19 April every year at Wat Phetsamut Worawihan in Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram.

Sunset at Don Hoi Lot Fair and Board Sliding Competition To be held in May at Don Hoi Lot in Chuchi village, Mu 4, Tambon Bang Chakreng, Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram.

Khao Yai Pomelo Fair To be held at the end of August every year.

Annual Long Boat Race To be held on Loi Krathong Day at Wat Rat Peng in Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram.

Mackerel Eating and Mae Klong Famous Products Festival To be held in front of City Hall in December.

Sleep

 * Alongkorn 1 (อลงกรณ์ 1) 541/15 Kasemsuk Road, Tambon Mae Klong (Tel: 0 3471 1017), 37 rooms: 150-250 baht
 * Alongkorn 2 (อลงกรณ์ 2) 540 Wat Pom Kaeo Road, Tambon Mae Klong (Tel: 0 3471 1790), 48 rooms: 150-250 baht
 * First Inn (เฟิร์สอินน์) Km.70 Thon Buri-Pak Tho Road (Tel: 0 3473 2921-2), 11 rooms: 550 baht
 * Mae Klong Hotel (แม่กลอง) 526/10-13 Phetsamut Road, Tambon Mae Klong (Tel: 0 3471 1150), 18 rooms: 150 baht
 * Rainbow Inn (เรนโบว์อินน์) 50/2 Thon Buri-Pak Tho Road (Tel: 0 3471 1286), 40 rooms: 150-300 baht
 * Thai Sawasdi (ไทยสวัสดิ์) 524 Phetsamut Road, Tambon Mae Klong (Tel: 0 3471 1205), 12 rooms: 100 baht

Travel Tips

 * Study the information on travel and tourist attractions.
 * Study the seasons of flowers, birds, or appropriate travelling time.
 * Help maintain tourism resources of both natural and cultural attractions.
 * Do not act against the local way of life and traditions.
 * Be careful and have regard for safety while travelling.
 * Follow the authorities’ advice strictly.

Suggested Itinerary
One-day Tour to Samut Songkhram

Route I

Morning
 * 6.30 a.m.	Depart Bangkok for Samut Songkhram. Take the Session Phetchakasem - Ratchaburi route and enter Samut Songkhram via the Bang Phae - Samut Songkhram Junction.
 * 7.30 a.m. Visit Tha Kha Floating Market (held only at weekends and on the second, seventh, and twelfth days of the waning or waxing moon in the lunar month).
 * 9.30 a.m.	Witness the making of coconut sugar on a firewood stove beside Highway 325, between Km 30-34.
 * 10.00 a.m.	Proceed to Ban Bencharong (Bencharong Pentachrome Porcelain House).
 * 10.10 a.m.	See the making of Bencharong porcelain.
 * 10.40 a.m.	Leave for Wat Amphawan and the King Rama II Memorial Park.
 * 12.00 a.m.	Lunch.

Afternoon
 * 1.00 p.m.	Witness the making of ‘So U’ (an alto fiddle) at Ban Phaya So (Contact should be made in advance).
 * 2.00 p.m.	Visit Atsana Wihan Maephra Bangkoet or the Church of the Virgin Mary. (Contact should be made in advance for a visit inside the church).
 * 3.00 p.m.	Visit Khai Bang Kung or Bang Kung Camp and Bot Prok Pho (the ordination hall under the cover of Bodhi trees).
 * 4.00 p.m.	Travel back to Bangkok via Rama II Road (Thon Buri - Pak Tho Road). Drop by the Market of Mae Klong Famous Products at Km 65 and Bang Kaeo Market at Km 58 to buy souvenirs	(open on Thursday or Sunday only).

Route II

Morning
 * 7.00 a.m.	Depart from Bangkok. Take Rama II Road (Thon Buri - Pak Tho Road).
 * 8.00 a.m.	Visit the museum of Wat Khao Yi San on Rama II Road, at Km 72.(For those who are interested in ecotourism activities and a boat trip to see the mangrove forest plantation project, contact the Khlong Khon Sub-district Administration Organization Office (Oboto Khlong Khon) in advance. The trip takes about 1½ hours.
 * 10.00 a.m.	Visit Don Hoi Lot. Pay homage to the shrine of Krommaluang Chumphonkhetudomsak (a boat trip to Don Hoi Lot is available).
 * 12.00 a.m.	Lunch. Drop by the shops at Don Hoi Lot to buy souvenirs.

Afternoon
 * 1.00 p.m.	Witness the mother-of-pearl-inlaid golden teak ordination hall at Wat Satthatham (Wat Mon) and sample Kalamae-Raman (coconut toffee).
 * 2.00 p.m.	Arrive at the town of Samut Songkhram. Pay homage to Luangpho Ban Laem at Wat Phetsamut Worawihan.
 * 3.00 p.m.	Visit the Chang-Eng Memorial and the Boat Museum. Travel back to Bangkok via Ekkachai Road.

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 00:22, 3 February 2010 (EST)