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Amphoe Muang
Ao Mahachai Mangrove Forest Study Centre
The Ao Mahachai Mangrove Forest Study Centre offers
a nature trail along a mangrove forest around the Tha
Chin Estuary. From the town, take Sutthiwawithi Road
for 2.5 kilometres, then turn left and proceed for 6.5
kilometres to the centre.
Mahachai Market
This is one of Thailand's largest traditional fresh
seafood markets, but visitors can find much more than
seafood, especially if there is time to spare. Handicrafts
such as wicker furniture, pottery and local sarongs
are among the colourful offerings in the market. Crossing
the river from Mahachai to the west bank, visitors will
arrive at Tha Chalom, a large fishing village and industrial
land for marine products.
Phan Thai Norasing Shrine
This is regarded as the symbol of honesty. It was erected
to be a memorial to Phanthai Norasing, a man of integrity
of the Ayutthaya period. The historic event occurred
in 1704 when Phra Chao Sua, a king of Ayutthaya, made
a royal visit by the Ekkachai royal barge via the curved
Khok Kham Canal. Phanthai Norasing, who was the coxswain,
could not operate the steering, thus causing the prow
to be broken by hitting the limb of a tree. To foster
the palace law, the coxswain then begged the king to
slaughter him although he was forgiven. After his death,
the king built a shrine in Khlong Khok Kham and commanded
to have a new canal, later named Khlong Mahachai, dug
to eliminate the sharp curves of Khok Kham Canal. A
cruise along the canal via mangrove forests and fishery
villages is organised by Khun Narin Bunruam Tel: 0-3441-2490.
Pom Wichianchodok
This fortress is located near the city pillar shrine
in the town. It was constructed in 1827 during the reign
of King Rama III to prevent sea invasion by an enemy.
It can be seen as ruins nowadays. The cannons, which
used to be housed in the fortress, are now displayed
at the city pillar shrine and the city hall.
Salt Farms
Samut Sakhon is the biggest producer of brine salt.
Its picturesque salt farms, which sprawl across the
border with Samut Songkhram and along the Thon Buri-Pak
Tho Highway, have provided a back drop for many holiday
snapshots.
Wat Chong Lom
This temple fronting the river mouth is located at Tambon
Tha Chalom on the western side of the Tha Chin River.
It was constructed during the Ayutthaya period. Religious
buildings in the temple have been beautifully renovated.
The windy area by the sea is used as a rest area for
the locals.
Wat Yai Chom Prasat
Located on Highway No.35 with a left turn after crossing
the Tha Chin River, this is an ancient temple presumed
to have been built during the Ayutthaya era. The doors
and windows of both the old and new chapels were neatly
and beautifully carved in various floral designs. It
is believed the craftsmen were Chinese, as the carvings
include some Chinese trees. |
