Samut Songkhram is a small province in central Thailand known for its vibrant floating markets and traditional way of life. The province is home to picturesque canals, historic temples, and charming country villages. Visitors can explore the unique local culture by taking a boat ride along the canals to the famous Amphawa Floating Market, where vendors sell everything from street food to handicrafts. Other popular attractions include Wat Bang Kung, a temple hidden within the roots of a banyan tree, and the Mae Klong Railway Market, where vendors set up shop on the train tracks. Samut Songkhram is a perfect destination for those looking for an authentic Thai experience in a less touristy setting.
The nearest airport to Samut Songkhram is Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. From there, visitors can take a taxi or bus to the province. It is also possible to take a train from Bangkok to Mahachai station and then transfer to a local bus to Samut Songkhram.
The best time to visit Samut Songkhram is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry. Avoid visiting during the rainy season from July to October, when flooding can occur in the canals.
Samut Songkhram has a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The rainy season lasts from July to October, with occasional flooding in the canals. The coolest and driest months are from November to February.
Accommodation in Samut Songkhram ranges from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. A basic guesthouse can cost as little as 300 THB per night, while a more luxurious hotel can cost around 1,500 THB per night.
Street food is abundant in Samut Songkhram, with many vendors selling local specialties such as seafood, grilled meats, and sticky rice desserts. A meal at a local restaurant typically costs around 80-150 THB per dish.
Samut Songkhram is generally considered safe for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still take basic precautions such as avoiding walking alone late at night. Women and LGBTQ travelers should also take care to dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection.
Samut Songkhram has a population of around 200,000 people, with a mix of ethnic Thai, Chinese, and Malay. The majority of the population is Buddhist and speaks Thai, although there are also small Muslim and Chinese communities.
Popular activities in Samut Songkhram include taking a boat ride through the canals to explore the floating markets, visiting historic temples such as Wat Bang Kung, and trying local street food. Visitors can also take a train ride through the famous Mae Klong Railway Market, where vendors set up shop on the train tracks and quickly clear their goods when the train arrives.