Bang Pu Recreation Center, or simply Bang Pu, is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Bangkok. Located along the old Sukhumvit Road, it is operated by the Quartermaster Department of the Royal Thai Army and serves as a seaside retreat surrounded by rich natural scenery. The highlight here is the Suk Ta Bridge, a 500-meter-long concrete pier stretching into the sea, offering a perfect spot for birdwatching and watching the sunset.
A major attraction is the arrival of seagulls migrating from October to May each year, creating a breathtaking scene along the bridge. Beyond its natural beauty, Bang Pu also offers a variety of enjoyable activities that visitors shouldn’t miss.
Find out more here >>> Activities at Bang Pu Recreation Center
- Address: Sukhumvit Road, Bang Pu Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province
- Opening Hours: 06:00 AM – 08:00 PM
- Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/51Xn3ju4FRx6YNBr9
2. Erawan Museum
The Erawan Museum is recognized as one of the most remarkable and significant tourist attractions in Samut Prakan Province. It is home to the largest metal Erawan (three-headed elephant) sculpture in the world. The majestic statue stands atop the museum building, reaching a height of 43.6 meters, equivalent to a 14–17-story building (including the base).
Beyond the impressive Erawan sculpture, the museum also houses a rich collection of cultural and artistic artifacts, including ancient relics, sculptures, Buddha images, ceramics, and decorative columns, all carefully arranged into themed sections.
The museum is divided into three levels, representing different realms in Buddhist cosmology:
The Underworld (Basement Level)
The Human World (Middle Level)
The Heaven (Top Level)
- Address: 99/9 Moo 1, Sukhumvit Road, Bang Mueang Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province
- Admission Fee: Adults – 400 THB / Children (ages 3–12) – 200 THB
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/URkhKMbHMpLtB7nU8
3. Muang Boran Museum
Ancient City (Muang Boran) is the largest open-air museum in the world, covering an area of more than 800 rai (approximately 320 acres). It is a remarkable cultural park that showcases Thailand’s historical artifacts, architecture, and sculptures from all regions of the country.
Inside the Ancient City, the area is divided into different zones representing Thailand’s regions — the North, Northeast, Central, South, and East. Each zone features scaled-down replicas of ancient monuments, temples, and palaces, as well as exhibits that depict Thai lifestyles and traditions from various historical periods.
- Address: 296/1 Sukhumvit Road, Bang Pu Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10280
- Admission Fee: Adults 500 THB, Children (ages 3–12) 250 THB
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/URkhKMbHMpLtB7nU8
4. Samut Prakan City Observation Tower
If you want to enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of Samut Prakan city and the beautiful Chao Phraya River, you simply can’t miss the Samut Prakan City Observation Tower.
From here, visitors can admire the Chao Phraya River stretching all the way to the Gulf of Thailand.
You can also spot other famous landmarks of Samut Prakan Province such as the Erawan Museum, Bang Kachao, and Phra Chulachomklao Fort. Inside the tower, there are additional attractions including a Children’s Museum, the Samut Prakan Museum, and a library that showcases the province’s history and notable figures.
Location: Pak Nam Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province
Exhibition “Stories of Pak Nam City”: Open Tuesday – Saturday (Closed on Sunday – Monday and public holidays) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Observation Decks (23rd and 25th Floors): Open Tuesday – Sunday (Closed on Monday) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Opening Hours: Divided into two sections
- Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/hJE75nBizcy2gFEg9
5. Wat Asokaram Samut Prakan
Wat Asokaram, originally known as “Na Mae Khao” (Mother Khao’s Field), is a serene white temple distinguished by its remarkable Phra Thaat Tung Chedi, a cluster of 13 pagodas symbolizing the 13 ascetic practices (Dhutanga) in Buddhism. The temple spans over 53 rai (approximately 21 acres) and was founded in 1954. It is renowned for its clean, tranquil, and shady atmosphere. The highlight of Wat Asokaram is its role as a center for Vipassana meditation practice. The name “Asokaram” means “a blissful place free from sorrow.”
The temple grounds are surrounded by lush greenery and mangrove forests near the sea, offering a peaceful environment. Inside, visitors can pay respect to relics of revered monks such as Luang Pu Waen and Luang Pu Cha, as well as a replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat. Wat Asokaram is truly one of Samut Prakan’s must-visit temples for both spiritual seekers and photography enthusiasts.
Address:
Bang Pu Municipality Soi 60, Old Sukhumvit Road, Thaiban Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province, ThailandOpening Hours:
08:30 AM – 06:00 PMGoogle Map:
https://goo.gl/maps/fBzcA61AkF68KtBH7
6. Phra Chulachomklao Fort
Phra Chulachomklao Fortress, also known as “Phra Chul Fort,” was built in 1884 during the reign of King Rama V. It was constructed as a Western-style coastal defense fortress to protect the kingdom from possible invasions by France and Britain.
Today, the fortress serves as both a historic site and a place of reverence, featuring the royal monument of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Nearby, visitors can also explore the HTMS Maeklong Museum, a decommissioned warship, and learn about the Paknam Incident of 1893 (R.S. 112) — a significant event in Thai history.
- Location: Laem Fa Pha Subdistrict, Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan Province
- Opening Hours: 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM
- Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/v2e5RjnnJMAaLvwVA
7. Wat Phra Samut Chedi
Phra Samut Chedi Temple was built in 1819 (B.E. 2362) and is famously known as the “Pagoda in the Middle of the Water” because, in the past, the area where the pagoda was constructed was an island surrounded by water in the middle of the Chao Phraya River, behind Phisuea Samut Fort. Over time, the river gradually became shallower, causing land to connect with the island, so today it is no longer isolated.
The pagoda stands 38 meters tall and enshrines:
The Buddha’s Relics (Phra Borommasaririkathat)
Phra Chaiwat Buddha Image
Phra Pang Ham Samut (The Buddha stopping the ocean)
It is believed that these sacred relics protect the land from misfortunes and dangers coming from the sea.
According to historical records, the pagoda was built during the reign of King Rama II (Phra Bat Somdet Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai), following the construction of six fortresses at the river mouth. The structure continued to be restored through the reign of King Rama V (King Chulalongkorn). Inside the pagoda are 12 relics of the Buddha, transferred from the Grand Palace for enshrinement.
For travelers who enjoy spiritual sites or photography, Phra Samut Chedi Temple is a must-visit destination. The temple beautifully combines the charm of old European-style architecture with the elegant white pagoda standing gracefully beside the Chao Phraya River—a truly iconic landmark of Samut Prakan.
- Address: Moo 3, Suksawat Road, Pak Khlong Bang Pla Kot Subdistrict, Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan Province, Thailand
- Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 06:00 PM
- Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/H6CqFxZFSdSdonRa8
