Bang Pu Recreation Centre often simply called Bang Pu—is one of the most popular getaway destinations near Bangkok. Located on the old Sukhumvit Road, this seaside retreat under the Quartermaster Department of the Royal Thai Army is surrounded by rich natural scenery. Its iconic landmark, Suk Ta Bridge, is a concrete pier stretching more than 500 metres out into the sea, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching and sunset views.
A major highlight is the annual migration of seagulls that flock here from October to May each year, offering visitors a rare and wonderful sight. Beyond its natural beauty, Bang Pu also offers a variety of enjoyable activities that travellers shouldn’t miss. Curious about what to do here? Let’s explore! >>> Bang Pu Activities
- Address: Sukhumvit Road, Bang Pu Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province
- Opening Hours: 06:00–20:00
- Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/51Xn3ju4FRx
2. Erawan Elephant Museum
The Erawan Museum is recognized as one of the most important and iconic attractions in Samut Prakan Province. It is home to the world’s largest metal sculpture of the Erawan, a three-headed elephant standing atop the museum building. The sculpture reaches a height of 43.6 meters—equivalent to a 14–17-storey building (including the base).
Beyond the magnificent Erawan statue, the museum houses a collection of cultural artifacts, including antiques, artworks, stucco pieces, Buddha images, ceramics, and decorative pillar works. The interior is divided into three thematic levels:
The Underworld (Basement Level)
The Human World (Middle Level)
The Heaven (Upper Level)
- Location: 99/9 Moo 1, Sukhumvit Road, Bang Mueang Mai Sub-district, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province
- Admission Fee: Adults 400 THB, Children (ages 3–12) 200 THB
- Opening Hours: 09:00–18:00
- Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/URkhKMbHMpLtB7nU8
3. Ancient City (Muang Boran)
Ancient City is the largest open-air museum in the world, spanning over 800 rai. It showcases a vast collection of historical artifacts, architecture, and Thai sculptures from all regions of the country.
Inside Ancient City, the area is divided into zones based on Thailand’s regions — North, Northeast, Central, South, and East. The site features scaled-down recreations of ancient monuments, temples, and palaces, along with representations of traditional Thai ways of life across different eras.
- 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 Observation Tower
If you’re looking for a place to take in panoramic 360-degree views of Samut Prakan and the beautiful river scenery, the Samut Prakan Observation Tower is a must-visit. From here, you can admire the Chao Phraya River stretching all the way to the Gulf of Thailand.
You can also spot many of the province’s major attractions, such as the Erawan Museum, Bang Krachao, and Phra Chulachomklao Fort. Inside the tower, you’ll find a children’s museum, the Samut Prakan Museum, and a library that showcases the history and notable figures of the province.
- Location: Pak Nam Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province
- Opening Hours:
Exhibition “Stories of Pak Nam”: Open Tuesday–Saturday (closed on Sunday–Monday and public holidays), from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. - Observation Deck (23rd & 25th Floors): Open Tuesday–Sunday (closed on Monday), from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/hJE75nBiz
5. Wat Asokaram
Wat Asokaram was originally called “Na Mae Khao.” It is a white temple featuring Phra That Tang Chedi, a cluster of 13 stupas symbolizing the 13 Dhutanga practices. The temple sits on more than 53 rai of land and was founded in 1954. Known for its serene, clean, and peaceful atmosphere, its highlight is being a renowned place for Vipassana meditation.
The name “Asokaram” translates to “a blissful place free from sorrow.”
The temple is surrounded by various trees, offering a refreshing environment as it is located next to mangrove forests and the sea. Inside, visitors can pay respect to sacred relics and revered monks such as Luang Pu Waen, Luang Pu Cha, and a replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat.
It is one of Samut Prakan’s must-visit temples—perfect for spiritual seekers and photography lovers alike
- Location: Bang Pu Municipality Soi 60, Old Sukhumvit Road, Thaiban Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province
- Operating Hours: 08:30–18:00
- Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/fBzcA61AkF68KtBH7
6. Phra Chulachomklao Fort
Phra Chulachomklao Fort, commonly known as “Phra Chul Fort,” was built in 1884 as a Western-style artillery fort to defend against invasions from France and England during the reign of King Rama V.
Today, it serves as a sacred site for paying respects and learning about the history of the King Chulalongkorn Monument. The area is also home to the HTMS Maeklong Museum, a decommissioned naval ship showcasing historical events from the R.S. 112 era, offering visitors even more to explore.
- Location: Laem Fa Pha Subdistrict, Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan Province
- Opening Hours: 08:30–16:30
- Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/v2e5RjnnJMAaLvw
7. Phra Samut Chedi Temple
Phra Samut Chedi Temple was built in 1819 (B.E. 2362) and is widely known as the “Pagoda in the Middle of the Water.” In the past, the chedi stood on an island completely surrounded by water in the middle of the Chao Phraya River, behind the Phisuea Samut Fortress. Over time, the river became shallower and land gradually connected to the island, so it is no longer isolated today.
The chedi stands 38 meters tall and enshrines:
Relics of the Lord Buddha (Phra Borommarirachathat)
Phra Chaiwat Buddha Image
Phra Pang Ham Samut Image
It is believed to protect the land from misfortune or danger coming from the sea. Historically, it was built during the reign of King Rama II, after the construction of six major fortresses at the river mouth. The chedi continued to be restored through subsequent reigns, including that of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Inside, it houses 12 relics of the Buddha, transferred from the Grand Palace.
For spiritual travelers and photography lovers, Phra Samut Chedi Temple is a must-visit destination. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the area, featuring charming old European-style buildings and a striking white pagoda situated along the Chao Phraya River.
- Address: Moo 3, Suksawat Road, Pak Khlong Bang Pla Kot Subdistrict, Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan Province
Opening Hours: 07:00–18:00
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/H6CqFxZ
