Samut Songkhram
Samut Songkhram is the capital of the smallest province in Thailand situated right next to southwest of Bangkok. It is also known as Mae Klong and usually is just a settlement you drive quickly on your way to Hua Hin from Bangkok. However, city is often visited by hordes of tourists as they want to witness famous “Talat Rom Hub” (market of the folding umbrellas). It is a market installed on the railroad which folds and unfolds at each passage of the train. A surprisingly interesting spectacle!
The city itself is not big but rather calm and can become a great base if people plan to visit nearby floating markets. It has small night market which takes place not far from the train station but the city sleeps early. In the Samout Songkhram province there are many floating markets and most visited is Damnoen Saduak situated 25 kilometers from the city, Tha Kha which is 20 kilometers away and Amphawa only 9 kilometers from Samut Songkhram. From our perspective markets are very similar and it is up to you which you decide to visit. Damnoen Saduak we found to be most expensive when Amphawa offered the best prices.
Helpful tips
Restaurants. There are multiple places in the city where you can find descent food. In most of the local restaurants you will find price and quality ratio alright and food fresh, especially seafood. We heard from a local that for cheap and really good seafood people come here from other provinces as well. Stop by and try local food in street markets, look for a cleaner place and enjoy!
Markets. In Samut Songkhram as in almost every other city in Thailand you will easily find a lot of cheap souvenirs to put on your fridge. Local markets will charge you less the less you look like a tourist and if you know some simple Thai phrases, that will melt their hearts away. In shops all over city prices vary around same level, thus, choose a more convenient for you. Tesco Lotus accepts card payment, even if you do not spend 300 baths as in every other shop like for instance 7/11. We found it particularly convenient when you just need something like a water bottle or some snacks.
Transportation. To get to Samut Songkhram you can use car, bus or a train as it is relatively close to the capital and many tourists choose this scenic option. We traveled to Samut Songkhram using hitchhiking from Bangkok. After we got out of Bangkok it was an easy trip. First, we took a metro to the last station in the south west and from there we walked for couple hundred meters to reach the main road. Successfully caught a ride and reached our target. Either way you choose, be aware that infrastructure is quite developed, roads are huge with many lines and there is a lot of traffic. Do not forget to also enjoy the trip not only the destination.
Inside the city you will find yourself using local Tuk Tuk’s, bikes which are one of the most convenient transportation devices used to get around. However, exploration is doable on foot if you decide to skip on bike.
Best of luck planning your holidays in Thailand!
Is there anything else you would like to visit while in Thailand?
If you have anything in mind, please let us know and let’s discuss it.
For more traveling tips subscribe to our newsletter!