Destination Guide
Experience the fruit farmers’ way of life. Admire their local wisdom derived from their ancestors about how to nurture their prolific orchards. This one-day bike trip on a 27.90 km paved road is ideal for families and amateur cyclists, and can be enjoyed all year long.
Starting and finishing point: Wat Amphawanchetiyaram Attractions along the route
1. Wat Amphawanchetiyaram – Historically, the Temple had a connection with the Bang Chang Royal Family of King Rama II’s mother, a native of Samut Songkhram. Pay homage to the Temple’s principal Buddha’s image and admire the very intricate mural paintings, some of which are the work of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, such as the face of King Rama II’s portrait, and the faces of the drum troop.
2. King Rama II Memorial Park – Cyclists can have a nice morning warm-up in the park’s lush garden where the sweet scent of Thai flowers fills the air. While you’re here, be sure to visit the traditional Thai houses, which exhibit a collection of antiques from early 19th century Siam.
3. Conservation area for Pla Kaho Yak at Tambon Bang Phrom – The nearly extinct Pla Kaho Yak is a large herbivorous freshwater fish which appears here only during the Chinese New Year (late January – early February). At present, it has been reported that only a few pairs of this fish have been living in Mae Khlong River. Visitors will enjoy feeding rice noodles to this harmless and easy frightened fish.
4. Tang Siam Ha House Museum – On cycling to Wat Ko Kaeo and heading to the Temple’s backyard, visitors will find nearby a row of traditional wooden houses, which is where the Tang Siam Ha House Museum is located. The Museum collects interesting objects from Mae Khlong River bed, which are mostly ancient ceramic pottery, as well as utensils which belonged to Chinese volunteer troops stationed at Bang Kung Camp. These forces rallied with King Taksin to reclaim Siam’s independence from Burma after Ayutthaya’s second loss to the Burmese invaders. Advance reservation is required, so visitors must contact Khun Thawatchai or Khun Prapeephat, tel. 0 3476 1098.
5. World famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – The Mae Khlong River and its canals create the perfect environment for a traditional Thai floating market. This market has a very pleasant atmosphere of breezy canals lined with greenery and wooden houses and is very worth visiting. Moreover, visitors can indulge in a great variety of food offered by merchants from a hundred wooden boats rowing from early morning till noon.
6. Somdet Amarin Bridge – Stop here for an impressive photo opportunity on the bridge across the Mae Klong River. The bridge offers a pleasant view of a splendid gothic French church on the banks of the serene river. The church was built more than 100 years ago.
7. Bang Kung Military Camp – After cycling for more than 20 km, refresh with cool drinks from shops at the Camp. Pay homage to the sacred Luang Pho Dam, which encouraged and uplifted the spirits of Siamese navy troops to free the nation from Burma after the second defeat of Ayutthaya Kingdom. Visitors will be amazed with the temple’s ‘Bot’ or ‘ordination hall’, which has been embraced by the huge roots banyan tree roots since ancient times.
8. Wat Bang Kae Noi – Arrive the Temple in the afternoon. Don’t miss the Bot whose interior is adorned with exquisite wooden carvings about Buddha’s life. In addition, the monks’ quarters are a collection of traditional Central Thai houses, which contain rectangular seats made from single planks of Golden Takian wood more than 1 m wide.
9. Ban Maeo Thai or Siamese Cat House – The house belongs to Uncle Preecha Pukkhabut, and showcases several kinds of indigenous Siamese cats whose names are poetically beautiful and have auspicious meanings. One special example is Wichian Mat, which means Diamond of the Moon and has been believed since ancient times to bring good fortune to its owners. Because of this belief, this particular cat has been a popular pet in the royal court, and is emblematic of the World famous Siamese Cat.
10. Wat Phummarin – Admire the Temple’s teak abode adorned with intricate gold and black lacquer designs. It was built by the father of King Rama I’s queen, and was given to the monk abbot who predicted that his daughter would become the King’s queen. Therefore, the Temple’s background is concerned with King Rama II’s biography and the history of the Chakri Monarchy.
11. Khlong Amphawa Evening Market – Enjoy the charming sundown at the quaint market on the banks of Amphawa Canal. There’s nothing better than finishing the trip with refreshing and aromatic young coconut juice. In addition, shops at the market specialize in superb Thai desserts. The market is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12.00 – 20.00 hrs.
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