| Samutsongkram
Samut Songkhram is an old city established even before King Narai. It was originally part of Ratchaburi province called ‘Suan Nok’. Later, toward the end of Ayutthaya era to the beginning of Thonburi period, the town was segregated into a new city called ‘Mueang Mae Klong’. Also back in 180 years ago, it was the birthplace of the world-renowned Siamese twins, In and Chan.
Samut Songkhram is a small province of 416 square km and located just only 72 km south of Bangkok. Although it has only three districts, Muang, Amphawa and Bang Khonthi, it is the haven of agro-tourism as the local communities in this province are intensely agriculture-based. With more than 300 natural and dug-out canals within the town, it is very pleasant and mind-retreating to paddle along to see coconut, palm and lychee farms and way of fishermen’s life.
Major agricultural products from this province are palm sugar, palm juice, orchids and craved coconut shells for ‘Soe’, a Thai musical string instrument.
Amphawa District
Amphawa District is located in Samut Songkram province. It is an important place with the Thai historical background from the Ayutthaya period to the early Rattanakosin period. In the past, it was called “Kwaeng Bang Chang”, a small community that prospered in both agriculture and commerce. There are evidences that suggest King Rama I, the founder of the present Chakri Dynasty, is married to a daughter of the rich ‘Bang Chang’ family from Kwaeng Bang Chang town. This family was said to settle behind Wat Chulamani before relocating to a new residence behind Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram. There are also evidences that King Rama II, the fourth son of King Rama I, was born in this town. Hence, the present King Rama II Memorial Park is dedicated as his royal birthplace.
King Rama II Memorial Park
King Rama II Memorial Park is the riverside garden on 11-rai area, built to honor King Rama II (1809-1824) who was the ‘poet king’. The site is believed to be his royal birthplace. The main attraction is a traditional Thai-style teak mansion used as King Rama II Museum to house an exhibition of his works.
King Rama II Museum - 4 buildings built in traditional Thai architectural style. The museum displays many old artifacts that date back to early Rattanakosin era (18th century). The museum compound consists of several groups of traditional Thai houses that exhibit different pieces of arts. For example, Ho Klang (main hall) houses the statue of King Rama II. Ho Non Chai (men room) depicts the Thai man’s lifestyle. Ho Non Ying (women room) depicts the Thai woman’s lifestyle. Chan Ruean (corridor) depicts the traditional Thai style house. It also features an outdoor theatre, a lush botanical garden with various types of trees that are found in Thai literature, shops selling local goods and various kinds of fruits.
The park and museum are open daily from 09.00-18.00.
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