Although the province of Samut Songkhram is small, its contribution to Thai art and culture is vast. To learn more about the history of Thai art, literature, and culture, visit the King Rama II Memorial Park.

King Rama II Memorial Park was established for the royal graciousness of bestowing exquisite art and culture as a national treasure. His reign was known as the ‘Golden Age of Rattanakosin Literature’. The King himself was a poet and artist, and employed many poets in his court including the illustrious Sunthorn Phu; Siam’s William Shakespeare. In 1698, the King was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Person.

At the memorial park, you’ll come across five Thai-styled houses which make up the King Rama II Museum. The museum contains artifacts and rare items belonging to King Rama II. You’ll find things such as porcelain, pottery, Khon masks, and the statue of King Rama II. Also part of the museum is the Male and Female Rooms. The rooms present living quarters of Thai men and women in the past. Inside the Men’s Room are a Buddha image, and a bed believed to have belonged to the king. You will also get to visit the veranda, kitchen, and restroom.

In addition to King Rama II’s Museum, you’ll be able to view Amphawa Cultural Museum. The museum showcases the way-of-life of farmers, way-of-life along the river, food, temples, and important dates and festivals of Amphawa. The museum also describes how Amphawa had a major influence on the Thai music industry since many well-known artists originate from here.

Also at the park is an open-air theater used for Khon performances which happens during the annual park fair. The botanical garden inside the park is a collection of over 140 species of plants and trees. These trees are not for mere decoration but for preservation and to be studied. Walk to the back of the park and you will find yourself nearby the river. There are seats and little shops available for you to sit and enjoy a cold beverage.

The memorial offers visitors the chance to view many Thai works of art. After your tour of the museum, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the park's garden. If you're in the area during the park fair, be sure to go there to catch performances at the open-air theater.

Address : Amphawa-Bang Nok Kwaek Rd., Bang Nok Kwaek Sub-district, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram

GPS : 13.426850, 99.952717

Contact : 034 751 376, 034 751 666

Website : http://www.kingrama2found.or.th

Opening Hrs. : Mon-Fri (08.30-17.00); Sat-Sun (08.30-17.30)

Entrance Fee : Adults 20 Baht; Children (Not over 135 cms) 5 Baht

Best Time : Anytime of the year

Highlights : Rama II Museum, Amphawa Museum, Botanical Garden

Activities : In early February is when the Memorial Park Fair begins.

Take Highway 35 (Thon Buri – Pak Tho) to the 63rd kilometer marker and drive through the town of Samut Songkhram. Switch to Route 325 (Samut Songkhram – Bang Phae) and continue until you reach a T-junction. Take a left and drive straight past the floating market, over the bridge, and past the temple. The memorial park is on your left.