If you think that Samut Songkhram only has markets, foods, and desserts to entice visitors, think again. Although attractions such as Amphawa Floating Market and Don Hoi Lot attract the majority of visitors to Samut Songkhram, this province is home to a few historical sites that date back to the Ayutthaya period. One such place is Khai Bang Kung.

Khai Bang Kung was originally a naval camp during the Ayutthaya period. After the second fall of the Ayutthaya kingdom in 1767, the camp was abandoned until King Taksin of Thonburi liberated Siam from Burmese occupation. During this time of war, as a measure of defense, the King asked Chinese settlers from Rayong, Chonburi, Ratchaburi, and Kanchanaburi to move into the camp and become the reserve army. After years of battle, the camp is still standing.

Upon arrival at the camp, one of the first things that will catch your eyes is the trees in the area. What you may not realize straight away is that the trees are in fact hiding a Buddhist chapel underneath. After centuries of growth, the trees have entirely engulfed the chapel, leaving only the entrance open for visitors to pray and pay their respects to the golden Buddha images inside. This remarkable feat of nature is the perfect example of nature, art, and religion fused into one. Four different species of trees surround the chapel.

The second attraction of the camp is the numerous statues in the area. These statues are a tribute to the fighters and soldiers of the Thai army. Each of the almost-life-size statues depicts a Muay Thai stance. Also nearby is a statue of King Taksin whom Thais revere. If you are visiting Samut Songkhram, be sure to stop by to marvel at nature’s work or just to sit around and relax in this open area.

Address : Bang Kung Sub-district, Bang Khontee District, Samut Songkhram

GPS : 13.445217, 99.941500

Opening Hours : Open every day; usually from 08.00 until there are no more visitors.

Best Time : 15.00 – 16.00

Highlight : The chapel engulfed by four species of trees.

Activities : Sight-seeing/ Praying

CAR
From Samut Songkhram town, take Route 325 (Maeklong – Amphawa) for about 5 kilometers. You will have to drive past a temple before turning left and crossing the bridge over the Maeklong. Continue straight then turn right at the T-junction. You will pass another temple. Drive until you notice a red brick wall on your left.

SHUTTLE BUS
Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus (Maeklong – Wat Pramote) from town to Khai Bang Kung. The buses can be found in front of SCIB bank.