Samut Songkhram’s cultural attractions

via Bangkok Post, 22 Aug 2019: Travel piece on the cultural and historical attractions of Samut Songkhram, about two hours south of Bangkok.

Samut Songkhram, Thailand’s smallest province, also is a small wonder. The coastal province along the Gulf of Thailand is about a two-hour drive from Bangkok. It has only three districts — Muang, Amphawa and Bang Khonthi. Yet it is packed with historical and cultural attractions, especially along the Mae Klong River that flows through the heart of the province and ends in the sea.

“The province is also known as the birthplace of King Rama II,” said Chansak Phantongdee, our guide.

During the reign of King Ekatat, the last monarch of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, a beautiful daughter of the wealthy Na Bangchang family of Amphawa named Nak got married to Luang Yukonbat Ratchaburi, who later became King Rama I of the present Rattanakosin era. Their first son named Chim later became King Rama II.

Source: Thailand’s small wonder