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Samut Sakhon
General Information
Samut Sakhon was formerly called Tha Chin probably because, in the old days, it had been a trading port dealing with a vast number of Chinese junks. In 1548, a town named Sakhon Buri was established at the mouth of the Tha Chin River. It was a centre for recruiting troops from various seaside towns. The name of the town was changed into "Mahachai" when Khlong (canal) Mahachai was dug in 1704 to join the Tha Chin River at the town. Later, the town was renamed Samut Sakhon by King Rama IV but it is still popularly called "Mahachai" by the villagers.
Samut Sakhon is located 30 km. from Bangkok. The province occupies a total area of 872 square kilometres and is administratively divided into 3 districts: Muang Samut Sakhon, Krathum Baen, and Ban Phaeo. It is a major fishing port and also the biggest producer of brine salt.
Symbol
The seal shows a Chinese junk in front of the coast, with a smoking chimney. Both refer to the old trading tradition as well as the local industries.
Provincial tree is the Devil Tree (Alstonia scholaris).
Getting there
By Car
From Bangkok
• Take Highway No. 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) to Samut Sakhon via Bang Khunthian District Office and Mahachai Intersection.v
• Take Highway No. 3 (Phetkasem Road) to Bang Khae, and then turn into the outer ring road before proceeding along Ekkachai Road to Samut Sakhon.
By Bus
Regular buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal daily between 4.30 a.m. and 9.30 p.m. Call 0 2435 1199-200 for more information.
By Train
Visitors can take a regular train which departs from Wongwian Yai Railway Station to Mahachai Railway Station daily, and then connect a ferry from Mahachai to Samut Sakhon Town. Call 0 2465 2017 for more information.
Interesting Products
Bencharong
This craft is a form of exquisitely patterned pottery, which was used at the tables of the aristocracy. Its name means "five colours" - usually red, black, blue, yellow, green - and only these five may be used to decorate it, although sometimes gold is added. The glaze is applied by hand, and the patterns are small and intricate. Very few artists, like those at Krathum Baen, follow the craft today, so examples of Bencharong are rare and much sought after.
Fruit
The people of Amphoe Krathum Baen and Ban Phaeo earn their living by growing fruit trees, vegetables, and orchids. Tasty fruit produced in Samut Songkhram include coconuts with aromatic juice, sweet pomelos, grapes, and guavas.
Seafood
Seafood includes fresh and dry fish, shrimp, shells and squid.
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