Things To Do
in Samut Sakhon

Samut Sakhon, located just southwest of Bangkok, is a charming coastal province known for its fishing industry and vibrant markets. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples and historical sites reflecting its deep-rooted traditions. The area is also famous for its delicious seafood, making it a haven for food lovers.

Visitors can enjoy a blend of urban and rural experiences, from bustling markets to serene riverside views.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Wat Thonburi, a beautiful temple featuring intricate murals and serene surroundings. Afterward, head to the Samut Sakhon Fish Market to see the bustling trade and sample some fresh seafood.

afternoon
:

Visit the Mahachai Railway Market, where vendors set up shop on the train tracks. Enjoy exploring the local shops and tasting street food delicacies.

evening
:

Dine at a local seafood restaurant along the coast and enjoy fresh catch while watching the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Relaxation
morning
:

Visit the Mu Ko Chao Mai National Park for a morning of nature exploration. Take a boat tour to see the stunning islands and diverse marine life.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a beachside café, then relax at the beach or engage in water activities like snorkeling or kayaking.

evening
:

Return to the city for a night market visit, where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy local snacks.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Street food meal$1
🍽️Restaurant meal$5
🚗Taxi ride (within city)$2
🏨Hotel night (budget)$20
Coffee at a café$2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich seafood cuisine
  • Cultural experiences and historical sites
  • Close proximity to Bangkok for easy access
  • Less tourist infrastructure compared to larger cities
  • Limited English spoken by locals
  • Hot and humid weather can be uncomfortable for some
  • "สวัสดี" - Hello
  • "ขอบคุณ" - Thank you
  • "ช่วยด้วย!" - Help!
  • "ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "ฉันไม่เข้าใจ" - I don't understand

Places to Visit in Samut Sakhon

Visit one of these nice places.

Wat Thonburi

Capture the intricate details of this stunning temple, especially its colorful murals.

Samut Sakhon Fish Market

A lively atmosphere perfect for candid shots of local life and fresh seafood.

Mu Ko Chao Mai National Park

Breathtaking views of the islands and natural scenery make for stunning landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Samut Sakhon

Samut Sakhon is a paradise for seafood lovers, offering fresh catches and a variety of local dishes that reflect the region's rich culinary heritage.

Samut Sakhon Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pla Pao

Grilled fish stuffed with herbs and salt, served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Must-Try!

Tom Yum Pla

Spicy and sour fish soup that highlights the freshness of local seafood.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mahachai Fish Market

A bustling market where you can witness the local fishing culture and sample fresh seafood.

Samut Sakhon Night Market

A lively market offering a wide array of street food options, from grilled skewers to sweet desserts.

Climate Guide

Weather

Samut Sakhon experiences a tropical monsoon climate with three main seasons: a hot season from March to May, a rainy season from June to October, and a cool season from November to February. Temperatures typically range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). The rainy season can bring heavy downpours, but the cooler months are ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Buddhism

Dress modestly when visiting temples and be respectful of local customs.

Greeting with a Wai

A traditional Thai greeting involves pressing palms together and bowing slightly; it's polite to greet locals this way.

Removing Shoes

Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.

Safety Guide

Safety

Samut Sakhon is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded markets. Travel insurance is recommended.

Tipping in Samut Sakhon

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, but credit cards are increasingly used in larger establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Winter (December - February)

Cooler temperatures and less rain make this the ideal time to visit, with pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

Summer (March - May)

Expect hot and humid conditions, but it's also a great time for beach activities and seafood festivals.

Rainy Season (June - October)

Frequent rain showers can disrupt plans, but the lush landscapes and fewer tourists can be appealing.

Festival Season

Various local festivals occur throughout the year, showcasing culture, food, and traditions.

Nightlife Guide

Samut Sakhon at Night

Samut Sakhon's nightlife is vibrant yet laid-back, offering a mix of night markets, local bars, and seafood restaurants. The Samut Sakhon Night Market is a popular spot, filled with food stalls and live music. For a more relaxed evening, consider a riverside café where you can enjoy the view while sipping on local beverages.

Hiking in Samut Sakhon

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Khao Yoi Mountain Trail

A scenic trail offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Phra Pradaeng Trail

A moderately challenging hike through lush greenery and along the river, perfect for a day trip.

Airports

How to reach Samut Sakhon by plane.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Located approximately 60 km from Samut Sakhon, it is the main international airport serving Bangkok and the surrounding regions.

Getting Around

Walkability

Samut Sakhon has a moderate level of walkability. While some areas, especially markets and temples, are pedestrian-friendly, the overall infrastructure for walking may not be as developed as in larger cities. Sidewalks can be narrow or non-existent in certain regions, so caution is advised when walking near traffic.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Thai Fishermen

The local economy heavily relies on fishing, and this demographic group plays a vital role in the community's culture and traditions.

Immigrant Workers

Samut Sakhon has a significant population of migrant workers, particularly from Myanmar and Cambodia, who contribute to the local labor force.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Muay Thai

Traditional Thai boxing is popular in the region, with local gyms offering classes and matches.

Football (Soccer)

Football is widely played and followed, with local teams engaging in community matches.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Samut Sakhon can be congested during peak hours, especially near markets and main roads. Public transportation options include songthaews (shared taxis) and local buses, which are affordable and convenient for getting around.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Samut Sakhon.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many local dishes can be adjusted for vegetarians, but always check for fish sauce.

Gluten-Free

Options may be limited, but rice-based dishes are widely available.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare access in Samut Sakhon is adequate, with several local hospitals and clinics available. Public hospitals provide affordable care, while private facilities offer a higher standard of service. It’s advisable to have travel insurance for emergencies.

Discover Thailand

Read more in our Thailand 2025 Travel Guide.

Thailand Travel Guide