Cultural tourism – Ban Khun Samut Chin, Samut Prakan

     Ban Khun Samut Chin is an eco-cultural tourist destination surrounded by water and the natural beauty of mangrove forests. The site is located in Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan Province. Because it is near Bangkok, many tourists visit this place to explore what it has to offer.

     One must take a boat from Pali Pier to Ban Khun Samut Chin Pier to reach Ban Khun Samut Chin Pier. Along the way, if one pays attention, various species of egrets can be seen in the Nipa palm trees, indicating that one is entering the Ban Khun Samut Chin community. The small village is situated on a cape that extends into the sea.

     This area used to be a significant hub for transferring goods from Chinese junks and international merchant ships to the capital city. Therefore, this led to the development of a large Chinese community here before the coastal erosion crisis caused some parts of the land to disappear. The local people then gathered together and formed a conservation group to promote eco-tourism along the coast of Ban Khun Samut Chin homestay. 

     Just 19 kilometers away from Bangkok, tourists can participate in plenty of activities, for example, paying respect to the Chaopho Num Noi Loi Chai Shrine, a sacred site of the village, exploring more than 10 thousand artifacts unearthed from the mangrove forest, such as porcelain items, ancient Thai money, and jars at the local museum of Ban Khun Samut Chin, experiencing the simple lifestyle of Villagers, observing how they catch shrimps, fish for shells, and crack oysters, making shrimp paste, swimming or biking to plant trees in the mangrove forest. Be sure to see the miracle of the ubosot (a temple’s ordination hall) that sank into the ground. Pay respect to the giant Buddha image in the attitude of “Pacifying the ocean” facing towards the sea at Wat Khun Samuttrawat or Wat Khun Samut Chin, the only remaining construction by the seashore. 

     In the evening, tourists can enjoy fresh seafood, such as crabs and big shrimps that go perfectly with the delicious seafood sauce, while admiring the beautiful view of the sunset casting the light in orange shades from dark to light onto the water against the shadow of the earthen dike and tiny cabins. This happiness can be found when you come to the Ban Khun Samut Chin community. You can also support the preservation of the seashore and watershed forest, since part of the expenses will be contributed to the conservation group.

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