達人推薦
2023-12-12 Samut Prakan's Paknam, a small town at the river's mouth, and Samut Chedi, located on the opposite bank, host an annual Buddhist event at the Phra Samut Chedi Temple (พระสมุทรเจดีย์) from October to November according to the Buddhist calendar. It lasts for 12 days and is the oldest and most extravagant temple fair in Thailand, making it a must-visit event.
The temple fair in 2023 will be held from November 3 to 14. Come join us to explore this famous event that attracts visitors from all over Thailand.
Phra Samut Chedi Temple Fair
Phra Samut Chedi Temple is the symbol of Samut Prakan. People usually come here to pay their respects. It was built during the reign of King Rama II and is also known as the Water Tower (Floating Pagoda), retaining some features of Chinese temples.
During the annual temple fair, local worshipers travel by boat along the Chao Phraya River to the water pagoda to replace its red robe, praying for good fortune. At the same time, the temple and pagoda are decorated with lights, making the night look like a magical wonderland, attracting tourists from all over to join this Buddhist cultural carnival.
Paknam Temple Fair Night Market
Take the BTS Green Line to the PAK NAM station, and follow the long line of people to reach the temple fair night market. You can first visit the riverbank and take some photos, especially with the Phra Samut Chedi Temple on the opposite bank, decorated with lights.
On the riverbank, there is a children's play area with inflatable slides, mini trains, spinning airplanes, and a Ferris wheel.
There is also a cultural performance stage featuring traditional Thai mythical dramas, dances, and modern song and dance performances.
In the entertainment area, there are various games, such as shooting, tossing tennis balls to win prizes, and the nostalgic "Bingo" game, where you pay 60 baht for five number cards, and the shopkeeper calls out numbers that form lines to win prizes, with the biggest prize being large dolls.
There are all kinds of traditional Thai snacks available, and they are very cheap!
Everyday items are also sold, such as clothing, socks, and mobile phone covers.
Cross the River to Visit Phra Samut Chedi
At the river's mouth, there is a pier to Samut Chedi, with a boat fare of 8 baht per person. The main purpose is to visit the Phra Samut Chedi Temple. From the pier to the pagoda, there are various stalls along the way selling food, drinks, toys, and items. The vendors shout at the passing crowds, and the atmosphere is lively and joyful.
The temple and pagoda, adorned with lights, look like a magical wonderland.
The pagoda stands 38 meters tall, with 12 wooden base supports. It is rumored that the relics of the Buddha are inside the pagoda.
Return to Paknam Temple Fair
The boat ride there was crowded, and returning was just as crowded. The long line of people took about half an hour to return to the Paknam Temple Fair. Tired children rode on their parents' shoulders. The crowd was full of excitement and joy, with lights from the temple and boats reflecting on the river's surface, a beautiful view.
Come visit the Phra Samut Chedi Temple Fair!
The boat ride there was crowded, and returning was just as crowded. The long line of people took about half an hour to return to the temple fair in the small town at the river mouth. Tired children rode on their parents' shoulders. The later it got, the more crowded it seemed.
After three hours of eating, drinking, playing, and exploring, Thai visitors saw many childhood games, increasingly rare items, and delicious food, leaving with a heart full of nostalgic memories from the temple fair activities.
