Still a relatively new area, Survarnubhumi doesn't have much to boast in terms of shopping and tourist attractions. Its neighbouring areas like Samut Prakarn and Bangna, however, offer some worthwhile highlights. Caught between transits? Have a few hours to spare? The area around Suvarnabhumi Airport is dotted with sights and attractions that you can visit and still have time to be back in time for your check-in.
Talat Klongsuan Roi Pee (100 year-old Klongsuan Market)
Dating back to the reign of King Rama V, Talat Klong Suan Roi Pee offers not only a nostalgic ambience of Thailand's past, but also charming wooden shop houses selling vintage items and tasty local food. The market was once an important meeting point for villagers and people in the area because it was home to the community's only pier (to catch a boat to Bangkok). Old-fashioned style cafés still serve freshly-brewed 'O Liang', a Thai version of expresso. Straddling two provinces (Chachoengsao and Samut Prakan), Klongsuan Market is probably the longest (over one kilometre in length) market by a canal in Thailand.
Location: About 20 kilometres from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Follow the well-designated signs. The market is located on the right.
The Ancient City
The Ancient City's beautifully landscaped gardens mimic the shape of Thailand, and feature replicas of the county's most significant landmarks and monuments. Each of the over 116 structures is in their proper geographic position, and include palaces, bell towers, pavilions, temples, halls, floating markets, Buddha images and shrines. There are also displays of artifacts and antiques, including rural arts, ancient tools, and hunting equipment - evidence of the long-term survival of a native culture. Read more about Ancient City here.
Location: Ancient City, Samut Prakan, Bangpoo
Erawan Museum
A huge, three-headed elephant statue standing upon an equally gargantuan pedestal is the first, and last, thing you see when visiting Samut Prakan's Erawan Museum. It's a splendid, towering beast: 250 tons in weight, 29 metres high, 39 metres long, and cast in a pure green-hued copper. From conception to completion it took almost ten years to construct. With a proud, war-like demeanor and trunks the size of ancient Banyan Trees, this is an epic image of Hindu mythology's Airavata (otherwise known as Erawan) you'll never forget. Read more about Erawan Museum here.
Location: Sukhumvit Road, Samut Prakan
Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm
Home to over 60,000 crocodiles, Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm is the biggest in the world. Be thrilled by exciting crocodile shows and demonstrations. The farm also features elephant shows and other wildlife animals like tigers and bears. Read more about Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm here.
Location: 30 kilometres from Bangkok in Samut Prakan
Shopping can be found at huge shopping malls like Seacon Square, Central City Bangna, Seri Centre (IT Mall) and BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre).
Nightlife here is somewhat reserved especially for the locals, but most hotels in the area tend to have their own entertainment scene. Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport, for example, features two stylish bars that open until late everyday.
Learn more about Suvarnabhumi: Where to Stay, Where to Eat, Getting Around |
