Samut Prakarn

Overview

Thanon Sukhumvit continues all the way to Cambodia, and the BTS is extending above this highway – past Bangna’s housing estates, industry, golf courses and outsize theme restaurants – into suburban Samut Prakarn province. You can combine its sights located at the Chao Phraya estuary into a half-or full-day trip.

Museums & attractions

Erawan Museum

99/9 Moo 1, Bang Muang Mai, Thanon Sukhumvit (0 2371 3135-6, www.ancientcity.com). Open 8am-6pm (5pm last entry) daily. Admission B150; B50 reductions; English guide B300. No credit cards.
A monument to religious harmony by the founder of Muang Boran, this huge 150-tonne metal statue depicts Erawan, the three-headed elephant mount of Hindu god Indra. From a kitschy museum, steps and a lift up the rear legs take you to a multi-faith chapel in the body. Oddly deep and deeply odd.

Muang Boran (Ancient City)

Sukhumvit Sai Kao km33, Bangpu Mai (0 2709 1644-8, www.ancientcity.com). Open 8am-5pm daily. Admission Thais B150; B75 reductions. Foreigners B300; B150 reductions. No credit cards.
The visionary Lek Viriyaphant created this open-air architectural museum, reconstructing salvaged masterpieces and scale versions of landmarks in a park shaped like Thailand. It’s a sublime, relaxing half-day jaunt by car or tour. Bicycles are for hire. Lunch in the floating market here or bring a picnic.

Samut Prakarn Crocodile Farm

555 Thai Baan (0 2703 5144-8). Open 7am-6pm daily. Admission Thais B60; foreigners B300; B30-B200 reductions.
The world’s biggest croc farm, with 100,000 occupants, includes the near-extinct Siamese species and the longest crocodile at 6m (20 ft). Hourly shows feature wrestling and head-in-jaw stunts, plus elephant shows and rides.

More trips from Bangkok

Ayutthaya & Bang Pa-In A summer palace and ruined Siamese capital.
Floating markets Estuarine attractions and a vast Buddhist theme park.
Ko Samet Beach massages, snorkelling and a mellow party scene.
Hua Hin & Cha-am World-class resorts and 5km of beaches.