Why is this temple called “ocean stupa temple”? Welcome to Wat Phra Samut Chedi. It’s a temple with a history as grand as the Chao Phraya River that flows beside it. The temple is named after its most prominent feature, the majestic Phra Samut Chedi. This beautiful stupa has a name that translates to “ocean stupa temple.” This might seem odd at first, as we’re clearly a good distance from the open sea. However, the answer lies hidden in the passage of time. This stupa, first commissioned by King Rama II, wasn’t always landlocked. It was built on an island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River! Over time, the river shifted, the water levels changed, and the island became part of the mainland. Yet, the name Phra Samut Chedi remained. Every year, on the fifth day of the waning moon in the eleventh lunar month, the temple comes alive. A grand celebration, a tradition started by King Rama IV, unfolds, honoring the stupa and its significance. This event is a sight to behold, with vibrant festivities and traditional ceremonies. It’s a testament to the temple’s enduring importance in the hearts of the locals. Though the river may have shifted and the island melded with the land, Wat Phra Samut Chedi remains a beacon of history and faith in Samut Prakan.
Garuda Museum
Behold the Garuda, a four-meter sculpture spreading its wings. This is the entrance to Southeast Asia’s one and only Garuda