Phra Samut Chedi

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 16:00

 

Phra Samut Chedi in Samut Prakan is one of the province’s most recognizable sacred landmarks and is widely known as the “Pagoda in the Water.” It stands within Wat Phra Samut Chedi on Suk Sawat Road in Pak Khlong Bang Pla Kot Subdistrict, along the Chao Phraya River, and has long served as both a religious monument and a symbol of Samut Prakan itself.

 

The site is especially distinctive because the pagoda originally stood on an island in the mouth of the Chao Phraya River, behind Phi Suea Samut Fort. Over time, river sediment built outward from the right bank until the old island became connected to the mainland. Even though it is no longer physically surrounded by water, the old memory remains so strong that many people still call it the “water pagoda.”

 

The history of Phra Samut Chedi spans three reigns. King Rama II ordered the construction of the original great pagoda on the island, but the work was not completed before the end of his reign. King Rama III later continued the project and completed the pagoda at a height of 20 meters. In the reign of King Rama IV, the form of the pagoda was altered and the structure was raised again to 38 meters, creating the appearance that visitors see today.

 

Inside the pagoda are revered Buddhist relics and sacred images, including relics of the Buddha, a Phra Chaiwat image, and a Buddha in the gesture of calming the sea. This gives the monument significance far beyond its architectural value. For local worshippers, Phra Samut Chedi is a major place of merit-making, prayer, and spiritual devotion.

 

One of the strongest visual impressions of the site is the white pagoda rising clearly beside the river. Its form is elegant and solemn, and during the famous annual festival when the pagoda is wrapped in red cloth, the atmosphere becomes especially striking. At that time, the monument takes on an even stronger ceremonial identity and becomes the center of one of Samut Prakan’s best-known religious events.

 

The temple grounds also make the visit rewarding. In addition to the pagoda itself, visitors can explore the surrounding temple compound, take photographs from different angles, and enjoy the river atmosphere of this historic district. Morning and late afternoon are usually the most comfortable times to visit, especially for those who want to walk around calmly and appreciate the surroundings.

 

Phra Samut Chedi is also an excellent starting point for a broader cultural route in the coastal part of Samut Prakan. Nearby sites such as Phi Suea Samut Fort, Phra Chulachomklao Fort, Wat Sakhla, Ban Sakhla Old Market, and the Khun Samut Chin community add historical and local depth to the trip. This makes the area suitable not only for a brief temple visit, but also for a full day of heritage-focused travel.

 

Visitors should dress respectfully, especially if they plan to enter active temple areas or worship at the pagoda. Those visiting during weekends or festival periods should allow additional time for traffic and parking. Even outside festival season, however, the temple remains a meaningful and memorable destination for anyone interested in sacred architecture, river history, and old Samut Prakan.

 

Getting There from Bangkok is simple by road via Suk Sawat Road directly into Phra Samut Chedi District. Visitors can also travel to the Paknam side and cross by ferry toward the Phra Samut Chedi side before walking into the temple area. Both private car access and combined ferry-and-walk travel are common ways to reach the site.

 

 

A: Construction began in the reign of King Rama II, continued in the reign of King Rama III, and was later enlarged in the reign of King Rama IV.

 

A: Because it originally stood on an island in the mouth of the Chao Phraya River before the land later connected to it.

 

A: The pagoda contains sacred Buddhist relics, a Phra Chaiwat image, and a Buddha in the calming-the-sea posture.

 

A: Yes. It is open daily from 08:00 to 16:00.

 

A: Morning or late afternoon is usually best because the weather is more comfortable for walking around the temple grounds.

 

A: Nearby attractions include Phi Suea Samut Fort, Phra Chulachomklao Fort, Wat Sakhla, Ban Sakhla Old Market, and the Khun Samut Chin community.