Don Hoi Lot

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: Depends on tide conditions

 

Don Hoi Lot in Samut Songkhram Province is a well-known natural tourist attraction in Thailand, located at the mouth of the Mae Klong River in Mueang Samut Songkhram District. This area forms a vast sandbar created by the accumulation of muddy sand sediment, locally referred to as “fine estuarine sand.” The most distinctive feature of this location is its abundance of razor clams, along with a variety of marine species, making it both an ecological learning site and a unique coastal destination.

 

The sandbar stretches approximately 3 kilometers wide and 5 kilometers long, extending into the Gulf of Thailand. It is divided into two main areas: the “outer sandbar” near the estuary of the Mae Klong River and the “inner sandbar” close to the shore around Chu Chee Village in Bang Chakreng Subdistrict and Bang Bo Village in Bang Kaew Subdistrict. The landscape changes significantly with tidal movements. During high tide, the entire area is submerged, while at low tide, the vast sandbar emerges, allowing visitors to walk across and explore the area.

 

One of the most distinctive aspects of Don Hoi Lot is the razor clam, a type of bivalve shellfish with a long, slender, tube-like shell resembling a drinking straw. These clams live buried beneath the sand. Local fishermen have developed a traditional method of catching them using a small stick, about the size of an incense stick, dipped in lime paste. The stick is inserted into the clam hole, causing the clam to react and surface, making it easy to collect. This traditional technique has become a popular hands-on activity for visitors.

 

In addition to razor clams, the area is home to various marine species such as short-neck clams, wedge shells, duck clams, cockles, and other small marine organisms. This biodiversity reflects the richness of the coastal ecosystem and highlights the environmental significance of the Mae Klong estuary.

 

The best time to visit Don Hoi Lot is between March and May, when weather conditions are favorable and low tide periods provide optimal opportunities to explore the sandbar. Visitors can enjoy walking across the wide coastal plain, observing local fishing techniques, and experiencing the peaceful seaside environment.

 

Nearby the sandbar, especially around Chu Chee Village, stands the Prince Chumphon Shrine, a sacred site highly respected by locals. The surrounding area also features seafood restaurants and local markets offering traditional products such as dried razor clams, fresh seafood, fish sauce, shrimp paste from Khlong Khon, coconut sugar, and fresh palm juice. Convenient parking areas and facilities are available for visitors.

 

Getting There can be done by both car and boat. By car, travelers from Bangkok can take Rama II Road (Highway 35) toward Samut Songkhram, then continue to Bang Chakreng and Bang Kaew areas, which are main access points to Don Hoi Lot. Alternatively, visitors can take local boat services from nearby communities to reach the outer sandbar and enjoy a closer coastal experience.

 

 

A: The best time is between March and May during low tide periods.

 

A: There is no entrance fee, but some activities may have additional costs.

 

A: Yes, visitors can try traditional methods using lime paste.

 

A: You can travel by car from Bangkok via Rama II Road or take a boat from local communities.

 

A: Yes, it is suitable for all ages, but children should be supervised due to muddy terrain.