Country Thailand Time zone THA (UTC+7) Geocode 7503 Population 57,161 (2008) | Seat Amphawa Postal code 75110 Area 170.2 km² Province Samut Songkhram Province | |
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Amphawa (Thai: อัมพวา, [ām.pʰā.wāː]) is a district (Amphoe) of Samut Songkhram Province, located slightly inland at the northwestern tip of the Bay of Bangkok.
Contents
Map of Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram, Thailand
Geography
Neighboring districts are (from the north clockwise) Bang Khonthi and Mueang Samut Songkhram, Ban Laem and Khao Yoi of Phetchaburi Province, Pak Tho and Wat Phleng of Ratchaburi Province.
The Mae Klong River flows through the northern part of the district.
History
In the Ayutthaya period, the area of Amphawa was known as Khwaeng Bang Chang, a small agricultural and commercial community. During the reign of Prasat Thong the existence of a market is confirmed by sources.
In 1766, the later King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II) was born in the area, as his father was serving as governor of Ratchaburi at that time. At his birthplace is now a Memorial Park with 4 buildings in traditional style of that area, displaying art as well as lifestyle of that time.
Administration
The district is subdivided into 12 subdistricts (Tambon), which are further subdivided into 96 villages (muban). Amphawa itself as well as Mueang Mai have subdistrict municipality status (thesaban tambon), there are also 11 Tambon administrative organizations (TAO).
Attractions
Chuchai Buri Sri Amphawa ("the city of Chuchai in the glory of Amphawa) is a billion baht entertainment complex 500 m from the floating market that features an 18-room hotel, shopping centre, restaurant, and Hindu shine. The building is an outrageous mix of Thai traditional and neoclassical, reminiscent of high society during the late-19th and early-20th centuries. It was built by a wealthy Thai gemstone dealer and designer, Chuchai Chairitthilert, who was bewitched by Amphawa.
Wat Bang Kung is an old temple overgrown by a giant banyan tree.
Amphawa Floating Market is an afternoon/evening food market held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, situated on the canals close to Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram.
See the Fireflies popular in the evenings is a boat ride around the waterways to see fireflies.
Wat Bangkae is a temple in Amphawa. It is divided into two temples, Wat Bangkae Noi and Wat Bangkae Yai. It was created by the major wife and minor wife of Royal Sang Wongsaroj (Chao Phraya Surasak). The major wife was the founder of Wat Bangkae Yai. On the wall, it says "On a Sunday in May in 1173 Chula Sakarat, Chao Phraya Surasak (Governor Samuhapraklaopm) and wife built this temple". Wat Bangkae Noi is on the Maeklong River. This temple was founded by Royal Sang Wongsaroj and his minor wife (Jui Wongsaroj). Inside, the temple is made of gold teak wood. The wood was carved with a biography of Lord Buddha, by workers and sculptors from Phetchaburi. They took around 10 years to carve the wood and build the temple. The temple also contains a statue of Somdej Toh which is interesting because Somdej Toh is well-respected among Buddhists. People who visit Amphawa often pay homage to Somdej Toh.