Amphawa District
| Amphawa อัมพวา | |
|---|---|
| Amphoe | |
 Amphoe location in Samut Songkhram Province | |
| Coordinates: 13°25′29″N 99°57′26″E / 13.42472°N 99.95722°ECoordinates: 13°25′29″N 99°57′26″E / 13.42472°N 99.95722°E | |
| Country |
 Thailand |
| Province | Samut Songkhram |
| Seat | Amphawa |
| Area | |
| • Total | 170.164 km2 (65.701 sq mi) |
| Population (2008) | |
| • Total | 57,161 |
| • Density | 365.2/km2 (946/sq mi) |
| Time zone | THA (UTC+7) |
| Postal code | 75110 |
| Geocode | 7503 |
Amphawa (Thai: อัมพวา, pronounced [ām.pʰā.wāː]) is a district (Amphoe) of Samut Songkhram Province, located slightly inland at the northwestern tip of the Bay of Bangkok.
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).
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Attractions
Wat Bang Kung is an old temple which has been overgrown with a giant banyan tree.[2]
Amphawa Floating Market is an afternoon/evening food market held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, situated on the canals close to Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram.[3]
See the Fireflies popular in the evenings is a boat ride around the waterways to see fireflies.[4]
Wat Bangkae is a temple in Amphawa. It is divided into two temples, Wat Bangkae Noi and Wat Bangkae Yai. It was created by major wife and minor wife of Royal Sang Wongsaroj (Chao Phraya Surasak).[5] The major wife is 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 along the Maeklong River. This temple was fonnded by Royal Sang Wongsaroj and his minor wife (Jui Wongsaroj).[6] Inside, the temple is made of gold teak wood. The wood was carved with a biography of Lord Buddha,[7] 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 [8] because Somdej Toh is well respected among Buddhists. People who visit Amphawa often pay homage to Somdej Toh. It is 50 THB to go to Wat Bangkae from Amphawa Floating Market by boat.[9]
References
- ↑ "Population statistics 2008". Department of Provincial Administration.
- ↑ http://www.tumblr.com/search/wat%20bang%20kung
- ↑ http://www.amphawafloatingmarket.com
- ↑ http://yourthaiguide.com/fireflies-evening-boat-ride/
- ↑ "Phawat kwarm pen mar kong wat bangkae yai". Retrieved October 15, 2013.
- ↑ "Watbangkaenoi". Retrieved October 15, 2013.
- ↑ Chillchan Milchan. Chillpainai: Sib Te Na Teal Mear Mar Amphawa”Wat bangkae noi” (August 18, 2013) Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.chillpainai.com/scoop/738/
- ↑ Bee Wa family (2013).Teal Sal Ar Tid Hok “Wat bangkae noi”. Bangkok: Aksorn Sumpun.
- ↑ PauLLiE. Painaidii: Ma Amphawa Tong Te Tam Ar Lai Kan De Na (January 25, 2012) Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.painaidii.com/diary/diary-detail/000100/lang/th/
External links
- amphoe.com (Thai)
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