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Benjarong Porcelain

Benjarong is exquisite crockery made from clear-glazed porcelain and hand painted in traditional patterns by Thai artists.

Benjarong means 'five colors' with each piece crafted from clay, fired in a charcoal oven, then hand painted with any or all of the five colors in 18th Century tradition.

The Benjarong ceramics of Ampawa are precious works of art, created through devotion, long practice and the ability of a community to come together to create genuine delicate, traditional Benjarong porcelain.

Popular among Thai royalty and the elite classes for their domestic use from the ancient Ayudhaya period to the early twentieth century, Benjarong was initially produced in China for the Thai royal court according to Thai designs. But later Thai craftsmen were able to produce Benjarong pottery by themselves.

Benjarong reached its zenith during the reigns of King Rama II - King Rama V, when an almost endless number of exquisite designs were developed and produced, many of which are now highly treasured.

These days, Benjarong porcelain of Samut Songkhram is often been as a gift for participants at national and international events. For example, Ban Phinsuwan Benjarong, produced beautiful mementos for the world leaders attending the 2004 APEC meeting hosted by Thailand.

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Wat Bang Kung Bo Tree Temple

Wat Bang Kung, which dates back to the Ayutthaya Period, is one of the highlights of a visit to Ampawa.

It is famous for the small chapel that is completely enclosed within the roots of a banyan tree called Bot Prok Po. It is almost like the tree itself is the pillars of the temple.

One famous temple in Bang Khonthi district is Bang Kung Temple. Within the temple there is an old ordination hall which houses a large sculptured Buddha image commonly called by villagers Luangpho Bot Noi.

Mural paintings from the late Ayutthaya period depict Lord Buddha while he was sitting in the niche and preaching, flanked by the disciples paying respect to him.

The temple is in the compound of Khai Bang Kung, a famous old Naval Forces Camp in Thai history, dating back to late Ayutthaya period. It was a location of great strategic importance where Thai and Chinese soldiers, under the leadership of King Taksin The Great, annihilated and repelled the invading Burmese army. This powerful camp was indeed feared by the Burmese.

The Camp was left deserted for almost 200 years and then established as a Boy Scout camp in honour of King Taksin. They built a statue of the king to commemorate his historic deeds.

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Wat Bangkae Noi Teak Temple

There are many temples of sublime beauty & historical significance in the Ampawa district of Samut Songkram province, but one of the most interesting is Wat Bangkae Noi.

Inside, on the ceilings & walls, are intricate woodcarvings depicting Lord Buddha's history, birth, enlightenment, and nirvana

Historically interesting, Wat Bangkae Noi was built during the reign of King Rama I by the Governor of Samut Songkram, Phraya Wongsasurasak. He build it for his minor wife - 'Noi' meaning minor - after he built a temple for his principal wife which he named Wat Bangkae Yai - 'Yai' meaning principle.

Looking from the outside, you will think this place is nothing special. It looks the same as every other Buddhist temple that you've seen.

Once you enter Wat Bangkae Noi however, you'll be amazed at the breathtaking view, because the interior teakwood walls and ceiling of the main chapel have been intricately carved to depict the life and teachings of the Lord Buddha.

Even the floor of this temple is special, being made from one hopea tree which is the most expensive of its kind in Thailand.

In addition, the monks quarters are a collection of traditional Central Thai houses, which contain rectangular seats made from single planks of Golden Takian wood more than one metre wide.

Attractions information

Ampawa Village

Ampawa is a district in Samut Songkram province, which is only an hour and a half from Bangkok.

Although it is the smallest of the 76 provinces in Thailand, it has an amazing network of 330 canals and on Saturday and Sundays has its own Floating Market in the evenings.

In Ampawa many pleasant Thai families have opened their homes so that visitors can get a glimpse of their enviable lifestyle. Homestays cater for romantic couples, small groups of friends and large groups of students, with accommodation to suit.

The best way to get around Ampawa is to walk and there are many picturesque lanes which run along the canals. Teakwood homes are built on stilts and inside, you'll find these homes in immaculate condition.

The night-time boat trip on the Mae Klong River lets you enter the enchanting world of fireflies swarming in the trees along the river bank. It's an unbelievable sight, as entire trees are aglow with flashing yellow lights.

A visit to the temple at Wat Bangkae Noi is a must because the interior walls & ceiling of the main chapel have intricate teakwood carvings and time spent here will leave you in awe of the fine craftsmanship found in these carvings.

Ampawa is famous for its TaoTan Palm Sugar and also for the hand-painted porcelain crockery called Benjarong.

Attractions information

Fireflies in Ampawa

The night-time boat trip on the Mae Klong River provides the opportunity to enter the enchanting world of the fireflies as they swarm in the Lampu trees along the river bank.

It's an unbelievable sight as entire trees are aglow with flashing yellow lights. Thailand has over 100 species of firefly.

The firefly is an insect which is particularly known for its characteristic luminescence. It has special abdominal organs, which cause a chemical reaction with the organic synthesis of an enzyme called luciferasi.

The fireflies at Ampawa are unique in that they flash synchronously with each other. Fireflies use the flashing light to find and communicate with potential mates.

While most North American firefly species are rovers, twinkling in the characteristic patterns of their species as they fly, Ampawa's fireflies flash in unison creating a spectacular communal display for their mates, akin to a Christmas tree all alight.

Males of the Pteroptyx genus congregate in the lampu trees near water and flash rhythmically for several hours per night. In cycles lasting several seconds, "firefly trees" appear at first completely dark until all of the constituent fireflies light up simultaneously. Often, the same tree acts as a locus for such congregations for several nights consecutively. This is unforgettable.

Attractions information

Ampawa Village

Ampawa is a district in Samut Songkram province, which is only an hour and a half from Bangkok.

Although it is the smallest of the 76 provinces in Thailand, it has an amazing network of 330 canals and on Saturday and Sundays has its own Floating Market in the evenings.

In Ampawa many pleasant Thai families have opened their homes so that visitors can get a glimpse of their enviable lifestyle. Homestays cater for romantic couples, small groups of friends and large groups of students, with accommodation to suit.

The best way to get around Ampawa is to walk and there are many picturesque lanes which run along the canals. Teakwood homes are built on stilts and inside, you'll find these homes in immaculate condition.

The night-time boat trip on the Mae Klong River lets you enter the enchanting world of fireflies swarming in the trees along the river bank. It's an unbelievable sight, as entire trees are aglow with flashing yellow lights.

A visit to the temple at Wat Bangkae Noi is a must because the interior walls & ceiling of the main chapel have intricate teakwood carvings and time spent here will leave you in awe of the fine craftsmanship found in these carvings.

Ampawa is famous for its TaoTan Palm Sugar and also for the hand-painted porcelain crockery called Benjarong.