Samut Songkhram

Wedged between Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon and Phetchaburi, 416sqkm Samut Songkhram is Thailand's smallest province. Commonly known as 'Mae Klong', the capital lies along a sharp bend in Mae Nam Mae Klong, 74km southwest of Bangkok and just a few kilometres from the Gulf of Thailand. Due to flat topography and abundant water sources, the area surrounding the capital is well suited for the steady irrigation needed to grow guavas, lychees and grapes. Along the highway from Thonburi, visitors will pass a string of artificial sea lakes used in the produciton of salt. A profusion of coconut palms makes the area look unusually lush, considering its proximity to Bangkok.