King Rama II Memorial Festival

[Richard Barrow]

The annual King Rama II Memorial Festival takes place in Amphoe Amphawa, Samut Songkram at the start of February every year. It looks like it is on this weekend. Though the Tourist Authority of Thailand (as usual) don't have any dates.

King Rama II Memorial Park

This park was built under the project to honour King Rama II, run by the King Rama II Phraboromrachanusorn Foundation under royal patronage. It is built to commemorate his great patron to the arts and culture, which become a national heritage. Phra Rajsamutmatee, the abbot of Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, offered the area of 11 Rais (4.4 acres) for the construction of the park. This area was very important because it was a royal birthplace King Rama II.

In the park, there are many places of interest including King Rama II Museum - 4 buildings built in traditional Thai architectural style. The museum displays the ancient art objects dating back to early Rattanakosin era, the lifestyle of the Thais during King Rama II period. Other attractions are: Ho Klang (main hall) houses the statue of King Rama II and artefacts. Ho Non Chai depicts the Thai men lifestyle. Ho Non Ying depicts the Thai women lifestyle. Chan Ruean (corridor) depicts the traditional Thai style house. Kitchen and Bathroom depicts the traditional Thai kitchen style and bathroom of the middle class. Furthermore, there is an out-door theatre, a botanical garden containing various species of trees found in Thai literature, shops selling local goods and various kinds of fruit.

Getting there: take Highway No. 35 (Thonburi - Pak Tho route), at Km. 63 marker, turn right to Highway No. 325 for another 6 Kilometres (pass through the Samu Songkram town), drive on another 1 kilometre on a left side to the park. From Samut Songkhram town, there is Bang Mun Nak Line bus, catch it at the Muang Municipality Market. The park and museum are open daily from 09.00-18.00. The Admission is 5 baht for children, and 10 Baht for adults. Contact tel: 0-3475-1367, 0-3475-1666 for more information.

Source: TAT

I was there in 2006 and you can see my article and pictures at thai-blogs.com. It is really worth going. Though ring first to make sure it is this weekend! Best to go early Sunday morning. I went to the park in the morning and then the Amphawa floating Market in the afternoon. It was a really great day.

I am actually planning on doing a road trip down that way this weekend though I am not sure if I will drop in at the fair. I really want to but I have quite a full schedule.

[Richard Barrow]

We now have the dates for the Fair this year:

KING RAMA II MEMORIAL FAIR
February 24, 2009
Samut Songkhram

King Rama II, the second king of the Rattanakosin period, was known as "Ek Akkharakhattiyasinlapin," or the Great Artist. Hailed as a ruler who contributed much to his country through his outstanding work in culture, in 1968, King Rama II was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Person.

Organised by by Samut Songkhram Province, the King Rama II Memorial Park Foundation and TAT every year, the King Rama II Memorial Fair is held in his honour.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

* Live Khon performance by artists and young artists from the Fine Arts Department.
* Puppet shadow play by local artists
* Cooking demonstration of main dishes and desserts from Thai literature
* Contests of Bon plants, color plants and agricultural produce
* Local products, souvenirs, and gifts for sale

For more details, contact
KING RAMA II MEMORIAL PARK
Tel: +66 (0) 3475 1666, (0) 3475 1376

You might like to combine this with a trip to the Amphawa Floating Market.