Samut Songkhram, Thailand

Commonly known as Mae Klong, this provincial capital lies along a sharp bend in Mae Nam Mae Klong and just a few kilometres from the Gulf of Thailand. Due to the flat topography and abundant water sources, the area surrounding the city is well suited to 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 production of salt. A profusion of coconut palms makes the area look unusually lush, considering its proximity to Bangkok. Samut Songkhram is a fairly modern city with a large market area between the train and bus stations. The sizeable Wat Phet Samut Worawihan, in the centre of town near the train station and river, contains a renowned Buddha image called Luang Phaw Wat Ban Laem.