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Some people, while on holiday in Thailand, like to have an opportunity to visit a Thai school. Some of these people are teachers themselves while others are just tourists interested in a cultural experience. It is not always easy to arrange visits mainly due to a language problem. However, at Sriwittayapaknam School we have always welcomed visitors from overseas to our province and school. Over the years we have had literally hundreds of visitors. As well as tourists and families, we have schools visiting us every year from Malaysia and Singapore. As we are close to Bangkok, Sriwittayapaknam is the easiest school to visit. After you have visited our school, you might like to see some of the tourist attractions in our city. These include the 50 metre high three-headed elephant, the Ancient City and the Crocodile Farm which has the largest captive crocodile in the world. Click here to send your request.

Sriwittayapaknam School is open Monday to Friday, though if you are interested to watch Scouting activities then you should come on a Thursday. The school has two semesters. First semester is mid-May to early October. The second semester is early November to mid-March. There is summer school in April for 4 weeks. Assembly starts at 8 a.m. with the raising of the Thai flag. The last lesson finishes at 3.15 p.m.

 

WHAT TO WEAR: If you are planning on visiting our school, please dress smartly. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed to be worn inside the school.

 

WHAT TO BRING: It would be nice if you could bring some postcards and tourist brochures showing your local area. When you come to the school, we will show you around. During the tour, some classes might invite you in to speak to them.

IMPORTANT: You cannot just turn up at the school because of the security on the front gate. You will need to contact us first. We will then notify security of your name and intended time of arrival.

 

Click here to find us on Google Maps.

 

HOW TO FIND US: Samut Prakan is about 30 kms south of Bangkok. Many tourists come to our province on day trips from Bangkok to visit the Ancient City, Erawan Museum and the Crocodile Farm.

 

EXPRESSWAY: If you are coming by car, take the expressway to Samrong-Samut Prakan and exit at the Samut Prakan intersection on to the Sukhumwit Road. This road passes through Samrong first before reaching Paknam, the old name for our city. Some landmarks along this road on the left include a giant three-headed elephant and a Naval Museum with a sea plane and submarine on the main lawn. Finally, you will see a big clock tower on your right and many buildings with red roofs - this is the City Hall. Go straight across the traffic lights, pass Phichai Songkram Temple and then very soon after turn left at the traffic lights. After about 100 metres you will see a blue and yellow striped building on your left. Turn left here down Tetsaban 4 Road (the road sign is in Thai) and you will see the school almost straight away on the left.

BUS: If you are coming by public transport, take ordinary bus No. 25 or air-conditioned bus No. 511 which runs between central Bangkok and Paknam (a.k.a. Samut Prakarn). Air-conditioned bus No. 145 goes from the Weekend Market to Samut Prakan via Srinakarin Road. The bus shouldn't cost more than 17 baht. The first stop inside the city is Pichai Songkram Temple. From here it is a 10 minute walk to the school, though it is probably best to finish your journey on a tuk tuk (about 30-40 baht) or a samlor (about 15-20 baht). Click here for instructions in Thai to give to the bus conductor and samlor rider.

BTS: The Sky Train goes as far as On Nut station where you can catch a bus or take a taxi for the last 35-45 minutes of the journey. The train journey will cost you about 40 baht from central Bangkok and the taxi ride will cost about 120 baht.

TAXI: Some people have come all the way from Bangkok by taxi. This is not really that expensive. It averages about 250 baht (plus 40 baht for the expressway) which is only US $7.50. However, please tell the driver to use the meter. This will start at 35 baht. Some people asked their hotel to organize a taxi which will probably cost you a lot more if they don't use the meter. Click here for instructions in Thai to give to the taxi driver. Even if you cannot find a taxi to come to Samut Prakan on the meter, there will be no problem finding one to go back.

Whichever way you come, please let us know the fax number of the hotel where you are staying and we will then fax a map and instructions in Thai for your taxi driver, bus conductor and local people.

To learn more about the local area, please visit our Paknam.com web site.