Ban Khun Samut Chin Community is located at the tip of Laem Fa Pha, Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan Province. It is a traditional fishing village with roots from Thai-Chinese settlers who have lived in the area for generations. In the past, this area was a fertile coastal zone suitable for fishing and coastal living. However, over the past several decades, it has undergone dramatic changes due to severe coastal erosion and land subsidence, causing the shoreline to gradually retreat. Many houses have been flooded and abandoned, and some roads and electricity poles now stand in the middle of the sea.The impact of erosion has forced the community to adapt significantly. Many families have relocated, but some residents still remain and continue their traditional fishing lifestyle. They still go out to catch seafood such as cockles, crabs, and fish, as well as farming aquatic animals in cages as their main source of income.

The spiritual center of the community is Wat Khun Samut Thrawat, an old temple with an ordination hall surrounded by seawater. The hall has been repeatedly affected by flooding and erosion, requiring continuous elevation and restoration. It serves both as a religious site and a symbol of the community’s resilience against nature.The surrounding area still contains an important mangrove ecosystem that acts as a natural coastal barrier and a nursery for marine life. Locals and relevant organizations have been working together to replant mangroves to restore the environment and reduce erosion impacts, although the problem has not been fully resolved.

Today, Ban Khun Samut Chin also welcomes visitors as an eco-tourism destination. Travelers can learn about local fishing lifestyles, take boat trips through mangrove forests, observe the changing coastal landscape, and experience homestays run by villagers, often accompanied by fresh seafood meals.However, the community still faces ongoing environmental and social challenges. Coastal erosion continues, and younger generations are increasingly moving away for work, leading to a declining population. Despite this, the remaining residents continue to preserve their community and traditional way of life as much as possible.

• By car: Drive to Pa Lee Pier (near Wat Laem Fa Pha, Phra Samut Chedi District) and park at the community parking area or nearby temple parking.

• By boat: Take a long-tail boat from Pa Lee Pier into the community, which takes about 20–30 minutes, with fares around 100–150 THB or as agreed.

• Check tide times before visiting; go during high tide if you want to see the “church surrounded by water.”

• Bring sun protection such as an umbrella, hat, and sunscreen due to strong sunlight.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for dirt paths, muddy areas, and walking within the community.

• Book homestays in advance if planning to stay overnight, as availability is limited and often fully booked on weekends.

• Carry cash for boat fares, food, and other local services within the community.

Admission Fee:

• No entrance fee (only boat fare and accommodation/homestay costs apply).

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 08:00 – 17:00 (for day-trip visits).