Season: November to February
Suvarnabhumi Airport – Khlong Suan Market – Dolphin Watching-and –Birdwatching Cruise – Fisheries in the Bang Pakong Estuary

Travel time from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Khlong Suan Market: 40 minutes

Photo © TAT

Spend 50 minutes at Khlong Suan Market. This old market, which dates back over a century, straddles the two neighbouring provinces – Chachoengsao and Samut Prakan. The market is famous for the delicacies it offers such as braised duck, Chinese sausage, traditional coffee, and Thai sweets. Enjoy the picturesque view of houses along the canal and observe the communal way of life. Elderly residents of Chinese descent continue to pay respect at the shrine in the market in Chachoengsao Province. Enjoy old-style coffee at Pa Li’s shop, browse for souvenirs and other good buys, including local Thai desserts of Samut Prakan Province.

Travel time from Khlong Suan Market for Tambon Tha Kham, Amphoe Bangpakong, Chachoengsao Province to see the Irrawaddy dolphins: 45 minutes

Photo © TAT

Spend a total of 2 hours on the cruise.
Arrive at the sub-district of Tambon Tha Kham and rent a fishing boat to see the dolphins at the mouth of the Bang Pakong River and the Gulf of Thailand.

During November to February, every year, families of dolphins swim up the estuary of the Bang Pakong River in search for food. If a gentle breeze blows, individual dolphins can be seen skimming the surface of the water. If it is windy, the dolphins will swim together in a school and ride the choppy waves.

Also enjoy some bird-watching whilst on the river cruise. During the cool season, some 50 species of native and migratory birds seek refuge in the mangrove forests of Bang Pakong.

There are several fisheries en route to the mouth of the river. Watch local fishermen rear fish in floating baskets placed in the river and observe the local way of life.

At the end of the cruise, enjoy a feast of delicious dishes prepared from freshly-caught fish and seafood for either lunch or dinner.

Travel time from Tambon Tha Kham back to Suvarnabhumi Airport: 45 minutes

TIPS AND ADVICE FOR
RESPONSIBLE IRRAWADDY-DOLPHIN WATCHING

• The best time of the day to see the Irrawaddy dolphins is in the morning before 9.00 a.m. when they are most active feeding on the catfish and there is a higher chance of sightings.
• Dolphins are also easier to see at high tide. Later in the day, they seem to spend more time ‘playing’ further out in the bay.
• Keep as quiet as possible. (Boatmen should turn down the engine to a slow idle.)
• Once dolphins have been spotted, boatmen should approach from downstream of the dolphins.
• As responsible tourists, please discourage boatmen from pursuing or chasing the dolphins.
• SWIMMING WITH WHALES AND DOLPHINS
  Whale and dolphin behavior is not thoroughly understood. Experts advise that it is best to observe the animals without entering the water in order to protect yourself and the animals. Please refrain from jumping into the water and/or make attempts to swim with or touch the dolphins.

GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES
WHALE & DOLPHI N WATCHING ®
© CORAL/ INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR ANIMAL WELFARE (IFAW)
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Related story
IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS OF BANG PAKONG
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For further information about these routes, please contact:
TAT Central Region Office Region 8
182/88 Mu 1, Suwannason Road,
Tambon Tha Chang, Amphoe Mueang,
Nakhon Nayok Province 26000
Tel: +66 (0) 3731-2282, (0) 3731-2284, (0) 3731-5664, or 1672
Fax: +66 (0) 3731-2286
E-mail: tatnayok@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tat8.com