Experience the wonders of the unique sandbar at the mouth of the Maeklong River, a habitat abundant with diverse shellfish, particularly the “blood cockles,” which are in plentiful supply, giving rise to the name “Don Hoi Lat.” This sandbar is formed by layers of silt mixed with sand, known locally as “duck-shit sand.” Over time, this area has developed into a sandbank that spans approximately 3 kilometers wide and 5 kilometers long, extending 8 kilometers out into the sea, encompassing the Mueang district in Samut Songkhram province across three sub-districts: Bang Ja-kraeng, Laem Yai, and Bang Kaeo. During low tide, the sandbar becomes distinctly visible, attracting locals who gather here to harvest blood cockles. They use small bamboo sticks, roughly the size of incense sticks, dipped in slaked lime which they pour into holes. As the cockles are stunned by the lime, they surface, creating a fun activity for tourists eager to try catching blood cockles themselves. **Things to Know Before You Visit:** - You can rent a boat at the Apakorn Pavilion near the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Pier to see Don Hoi Lat or learn how to catch blood cockles. Boat rentals cost 60 Baht per boat, accommodating up to 6 people, or 10 Baht per person. - Along the Don Hoi Lat area, you will find restaurants and shops selling local dried food delicacies along the roadside. - The best time to harvest blood cockles is between March and May. - When collecting blood cockles, it’s essential to drop slaked lime directly into the holes rather than spreading it over the sandbar, as this can kill the cockles in that area and negatively affect the local ecosystem.