Khlong Toei was once the outpost of
Phra Pradaeng, which was across the river
Chao Phraya in the early
Ayutthaya period. Present-day
Phra Pradaeng district,
Samut Prakan province. The area's name means "Canal of
Pandans", referring to the fragrant foliages used to grow along the waterways here. The canal Khlong Toei was considered part of Khlong Hua Lamphong otherwise known as Khlong Thanon Trong that flows from the
Hua Lamphong railway station area. They have now been filled in as an extension of
Rama IV road since the early 1960s. Throughout the decades, Khlong Toei has evolved from a land of plantations into residential area and financial heart of the capital. It is here that
Bangkok's main port is situated. It's also home to largest shantytown, the slum of Khlong Toei. ==Geography==