Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom is a small province lying in the alluvial plain of central Thailand, 56 kilometers from Bangkok. This is the land rich in culture, each of tourists coming here feel the sacred atmosphere of the main religion-Buddhism as stepping their feet in. The province covers an area of 2,168 square kilometers and consists of seven amphoes including Muang, Don Tum, Bang Len, Saen, Kamphaeng, Sam Phran, Nakhon Chaisi and King Amphoe Phutthamonthon.

Centuries ago Nakhon Pathom was a coastal city which was prosperous during the Dvaravati civilization. The archaeological findings have shown that Nakhon Pathon was the first city under the influence of Buddhism. Based on the Phra Pathom Chedi and other ancient remains explored in the city, it is believed to have been a centre of civilization and the inhabitance of many different races. However, the change of the Tha Chin River’s course let the city be deserted and draught so people had to migrate to a city called Nakhon Chaisai. Hundreds of years later, the King Rama IV traveled to Nakhon Pathom and explored the Phra Pathom Chedi and decided to renovate and improve the surrounding area. After that he relocated the town from Tambon Thana, Nakhon Chaisi amphoe, to the Phra Pathom Chedi and Nakhon Pathom has been there up to now.

Nakhon Pathom is known for being the first major city to the west of Bangkok and housing the world’s largest Buddhist monument. It is also home to Phra Pathom Chedi, an ancient religious structure, is the first religious landmark to announce the introduction of Buddhism into Thailand. Besides, Nakhon features a lot of cultural and historical attractions as Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Ratchavoraviharn monastery, Nakhon Pathom Palace, Neun Wat Phra Ngam temple, Phiman Pathom Hall, Apirom Reudi Hall, Vatchari Romya Hall, Phra Tamnak Tabkaeo building, Phra Tamnak Tabkwan, etc. Apart from the archaeological and religious treasures, Nakhon also hosts numerous other interesting sites that make your adventure more exciting. The plains along the Chaisi River are the fertile lands which provide abundant agricultural crops for local people, as well as plantations, farms and fruit orchards. It is famous for some kinds of fruits as sweet pomelo, grapefruit, mangos, rose apples and fragrant coconut juice. You can enjoy these fruits by trekking around some orchards as Pomelo orchards in Nakhon Chaisi, Suan Thai Tawee pomelo orchard or Banchong Orchis Farm. More interesting thing, you can join in some activities during your holiday as sight-seeing by boats to visit fruit orchards and orchid farms, or various water sports as 5-pole cable ski and water ski on Olan Lake, etc.

Nakhon Pathom is the land rich in culture with several events and festivals held, almost aiming to advertise and enhance the productivity of local products. Some of them are Nakhon Pathom Food and Fruits Fair (Chinese New Year), Songkran Festival (13-17 April), Buffet for Elephant and Elephant Queen Pageant (May1), Wat Rai Khing Festival, Phra Pathom Chedi Festival, etc with many interesting activities, contests and entertain performances are provided.