Nakhonpathom Hotels & Attractions, Travel & Holidays to Nakhonpathom, Thailand

Overview:

Nakhon Pathom is a very old city which has been a centre of the Dvaravati civilisation. Over 2,000 years ago, a Buddhism missionary from lndia was sent to introduce Buddhism and its philosophy to a land called Suwannaphum, which had Nakhon Pathom as its capital. Phra Pathom Chedi was the important structure of the kingdom. The prosperous city was abandoned in the 12th century. A new community settled down after the renovation of Phra Pathom Chedi was completed in the reign of King Rama V of Bangkok period.

Nakhon Pathom is located in an alluvial plain in the central region, about 58 kms by road from Bangkok. Generally, it is an area of alluvia plain which is drained by the Tha Chin River, covering an area of 2,168,327 sq kms or about 1,355,204 sq Rai. It is an old city which has an interesting history dating back thousands of years. It was well known as a center of cultural development and prosperity.

From the evidence revealed by extensive excavation in the past, we have learned a lot of things which have historical and archaeological value, such as Phra Pathom Chedi and Dhammacakra (Symbol of the completeness of the Dhamma) etc.

Phra Pathom Chedi On coming toward the city, the first glimpse of the towering Phra Pathom Chedi is overpowering. lt is one of the largest pagodas in the world and in Thailand, by far the most holy of all Buddhist structures. The original pagoda was constructed more than 2,000 years ago in the stupa design of an upside down bowl shape. A replica of the original pagoda stands south of the present one. ln the year 1853, King Rama lV commanded the reconstruction of a new huge pagoda covering the original one. lt has a height of 120.45 metres and a total length of 234,75 metres around the base. A nearby museum contains a wealth of priceless relics and many of the stone carvings found in and around Nakhon Pathom. At the four points of the compass in the outer courtyard are four Wiharas (halls) containing images of Buddha in various postures.

Wat Phra Ngam
This monastery is a short distance away from the Nakhon Pathom Railway Station. Within the precincts is a large mole-hill believed to be the base of a large ancient monument about the same age as Phra Pathom Chedi. The monastery was built during the reign of King Rama V (1868-1890).

Wat Phra Men
Situated to the south of Phra Pathom Chedi, Wat Phra Men is believed to have been constructed in the same period as Phra Pathom Chedi. Remains of a huge stupa base were found within the precincts of this temple. Also discovered here are some artifacts which include Buddha images of different sizes, and stucco reliefs from the stupa, now being exhibited at the Bangkok National Museum and Wat Phra Pathom Chedi.

Phraya Phan Monument
This is located on the bank of Chedi Bucha Canal near the Phra Pathom Chedi.

Phra Prathon Chedi
This pagoda is located on Phetkasem Highway before entering the town and is one of the large ancient pagodas of Thailand. According to legend this pagoda was constructed by the order of Phraya Phan. It was dedicated to his grandmother Hom who hard raised him and was killed by him, and served to atone for his sinful action.

Sanam Chandra Palace
This palace, located 2 kms. west of Phra Pathom Chedi, was constructed by the command of King Rama VI in the year 1907 when he was the Crown Prince. The compound occupies an area of 355 acres and houses a group of throne halls and pavilions with an elegant and unusual mixture of classical French, English Tudor and traditional Thai architecture. Most buildings are now used as government offices. The two buildings opened as attractions are Phra Tamnak Chali Mongkhon At, a Western style building with a statue of "Ya-Le" - the king's pet dog and Phra Tamnak Mari Ratchabanlang where King Rama VI's personal utensils, royal photographs, and writings are exhibited. Nearby a Thai-style house called "Tamnak Thap Khwan" once served as King Rama VI's temporary residence.

Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo
This is located approximately 1 km. before the Rose Garden. The farm consists of a crocodile nourishing pond in which live thousands of crocodiles, wildlife compounds, restaurants and souvenir shops. Crocodile- wrestling shows, magic shows and elephant theme shows are performed 2 times daily at 12.45 and 2.20 p.m. On weekends and official holidays, an additional show commences at 10.30 a.m. Call 284-1873, 284-0273 for more information.

The Rose Garden Country Resort
This popular tourist attraction is in the area of Amphoe Sam Phran, 32 kilometres west of Bangkok. It boasts large, beautiful and well maintained gardens with Thai-style houses on the bank of the Tha Chin River. An attractive Thai cultural show commences at 3.00 p.m. daily. The show includes Thai folk dance, Thai boxing, sword fighting and an elephant show. Call 295-3261-4 for further information.

Sam Phran River Trip
From the pier near the Sam Phran District Office, a long-tail boat takes visitors along the Nakhon Chaisi River, Khlong (Canal) Bang Chang and Khlong Chinda. Besides the pleasant rural scenery, visitors can enjoy walking around fruit orchards, orchid farms and a house where Thai sweets are daily made. The trip takes 2-3 hours and it should start in the morning.

Wat Rai Khing This temple is located on the bank of the Nakhon Chaisi River in the vicinity of Amphoe Sam Phran. Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing, the principal Buddha image of the temple, is highly revered by Nakhon Pathom people. An annual worship fair is held in April. This temple is also renowned for its natural fish sanctuary which is the habitat of hundreds of thousands of fish including big catfish which can weigh up to 10 kilogrammes.

Thai Human lmagery Museum
Located at Km.31 of Boromarajajonani Road, the museum houses life-like sculptures created by a group of Thai artists. These breathtaking human figures with various characteristics and the replicas of important people are displayed in many sections such as the Great Buddhist Monks, Former Kings of Chakri Dynasty, and One Side of Thai Life. The museum is open to the public from 9.00 a.m.- 5.30 p.m. Call (034) 332607 for more information.

Don Wai Market
This market is the home of a fascinating old riverside community in Nakhon Chaisi. Its people have hardly changed with time, preferring to maintain many of the old ways of the Thai countryside which cannot be seen anywhere else. The entrance to the market is on the way to Wat Rai Khin. A variety of local food is available.

Buddhamonthon
This is an important religious site built by the government and the people to commemorate the 2500th year of the existence of the Buddha. Accessible by Puttha-Monthon lV Road, it occupies a large area with beautiful landscape and contains many interesting structures. A huge standing Buddha image cast in bronze gold measuring 15.8 metres marks the centre of the area. It is surrounded by Four commemorative sites concerning Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, the first preaching sermon, and Nirvana. Other interesting places include a Buddhist museum, a hall keeping marble Pali canon and meditation halls.

Festivals & Events:
Songkran Traditional Festival in April
Organized in the vicinity of Phra Pathom Chedi area, it features the processions with decorated floats, dragon and lion groups, as the bathing Buddha images rite and the rite to pay respects to the elder, the honorable persons.

Gliding Luang Por Wat Rai Khing Festival
Held during the 13th waxing moon day to the 4th waning moon day of the 5th lunar month, every year, altogether 8 days and 8 nights. Many forms of entertainment are available such as musical performance, Lie-Kay (Thai song and dance performance), Movies. Local goods are also available for sale.

Food Staff and Fruit Fair
During Chinese New Year period
Venue: In the precinct of the Phra Phatom Chedi, Amphoe Muang, Nakhon Phathom.

Background/Rationale: Phra Pathom Chedi fare held annually during the Chinese New Year period aims at introducing well-known agricultural products of Nakhon Pathom such as pomeloes, coconuts with flavored milk, oranges, guavas, bananas, grapes, Chinese pork sausages, dried and crispy sweeter pork. Additionally, the fair's purpose is to promote tourism in Nakhon Pathom.

How to get there:
Nakhon Pathom is located very near Bangkok and it is conveniently accessible from the neighboring cities. Through the best high way available, from Bangkok by car, we may choose to use Bang Khae and Phetkasem route or Phrapinklao Nakhon Charsri route, which takes about 40 minutes to reach Nakhon Pathom. Further more, traveling by train to Nakhon Pathom is another popular way in which the tourists can enjoy the natural scenery on the way sides of the fruit orchids and flower plantations along the way.

By Rail
Trains regularly leave Bangkok's Hualampong (Tel: 223-7110, 223-7020) and Bangkok Noi (Tel: 411-3102) railway stations for Nakhon Pathom. The third-class fare for the 64 kilometers journey is 10 Baht per person. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on the type of train.

By Road
Buses regularly leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Tel: 434-5558) for Nakhon Pathom. The fare is 18 Baht per person by non-air-conditioned bus, and 52 Baht by air-conditioned coach, for the approximately 70 minutes journey.

Transportation within Nakhon Pathom
Traditional three-wheeled pedicarts still operate in Nakhon Pathom. Fares need to be negotiated before embarking on journeys. Sign-language suffices for communication. Pedicarts can carry two adult passengers. Typical fares are 10-15 Baht (for 1-2 persons) from Nakhon Pathom's railway station to the Phra Pathom Chedi, and 27 Baht for the 2-kilometre journey from the chedi to Sanam Chan Palace.

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