Nakhon
Nayok is a destination which is often taken for granted by many
tourists. The fact that it is located just 106 kilometers from
Bangkok and its attractions may be visited as a day trip makes
it just a stop over spot for travelers. But this is not always
the case. Nakhon Nayok is famous for its refreshing natural beauty
including waterfalls and parks, renowned historical sites, soft
adventure activities, and its variety of fruits.
Nakhon Nayok is one of Thailand’s central provinces. Covering
some 2,130 square kilometres, it borders Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima
Provinces on the north, Prachin Buri Province on the east, Chachoengsao
Province on the south and Pathum Thani Province on the west.
The northern part of Nakhon Nayok is located in the Dong Phaya
Yen mountain range – an area covered by the Khao Yai National
Park. Yod Khao Kiew, its highest peak, is 1,292 meters above sea
level. The central part of the province is on a contrary, a rather
flat river plain formed by the Maenam Nakhon Nayok. The southern
part of the province has relatively unfertile acidic soil.
The provincial seal says a lot about Nakhon Nayok. It is a picture
of a circle indicating the unity of Nakhon Nayok people. An elephant
raising an ear of rice in the circle represents fertile forests
with numerous elephants. An ear of rice refers to farming which
is fruitful. The background with a pile of straw, trees and clouds
depicts fertility and the natural beauty of the province.
Nakhon Nayok is a province with a history of over 900 years.
It was believed to have been established in the Dvaravati period
as indicated by some remains found in Ban Dong Lakhon, a village
to the south of the town. During the Ayutthaya period and the
reign of King U-Thong, the town which was an eastern garrison
was only a forested but infertile highland called “Ban Na”
(village of the rice field). Jungle fever, unfruitful and unproductive
agriculture forced the settlers to migrate elsewhere. It was not
until the King granted an exemption of paddy field tax that people
began to move in and settle down as a community. It was then named
“Mueang Nayok” which literally means “the town
that the paddy tax was lifted”.
In 1894, under the royal command of King Rama V, Nakhon Nayok
was designated as part of Prachin Buri province. Eventually, it
became a province in its own right.
