Nakhon Pathom lies on the main overland route used for centuries
to link India to Thailand via the Three Pagodas Pass, so it is only
natural that Buddhism in Thailand began at this ancient town.
The town is dominated by the massive Phra Pathom Chedi, 127 metres
tall and the most venerated Buddhist monument in Thailand. The original
chedi was built by the Mons in the 10th century, and successive
renovations have placed a bigger chedi on top. All sorts of interesting
items surround the chedi, including Buddhas in every sort of pose,
holy trees, replica chedis, museums and ceremonial halls. The ashes
of King Vajiravudh, who completed the present-day restoration, are
buried there.
The king's lovely summer residence, Sanam Chan Palace is close
by, built in the English Tudor style. Beautifully restored, it is
an interesting museum of a royal residence, where the king translated
Shakespeare's plays.
Other places of interest include Buddha Monthon, a large park
area dedicated to the promotion of Buddhism; the Rose Garden, a
resort popular for its extensive gardens and well presented cultural
show; and Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo that puts on daily elephant
and crocodile performances.
|
 How
to get there
|
Distances from Nakhon Pathom to neighbouring provinces :
Nonthaburi 65 Kms.
Samutsakhon 48 Kms.
Ratchaburi 43 Kms.
Kanchanaburi 112 Kms.
Suphanburi 160 Kms.
Car
By Car : From Bangkok, driving on the old route of Petchakasem Road
(Highway No.4) passing Aom Noi, Aom Yai, Sam Phran to Nakhon Pathom
or driving on a new route from Bangkok, passing Buddhamonthon, Nakhon
Chaisi to Nakhon Pathom.
Bus
By Bus : From the Southern Bus Terminal on Boromrajajonnani Road
there are two lines of buses.
Old Route (Bangkok-Aom Yai-Sam Phran-Nakhon Pathom), there are
several lines of 2nd class air-conditioned buses: Bangkok-Nakhon
Pathom, Bangkok-Ratchaburi, and Bangkok-Bangli. There are 2 lines
of non air-conditioned buses: Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom, Bangkok-Ratchaburi,
and Bangkok-Suphanburi.
New Route (Bangkok-Buddhamonthon-Nakhon Chaisi-Nakhon Pathom)
There are 2 lines of 1st class air-conditioned buses: Bangkok-Nakhon
Pathom and Bangkok Dan Chang (blue bus) or taking the 2nd class
of air-conditioned buses of Bangkok-Damnoen Saduak and Bangkok-Ratchaburi.
For more information, contact the Southern Bus Terminal on Boromrajajonnani
Road. Non air-conditioned buses tel: 0 2434 5557-8 and Air-conditioned
buses tel: 0 2435 1199.
Train
By Rail: The State Railway of Thailand operates daily trains to
Nakhon Pathom. For more information contact Bangkok’s Hualampong
Railway Grand Station tel: 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 and the
Thonburi Railway Station tel: 0 2411 3102.
|
Festivals
|
Buffet for Elephant and Elephant Queen
Pageant
Buffet for Elephant and Elephant Queen Pageant is annually
held on a National Labour day (May 1st) at the Samphran Elephant
Ground & Zoo to show gratitude to elephants living in the grounds.
The Elephant Queen Pageant is held to find a rather plump lady who
could interpret and display the elephant’s gentle character.
Loy Krathong Festival
Loy Krathong Festival is held annually on the 15th day of
the waxing moon in the 12th month of the lunar calendar (November).
The festival is held at Sanam Chan Palace, and features beauty pageants,
Krathong contests, hanging lantern contests, and local entertainment,
among others.
Nakhon Pathom Food and Fruits Fair
 Nakhon
Pathom Food and Fruits Fair is annually held during the Chinese
New Year, around January-February, within the grounds of Phra Pathom
Chedi to promote agricultural products and industrial products of
the province. It aims to also promote the fruits that are grown
in Nakhon Pathom such as pomelo, sweet coconuts, guavas, and bananas.
Other food products like Chinese pork sausage, crispy sweet pork
and shredded pork, are also sold at the fair. It also features Chinese
buffet arrangement contests and fruit contests.
Phra Pathom Chedi Festival
Phra Pathom Chedi Festival The fair takes place annually
from the 12th day of the waxing moon to the 4th day of the waning
moon in the 12th month of the lunar calendar. It is held on the
grounds of Phra Pathom Chedi. During the fair, there are countless
stalls selling local products and produce. At night, various entertainment
is provided.
Songkran Festival
Songkran Festival is annually held from 13-17 April around Phra
Pathom Chedi. During the festival, there are many activities such
as the of Songkran procession floats, Chinese Dragon and Lion Dances,
Bathing of the revered Phra Ruang Rodjanarit, sand Chedi building,
Thai opera, and local entertainments.
Wat Rai Khing Festival
Wat Rai Khing Festival is annually held from the 13th day of the
waxing moon to the 4th day of the waning moon in the fifth month
of the lunar calendar. There are many goods sold, from various government
units and also from farmers. The fair also features fruit contests
and there are many kinds of entertainment at night.
|
 Nakhon
Pratom hotels Thailand
|
|
Momchailai River Retreat
Welcome to Nakornpratom river retreat, stay in our luxurious
boathouse. Experience our Thai traditional house that very
close to Tha Chin River. Relax and enjoy boating before visiting
the famous floating market. It's a perfect vacation and destination
for all the people who want a very unique experience. (Rooms
and rates)
Address : Soi Premruedee 1 Moo
6, Tambol Klong Nok Kratoom, Amphur Banglane, Nakhon Pratom
|
|
|
The Rose Garden Riverside
This beautifully landscaped 70-acre botanical park by the
Ta Chine River is located just outside Bangkok and has provided
entertainment, relaxation, golfing, accommodation and a place
to meet since 1962. Culture, tradition and a native way of
life have been preserved through daily practices and performances.
See our way of life for yourself on your next visit to the
Rose Garden Riverside. (Rooms
and rates)
Address : Km. 32, Petchkasem Road,
Sampran,
Nakhonpathom 73110
|
|
|
