12 March,2010 (Fri)  


 

 
Nakhon Pathom

Located 56 kilometres west of Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom is a city dating back to at least 150 B.C. It is here Buddhism was first introduced to the country. The province contains major religious shrines, theme parks, recreation centres as well as museums.

Major Attractions

  • Wat Phra Ngam

    • This temple is a short distance away from the Nakhon Pathom Railway Station. Within the precincts is a large molehill believed to be the base of a large ancient monument about the same age as Phra Pathom Chedi.

  • Phra Pathom Chedi

    • On coming toward the city, the first glimpse of the towering Phra Pathom Chedi is overpowering. It is one of the largest pagodas in the world and in Thailand, with the height of l20.45 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 the province.

  • Wat Phra Men

    • Situated to the south of Phra Pathom Chedi, the temple is believed to have been constructed in the same period as Phra Pathom Chedi. Artefacts discovered here include Buddha images of different sizes and stucco reliefs from the stupa. They are now exhibited at the Bangkok National Museum and Wat Phra Pathom Chedi.

  • Phra Prathon Chedi

    • It is located on Phetkasem Highway before entering the town. Legend has it that the pagoda was constructed by the order of Phraya Phan to dedicate to his grandmother who had raised and was killed by him. It was also served to atone for his sinful action.

  • Sanam Chandra Palace

    • Within an area of 355 acres, the compound houses a group of throne halls and pavilions with a mixture of classical French, English Tudor and traditional Thai architecture. 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 dog, and Phra Tamnak Mari Ratchabanlang where King Rama VI's personal utensils, royal photographs, and writings are exhibited. Nearby is a Thai-style house called 'Tamnak Thap Khwan' once served as King Rama VI's temporary residence. The palace is located 2 kilometres west of Phra Pathom Chedi.

  • The Rose Garden Country Resort

    • 32 kilometres west of Bangkok, this artfully landscaped resort complex is open daily to the public from 8.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. A Thai cultural village within the complex presents a daily show at 2.45 p.m. featuring folk dances, martial arts demonstrations and an elephant show. Admission fee including the show is 300 baht. Further information may be obtained by telephone (66 2) 295-3261-4.

  • Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo

    • Located one kilometre from the Rose Garden, this 22-acre complex features many different wild animals and thousands of crocodiles, including the world's largest albino crocodile. Open daily from 8.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m., visitors can inspect its orchid nursery as well as enjoy a compact "elephant trek" (mornings only). The complex also stages daily shows featuriflg crocodiles and elephants. Further information may be obtained by telephone (66 2) 284-1873, 284-0273.

  • Samphran River trip

    • From the pier near the Samphran District Office, a longtailed boat takes visitors along the Nakhon Chaisi River and some canals. 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.

  • Wat Rai Khing

    • Located on the bank of the Nakhon Chaisi River in the vicinity of Amphoe Samphran. The principal Buddha image of this temple is highly revered. An annual merit-making fair is held in April. The temple is also renowned for its natural fish sanctuary which is the habitat of hundreds of thousands of fish.

  • Thai Human Imagery Museum

    • Located at Km. 31 on the Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisri Highway, the museum houses life-sized fibreglass sculptures of former monarchs, ecclesiastics and rural folk. The museum is open daily, on weekdays from 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., and on weekends and public holidays from 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Admission fee is 200 baht. Tel: (66 34)332-607.

  • Don Wai Market

    • It is 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. The entrance to the market is on the way to Wat Rai Khing.

  • Phutth Monthon

    • This Buddha's precinct and botanical garden is located approximately 16 kilometres west of Bangkok. The more than l00-acre complex commemorates the Buddha's enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago, and is dominated by a 15.8-metre bronze walking Buddha image, which is considered to be the tallest in the world. The complex has become the venue for large-scale public celebratiofls of major Buddhist holy days.

    Major Event

  • Nakhon Pathom Agri-Tech Fair

    • This is an annual event held in December within the precincts of Phra Pathom Chedi. Major activities include contests and sales of agricultural produce pomelos, coconut with fragrant milk, guavas, bananas, and grapes as well as the display and sale of industrial products of the province.