Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom

General Information

Nakhon Pathom is a small province located just 56 Kms. from Bangkok. The province features an ancient religious structure called “Phra Pathom Chedi”, the first religious landmark that signified the influx of Buddhism into Thailand. Nakhon Pathom is also renowned for its abundant fruits varieties and famous dishes.
Formerly situated by the sea, the city prospered during the Dvaravati civilisation. According to archaeological findings, Nakhon Pathom was the first city to possess influences of Buddhism and Indian civilisations. From the Phra Pathom Chedi and other remains discovered in the city area, it is believed that the city was a centre of civilisation in that era. People of different races settled in Nakhon Pathom. However, a change in the course of the river caused a draught that forced the people to migrate and settle on the banks of river, and these communities developed into towns. The new town was called “Nakhon Chaisi” or “Sirichai”, leaving Nakhon Pathom deserted for hundreds of years until the reign of King Rama IV. While His Majesty was in monk hood, he travelled to Nakhon Pathom and found the Phra Pathom Chedi that he regarded to be the largest pagoda of all.
When King Rama IV ascended to the throne, he commanded that a bell shaped Chedi be built to cover the former Chedi. The surrounding area was also renovated and improved. He also commanded that a water canal be dug to facilitate commuting, which was called Chedi Bucha canal. During the reign of King Rama V, the construction of railways to the south began, at that time Nakhon Pathom was still a heavily forested area. King Rama V also commanded that the town be relocated from Tambon Thana, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, to the Phra Pathom Chedi area as it used to be. Nakhon Pathom has been there ever since.
During the reign of King Rama VI, a palace was built at Tambon Sanam Chan as a temporary residence on his travels and many roads were constructed. A large bridge was also built over the Chedi Bucha canal, which His Majesty named “Saphan Charoensattha”. Later, he commanded that the name of Nakhon Chaisi be changed to Nakhon Pathom, but the name of the prefecture was still called “Nakhon Chaisi” until the reign of King Rama VII when the calling of the prefecture was ended. Nakhon Chaisi is now one of the districts in Nakhon Pathom.
Nakhon Pathom covers an area of 2,168 square kilometres or 542,081.6 acres. It is divided into 7 administrative districts or Amphoe, they are: Amphoe Muang Nakhon Pathom, Amphoe Buddhamonthon, Amphoe Sam Phran, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, Amphoe Bang Len, Amphoe Kamphaeng Saen, and Amphoe Don Toom. Most of the areas are plains with no mountainous land, plateau are found in the west east of Amphoe Muang and Amphoe Kamphaeng Saen. The plains along the Tha Cheen River (Nakhon Chaisi River) are the location of Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, Amphoe Sam Phran, and Amphoe Bang Len. These fertile lands provide agricultural area for people, thus most of the residents earn their living from agriculture; plantations, farming, growing food crops, and fruit orchards. Moreover, Nakhon Pathom is well known for pomelo, some call the Nakhon Pathom the sweet pomelo town.

Symbol

The provincial seal shows the pagoda Phra Pathom Chedi, with 127m the highest pagoda of the world. It is located in the center of the city Nakhon Pathom, and has been an important buddhist center since the 6th century. The current building was created by king Mongkut in 1860. On the pagoda a royal crown is depicted, the symbol for King Mongkuts work on reconstructing the pagoda.
Provincial tree is Diospyros decandra.
The provincial slogan is sweet pomelos, delicious rice, and beautiful young ladies.

Getting there

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.

By Bus

From the Southern Bus Terminal on Boromrajajonnani Road there are two lines of buses.

FOld 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.

By Train

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 elephants 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

TaNakhon 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.

Thai Merit Making (Sat Thai) & Long boat Racing Festival

Thai Merit Making (Sat Thai) & Long boat Racing Festival is annually held in October along Khlong 29 at Wat Thawiphon Rangsan, Amphoe Ongkharak. The fair showcases a variety of long boats racing, making Krayasat contest (Krayasat is a sticky paste made from rice, bean, sesame, and sugar, usually eaten during Sat Thai Festival), merit making on Sat Thai day, and local entertainment at night.

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 entertainments are 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.

Interesting Products

Fragrant coconut juice

Fragrant coconut juice, which is worth its fame.

Khao Lam

Khao Lam is the sticky rice, mixed with coconut milk and grilled in a bamboo trunk.

Sweet pomelo

Sweet pomelo though this has been talked about for a long time, their quality is still worth a try. They are major products of Nakhon Chai Si district.