Nakhon Pathom is a very old city which has been a centre of the Dvaravati civilization.  Over 2,000 years ago, a Buddhist missionary from India 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 56 kilometres west of Bangkok.  It is administratively divided into 6 districts (Amphoes):  Muang Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Chaisi, Sam Phran, Bang Len, Kamphaeng Saen, Don Tum, and 1 sub-district:  King Amphoe Phutthamonthon.

ATTRACTIONS

   Phra Pathom Chedi  -   On  coming toward the city, the firist glimpse of the towering Phra Pathom Chedi is overpowering.  It 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.  In the year 1853, King Rama IV commanded the reconstruction of new huge pagoda covering the original one.  It has a height of 120.75 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 Viharas (halls) containing images of Buddha in various postures.

   Wat Phra Ngam  -   This monastery is a short distance away from the Nahom 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 hugh stupa base were found within the precincts of this temple.  Also discovered here are some artefacts which include Buddha images of different sized, 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.  It was constructed, according to a legend.

   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 who had 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 "Wa Le"- the king's pet dog and Phra Tamnak Mari Ratchabanlang where kAing 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.

    The Rose Garden Country Resort   -    This popular tourist attraction is in the area of Amphoe Sam Pharan, 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 shows include Thai folk dances, Thai boxing, sword fighting and an elephant show.  Call 295-3261-4 for further information.

    Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo  -  This is located approximately 1km. 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.

    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 Imagery 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 Dynastry, 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 Khing.  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 Buddhism.  Accessible by Phutta-monthon IV 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 (death).  Other interesting places include a Buddhist museum, a hall keeping marble Pali canon and meditation halls.

EVENT

    Nakhon Pathom Agri-Tech Fair   -    This fair is an annual event held in the month of December within the precincts of Phra Pathom Chedi.  Major activities include contests and sales of agricultural produce - pomeloes, coconut with fragrant milk, guavas, bananas, and grapes as well as the display and sale of industrial products of the province.