Pathum Thani is a neighbouring province of Bangkok.  It is situated on the Chao Phraya basin with plenty of canals and orange plantations.  Its original name is Muang Sam Khok, which was founded during the Ayutthaya era.  It was the settlement for the Mon people migrating from Mohtama (in Myanmar) over 350 years ago.  In the year 1815 when King Rama II made a royal visit to this area, the inhabitants offered him plenty of lotus flowers which is the origin of the present name.

   The Pathum Thani Town is only 46 kms. form Bangkok.  It occupies an area of 1,525 square kilometres and is administratively divided into 7 districts (Amphoes):  Muang Pathum Thani, Lat Lum Kaeo, Sam Khok, Thanyaburi, Nong Sua, Khlong Luang , ang Lam Luk

ATTRACTIONS

   City Pillar Shrine  -   This is located in the compound of the City Hall.  It was constructed in 1977 as a four-gabled pavilion housing the city pillar and statues of the gods Narai and Vishnu.  On one side is enshrined a Buddha image of the Sukhothai style in the attitude of Subduin Evil.

   Wat Hong Pathummawat   -   This is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in the town.  It was constructed by the Mon immigrants in 1764 during the reign of King Taksin.  The chedi and vihara are replicas of the ones at Hongsawadi City.  The fish snactuary in front of the temple attracts many tourists during holidays.

   Wat Chinwararam  -    This temple, originally called Wat Makham Taii, is located on the west bnk of the Chao Phraya River slightly opposite the mouth of Khlong Rangsit Prayusak in the vicinity of Amphoe Muang.  The main interests are mural paintings depicting the story of "Phra Chao Sip Chat"  or Lord Buddha's ten lives with poetic descriptions.

   Wat Sing  -    This first Mon style temple of Pathum Thani is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, 3 kms. from the township area.   It houses Luang Pho To, an Ayuttaya a style gold covered Buddha image in a rare mara posture and Luang Pho Phet, a reclining Buddha image.  The monk's former quarters has been turned into a museum for Mon antiques along with a teak reproduction of a Lord Buddha footprint and a bedstead utilized by King Rama II during his visit to Sam Khok.  The villagers living around the temple produce old style Mon bricks, famous products of Pathum Thani.

   Wat Chedi Thong   -    This temple is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in the vicinity of Amphoe Sam Khok, 8 kms. from Pathum Thani Town.  There is a Mon style pagoda approximately 160 years old and a white jade Buddha image enshrines in the ubosot.

   Talad Thai  -    This is Thailand's largest, international standard wholesale and retail market for food products and all agricultural produces including fruits, vegetables, cut flowers and pot plants.  It is located on 200 acres of land in Tambon Rangsit, Amphoe Thanyaburi on Bangkok's outskirts and can be accessible by Phahonyothin Road.

   Wat Phut Udom  -    This temple constructed in 1894 is located in Tambon Lam Sai, Amphoe Lam Luk Ka, 57 kms. on the Pathum Thani-Nong Chok Route.  This temple is known for the illustrative images of hell and heaven stages of beings and other mythical figures made according to the Buddhist belief.

   Wat Bua Khwan  -   This temple in the vicinity of Amphoe Lat Lum Kaeo houses a Buddha image in the attitude of starving, which was cast in the reign of king Rama V.  Another important attraction is the pavilion where King Rama VI presided over a ploughing ceremony, called "Sala Daeng", having a teak tile roofing which is regarded as exquisite.

   Wat Chedi Hoi -   This small monastery is located at Tambon Bo Ngoen, Amphoe Lat Lum Laeo, 18 kms. from the town.  A tremendous number of giant oyster shells, 8 million years of age, were unearthed and piled up into a form of a chedi.  Each shell weighs at least 1 kilogramme.

   Thung Rangsit   -    This flooded grassland at Tambon Khlong Nung, Amphoe Khlong Luang attracts many migratory birds escaping from the cold climate zones, such as the Rubythroats, the Blue throats, the Bush Warblers, Crakes and Rails.

   Wat Worani Thammakayaram   -   This monastery, better known as the Meditation Practice Centre, is located in Tambon Khlong Sam, Amphoe Khlong Luang, 5 kms. from Pahonyothin Road.  The temple occupies a pleasant and extensive area with a jungle  atmosphere suitable for practicing meditation.

   Wat Phailom  -   This temple is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River  in Amphoe Sam Khok.  The  Asian Openbills migrate from India to lay their eggs here from November to May.  Other kinds of migratory birds include the Black-capped Kingfishers, the Spot-billed Pelicans and the Black-headed lbis.

   Dream World -  Situated on Km. 7 on Ransit - Ongkharak Road, a 10 minute drive from Don Muang Airport, this is an extensive fun land consisting of a European style plaza, miniature land of the major world legends and exciting playing machines.  It is open daily from 10.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. On holidays, it is open until 7.00 p.m. Call 533-1152, 533-1447, 533-1449 for further information.

   Muai Thai Institute   - This institute has been established by the World Muay Thai Council in order to  promote this folk arts of self defense at  national and international levels.  It offers three types of Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) courses for both Thais as well as foreigners. Besides the fundamental programs which provide skills, experience, and knowledge of the Muay Thai culture, one can apply for special programs to become Muay Thai instructors or referees.  Contact the Muay Thai Institute at 336-932 Prachathipat, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani 12130, Tel: 992-0096-9.