Thailand

The city of Nakhon Pathom, located in central Thailand, is the capital of the province of the same name. Existing since 150 years before Christ, it is particularly rich in history and is classified among the oldest cities in the Land of Smiles. Its most important monument is the Phra Pathom Chedi. It stands 127 meters tall and is the tallest stupa in the world.

Nakhon Pathom is a city close to Bangkok. Yet, upon arrival, you will quickly be struck by its tranquility. You might think it is a sparsely populated town, but it currently has over 120,000 inhabitants. There are numerous places to visit, and its heritage is very rich. Nakhon Pathom will surely appeal to you, especially since the atmosphere is calm and relaxed, far from mass tourism.

History

The remnants of the Mon civilization of Dvaravati have marked the city's history. A stupa discovered in the 4th century was already mentioned in a Buddhist text in 675. It was covered by a Khmer-style prang in the 11th century before being overrun by dense vegetation due to the region's dominant tropical climate.

King Rama IV, who was crowned in 1851, regularly frequented this ruin when he was a monk. Upon assuming power, he ordered the construction of a larger stupa to replace it.

In 1870, the Phra Pathom was completed after 17 years of work in the midst of a new city called Nakhon Pathom. The first inhabitants belonged to the neighboring district of Nakhon Chai Si, and they were ordered to migrate there.

In 1907, King Rama IV erected the Sanam Chan Palace to honor the site. Part of this royal residence is currently occupied by the vice-governor of Nakhon Pathom province, while most of it serves as a campus for Silpakorn University.

Today

The province's economy has developed significantly in recent years. The region currently hosts numerous industrial zones, agricultural centers, university towns, various transportation options, and government offices relocated from Bangkok.

City highlights

Buddhism had entered Nakhon Pathom before spreading throughout Thailand. During your visit, you will discover several sacred places, as well as points of interest such as museums, theme parks, leisure centers, etc.

The tallest stupa in the world

Most visitors arrive in Nakhon Pathom to discover the Phra Pathom Chedi, or the Sacred Chedi of the Beginning. While originally a stupa was defined as a mound of earth and bricks containing a Buddha relic, here it rises to a height of 127 meters. It is the tallest chedi on earth. Visit this remarkable monument, and you will learn more about its fascinating history dating back several centuries.

The world's center of Buddhism

Phuttamonthon is a Buddhist park on 400 hectares, distinguished by its 16-meter-high walking Buddha. It is located 30 kilometers from Bangkok. It's impossible to miss!

Sanam Chandra Place

This monument was built in the early 19th century to serve as a vacation spot and inspiration for the king. It consists of five buildings and sanctuaries, each with its own architectural style and particular influence. Sanam Chandra is a charming park, ideal for resting and connecting with nature.

The covered market

Located between the railway station and the grand chedi, this is an easy-to-find address for shopping and dining.

The surroundings of the city

Outside the city, you can visit several tourist sites, such as the floating market of Wat Lam Phaya, the Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo, Wat Samphran with its dragon wrapped around 17 floors, Wat Bang Phran, and many others.

The climate

Nakhon Pathom has a savanna climate characterized by pleasant warmth throughout the year. The temperature varies from 27°C to 33.5°C, but summers are rainy while winters are dry.

Precipitation is significant in the summer and can reach an average of 380.4 mm in the wettest month, October. However, it significantly decreases in the winter. It was only 13.1 mm in February, the driest month.

Plan your stay in Nakhon Pathom between November and March to ensure good weather. The sun will accompany your days without scorching you, and rain will generally be absent.

How to get to Nakhon Pathom?

To reach Nakhon Pathom from Bangkok, you have several options:

• Bus: Direct buses from the Southern Terminal are available from 4:10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Train: Trains leave Hua Lampong station every 30 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 12:10 a.m. to reach Nakhon Pathom.
• Taxi: Taxis are willing to travel to Nakhon Pathom since the city is only 55 kilometers from the capital.
• Car: Nakhon Pathom is an hour's drive from the exit of Bangkok. To get there, take Route 338 at Pinklao towards Buddha Monthon 2 and Nakhon Chai Si. Alternatively, you can also take the old Route 4 from Petchakasem. In this case, you will pass through Aom Noi, Aom Yai, and Sam Phran.
• With your Sawa’Discovery agency, you will benefit from a private vehicle with a driver.

How to get around the city

Buses and tuk-tuks are abundant in Nakhon Pathom to facilitate your movements within the city.