Travel in THAILAND : Nakhon Pathom Province

Nakhon Pathom is a small province located just 56 km west of Bangkok. The province features an ancient religious structure called Phra Pathom Chedi, the first religious landmark that signified the introduction of Buddhism into Thailand. Nakhon Pathom is also renowned for its abundant fruit varieties and famous regional cuisine. 

Formerly situated by the sea, the city prospered during the Dvaravati civilization, which existed between the 6th and 11th centuries C.E. According to archaeological findings, Nakhon Pathom was the first city to be exposed to the influence of Buddhism. From the Phra Pathom Chedi and other remains discovered in the city area, it is believed that the city was a center of civilization in that era and that 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, leaving Nakhon Pathom deserted for hundreds of years until the reign of King Rama IV. While His Majesty was in monk-hood, he traveled to Nakhon Pathom and discovered the Phra Pathom Chedi. When King Rama IV ascended to the throne, he commanded that a bell shaped Chedi be built to cover the old Chedi. The surrounding area was also renovated and improved. 

During the reign of King Rama V, the construction of railways to the south began; 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.

An area of great historical importance that features both archaeological and religious treasures, not least of which is Phra Pathom Chedi, the first religious landmark that signified the introduction of Buddhism to Thailand, Nakhon Pathom has a number of attractions that make it a fine day trip or stopping point on the way to or from Kanchanaburi.

Most of Nakhon Pathom consists of plains with no mountainous land, though a plateau rises up in the west. 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 opportunities for the people, thus most of the residents earn their living from agriculture, plantations and farms growing food crops as well as fruit orchards. In fact, Nakhon Pathom is well known for pomelo, a fruit much like a grapefruit, and some Thais call Nakhon Pathom the sweet pomelo town.

Only 100 kilometers from Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom can be reached easily for either a day trip or weekend getaway. Either by car, bus, or train, it’s only around 1 ½ hours from Bangkok to Nakhon Pathom, where local transportation is available to take you around the sights.

Options in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Getting to and from Nakhon Pathom 

By Train:
The State Railway of Thailand operates daily trains from Bangkok to Nakhon Pathom. There are regular trains departing throughout the day for the two hour ride from Bangkok’s Hua Lumphong Station to Nakhon Pathom. For more information contact Bangkok’s Hua Lumphong Railway Grand Station tel: 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 

From Thonburi’s Bangkok Noi station to Kanchanaburi’s Nam Tok station it is possible to get off at Nakhon Pathom. Until recently, this twice daily service was a provided for the benefit of commuters, but because a portion of the line is part of the historic ‘Death Railway’, built by WWII prisoners of war during Japanese occupation, rates for foreigners have been set higher than for ordinary commuters, though its still an enjoyable way to make the day trip to Nakhon Pathom. For more information contact the Thonburi Railway Station tel: 0 2411 3102.

By Car:
From Bangkok, drive along the old route of Petchakasem Road (Highway No.4) through Aom Noi, Aom Yai, and Sam Phran to Nakhon Pathom, or drive on the new route from Bangkok through Buddhamonthon and Nakhon Chaisi to Nakhon Pathom.

By Bus:
From Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal on Boromrajajonnani Road there are two bus services.
Old 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 also 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).

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.

Getting Around Nakhon Pathom

There are Tuk-Tuks (motor tricycles) available for chartering around Nakhon Pathom town.

Food & Drink

Most restaurants on Nakhon Pathom serve a variety of cuisines, including Thai and international foods. Most guesthouse and resorts have restaurants that serve both. The following are some of the restaurants on Nakhon Pathom Shopping As in most provincial capitals, Nakhon Pathom features a central market where locals can buy everything from groceries to household appliances and visitors can shop for clothing and other necessary supplies. In addition to the shopping venues listed below, there are often locally produced handicrafts available at central markets, the occasional night market, and from village workshops in smaller towns throughout the province. Accommodation Despite a number of excellent attractions, as Nakhon Pathom is so close to Bangkok, there are limited accommodation options, though there are a few golf resorts and budget bungalows for those looking to extend their stay in Nakhon Pathom. information : http://www.tourismthailand.org