NAKHON PATHOM

Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom

..More picture..

Nakhon Pathom is a very old city which has been a centre of the Dvaravati civilisation. Over 2,000 years ago, a Buddhism missionary from lndia 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 located in the alluvial plain of central Thailand. It is drained by the Tha Chin river (also called Nakhon Chaisi river), a distributary of the Chao Phraya river. The urban area of Bangkok has already grown until the provincial borders to Nakhon Pathom.

History

The name Nakhon Pathom derives from the Pali Nagara Pathama, meaning First city, and is thus often referred as the oldest city of Thailand. It was already an important center during the Dvaravati kingdom from the 6th century until the 11th century, however it might even be older. Some historians speculate it dates back to the 3rd century BC, when Buddhist missionaries from India visited there.

Originally Nakhon Pathom was a coastal city, however due to the sedimentation of the Chao Phraya river the coast line moved away from the city. When the Tha Chin river changed its course, the city was removed from water and was deserted, the population moved to the new city of Nakhon Chaisi (or Sirichai). King Mongkut (Rama IV) moved the population back to the old city in 1870, after the restoration of Phra Pathom Chedi was finished.

Attractions

Phra Pathom Chedi On coming toward the city, the first glimpse of the towering Phra Pathom Chedi is overpowering. lt 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. ln the year 1853, King Rama lV commanded the reconstruction of a new huge pagoda covering the original one. lt has a height of 120.45 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 Wiharas (halls) containing images of Buddha in various postures.

Wat Phra Ngam This monastery is a short distance away from the Nakhon 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 huge stupa base were found within the precincts of this temple. Also discovered here are some artifacts which include Buddha images of different sizes, 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.

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 Hom who hard 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 "Ya-Le" - the king's pet dog and Phra Tamnak Mari Ratchabanlang where King 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.

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

The Rose Garden Country Resort This popular tourist attraction is in the area of Amphoe Sam Phran, 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 show includes Thai folk dance, Thai boxing, sword fighting and an elephant show. Call 295-3261-4 for further 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 lmagery 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 Dynasty, 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 Khin. 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 the Buddha. Accessible by Puttha-Monthon lV 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. Other interesting places include a Buddhist museum, a hall keeping marble Pali canon and meditation halls.

Major Events:

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