Thailand Guides - Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom is known as one of Thailand’s oldest cities. Today evidence of its glorious past may be hard to find but the city still makes for an interesting day-trip.

Overview

Nakhon Pathom sits a mere 50 kilometres west of Bangkok, making it an ideal destination for a Sunday drive or a stopping-off point on route to Kanchanaburi. The city is considered to be one of the oldest continually inhabited sites in Thailand, possibly dating back as far as the 3rd century BC. Today the town has the feel of a fairly typical small provincial capital with only the magnificent Pra Pathom Chedi hinting at former glories.

Attractions

Nakhon Pathom’s biggest claim to fame is without doubt Phra Pathom Chedi. Constructed by Theravada Buddhists in the 6th century the chedi is the tallest Buddhist monument in the world and the oldest in Thailand. The temple surrounding the impressive 127 metre chedi is one of the most important religious sites in the country and the final resting place of King Rama VI’s ashes.

Southeast of town stands Phra Phutthamonthon and at over 40 metres lays claim to the title of the world’s tallest Buddha image. The Sukhothai-style image stands in a 2,500 rai landscaped park containing miniature reproductions of Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal.

Wat Rai Khing sits of the banks of the Nakhon Chaisi River in Amphur Sam Phran and contains a highly revered Buddha image. An annual fair is held at the temple in April. Wat Rai Khing is also known as a sanctuary for fish and boasts catfish weighing up to ten kilograms.