Nakhon Pathom, also known as Nakhor Pakorn, is the capital city of the province of the same name and is next to the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, of Thailand. It was once a home of royal and holy significance. Time and the shifting geographic landscape changed the province and altered its appearance, as the sea retreated more than 50 km (31.1 miles) from Thailand’s central plains. However, it is an attractive destination for visitors because the location is convenient, at just 56 km (34.8 miles) from Bangkok.
Nakhon Pathom also has one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the region. It’s a short drive from the Thai capital so most of the popular attractions can be covered in a quick day trip. That being said, what are the best things to do in Nakhon Pathom? Take a look at our list, to find out!
1. Wat Phra Pathom Chedi
Let’s begin with the single most important attraction in this ancient territory. Visit Wat Phra Pathom ChedoI, also known as the “holiest and first among chedis.” It is the tallest Buddhist monument in the world, standing at 118 meters (387.1 feet) and it is even higher than the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Burma.
There’s a legend about this chedi regarding an ancient king and his son. The great chedi is surrounded by a latticework wall and stands on a circular terrace, in the middle of a square park. You can also see the Bot, one of the buildings on the terrace, which holds a nice Buddha of clear quartzite. It’s a perfect place for visitors that appreciate the beauty of ancient monuments.
Wat Phra Pathom Chedi
Address: Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Pathom
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm. Wednesday-Sunday
Contact: +66 3424 2143
Website: Wat Phra Pathom Chedi
2. Sanam Chandra Palace
Sanam Chandra Palace is a palace ground that has exciting buildings, in a mixture of Thai and European architecture. It stands in a large area and is connected by a wide avenue to the west gate of the Chedi. It is about an hour and a half to two hours’ drive from Bangkok. The palace is open daily, from 9 am until 4 pm. It costs around 30 THB or .90 USD to enter the palace grounds.
The majestic Sanam Chandra is meticulously kept and has interesting plantings and rustic buildings for miles. It was built by King Rama VI, when he was still a prince. The palace is a suitable place for tourists interested in learning more about Thai’s history, culture and architecture.
Sanam Chandra Palace
Address: Amphoe Mueang District in Nakhon Pathom
Price: from .90 USD
Opening Hours: 9am - 4pm. Thursday-Sunday
Contact: +66 34 900 190
Website: Sanam Chandra Palace
3. Wat Lampaya Floating Market
If you love food and shopping, then the Wat Lampaya Floating Market is the right place to continue your trip. It is one of the best local attractions, where you can weave between shops in wooden boats. As early as 8 am, the place is full of people as everyone comes out to get the best fruit, vegetables and meat.
It’s so popular that even tourist companies will stop by here, to show tourists an example of a pure floating market. You can enjoy a unique feeling riding the boat to the floating market while taking in the vivid sights and sounds.
Wat Lampaya Floating Market
Address: Tambon Lampaya, Amphoe Bang Len, Nakhon Pathom
Opening Hours: 6am - 3pm. Saturday - Sunday
Contact: +66 34 391 626
Website: Wat Lampaya Floating Market
4. Wat Srisathong
Another iconic place in Nakhon Pathom, the Hanuman Temple, or Wat Srisathong, is where a Phra Rahnu, a large statue of Lord Hanuman is worshipped. He is the mythical god of darkness and most Thais visit this “Black God” to pray for him to keep away the negative effects of life. Worshippers of the god Rahnu offer him eight black items, such as a black chicken, black jelly, black liquor, black rice and black pudding.
For a spooky feeling, try visiting the place after 8 pm and don’t be surprised if you feel something weird! There are small markets in the surrounding area, selling these items and they are sold at 300 THB (9.04 USD) per set. It is sure to be a thrilling experience for you.
Wat Srisathong
Address: Sisa Thong, Nakhon Chaisi, Nakhon Pathom, 73120
Website: Wat Srisathong
5. Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo
If you love elephants and crocodiles, this is an ideal place to visit. Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo is a popular destination, located to the west of Bangkok, and reachable in less than a one hour drive. It boasts the interesting Elephant Theme Show and the Crocodile Wresting Show. The elephants are the main actors of the show, as they play football, dance, race, and do games. Be prepared for an exciting royal battle scene, called “Yutha Hathi”.
In addition, crocodiles and a master crocodile catcher will give a spectacular show, with many awesome stunts. You can learn many things here about the tropical gardens, the orchid nursery and more.
Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo
Address: Amphoe Sam Phran, Chang Wat Nakhon Pathom 73110, Thailand
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm.
Contact: +66 86391 3831
Website: Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo
6. Wat Phra Mayn
Images of the Wat Phra Mayn are currently unavailable.
Another beautiful temple in Nakhon Pathom is the Wat Phra Mayn. It is an abandoned temple, located in Ananta Uttayan Park. It resembles a large hill and it is one of the oldest temples you can visit, in Thailand. History lovers will love this place. It opens every day at 9 am until 5 pm.
Take a look at some of the artifacts here, such as the bronze Buddha images and the statues of Thai mythical gods, Yaksa Deva, the Lotus Lion Deva, and stucco reliefs from stupa ruins.
Wat Phra Mayn
Address: Phet Kasem Road, Tambon Huai Chorakhe, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Pathom
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm. Daily
Contact: +66 3475 2847-8
Website: Wat Phra Mayn
7. Wat Phai Lom
Get ready for another historic visit to a local temple in Nakhon Pathom, known as Wat Phai Lom. It is situated not far from the Phra Pathom Chedi. The “ubosot”, or the most sacred area of the wat, is highly decorated on both the inside and outside. You will be amazed by its beauty.
King Rama IV was the ruler during its creation and he was a strong Buddhist believer. The temple started as a place for monks to find tranquility and seclusion. As time went by, more monks came and this brought many worshippers to the temple. You can see its main attraction, which is the huge, golden reclining Buddha, lying in the main area, with a pretty sober appearance.
Wat Phai Lom
Address: Amphoe Sam Khok, Pathum Thani
Opening Hours: 8am - 4.30pm.
Website: Wat Phai Lom
8. Don Wai Floating Market
Thailand is regarding as a food paradise, and you will surely enjoy the uniqueness of its local dishes and favorites. A top destination for food in the area is located behind Wat Don Wai and it is the Don Wai Floating Market. This place promises both Thai-style dishes and sweet desserts. Don’t miss out and cruise along the river, choosing between two exciting routes. You can enjoy the exclusivity of the antique Thai houses, which have been preserved since the King Rama VI period.
To name a few of the exciting dishes, the floating market is widely famous for its deep-fried curried fish patties and their whole ducks boiled in enormous cauldrons, with herbs and spices, known as Nam YaPha. Have lunch during your boat trip and enjoy the naturally gorgeous views and the customs of Thai life.
Don Wai Floating Market
Address: Bang Krathuk, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom 73210, Thailand
Opening Hours: 7am - 6pm
Contact: +66 86 838 8794
Website: Don Wai Floating Market
9. Wat Bang Phra
Only a two-hour drive from Bangkok, is the Wat Bang Phra. It is a great place to visit, especially if you are a monument and tattoo lover. It is located in Nakhon Chan Si, along the road, nearby the river. You can see many bikers stop by here, to visit the temple. Most tattoo lovers will know about the magic tattoos, such as the Sak Yant or Yantra tattoos. Given as blessings by sacred monks, the wearer will be given protection from evil, as well as luck, strength and other valuable blessings.
A complete traditional tattoo takes around 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the tattoo. You can also purchase amulets from the shops inside.
Wat Bang Phra
Address: Moo.3, Wat Lamut-Nara Phirom Road, Tambon Bang Kaeo Fa, Amphoe Nakhon Chai Si, Nakhon Pathom, 73120, Thailand
Contact: +66 6 18489789
Website: Wat Bang Phra
Nature and history buffs will love it!
There you are, some of the top things to do in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand - filled with historic temples and architecture, culture and history and good food. Regarded as one of the oldest cities in Southeast Asia, you will have an epic adventure here, that may last forever.
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