Nakhon Pathom Province in Central Thailand
Nakhon Pathom, only 56 kilometers west of Bangkok, is a city dating back to at least 150 B.C., say the historians. Nakhon Pathom occupies an area of 2,168 square kilometers and administratively divided into six. Amphoes and one King Amphoe: Muang, Bang len, Don Tum, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Chaisi, Sam Phran and King Amphoe Phutthamonthon.
What to see and what to do in Nakhon Pathom?
Phra Pathom Chedi : On coming toward the city, the first glimpse of towering Phra Pathom Chedi is overpowering. It is one of the largest Chedis in the world and in Thailand. It is, by far, the most holy of all Buddhist structures. Reaching to sky for just half an inch less than 380 feet. The dome shines like pure gold in the sunlight. The highly glazed tiles covering the dome are golden brown and were brought from China.
Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom
Wat Phra Ngam is a short distance away from the Nakhon Pathom Railway Station, within the precincts of Wat Phra Ngam. It is a large mole-hill believed to be the base of a large ancient monument about the same age as Phra Pathom Chedi. This Wat was built during the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910).
Sanam Chan Palace and Ya-Le Monument were constructed at the command of King Vajiravudh in the year 1907 when he was the Crown Prince of Thailand. It occupies an area of over 888 rai. It was designed by Phraya Visavakam Silpa Prasit (Noi Silapi). It was completed in the year 1911, having many important halls, such as, Phiman Pathom, Phirom Phakdi, Wachari Romaya and Samakkhi Mukkhamat. In addition there are also many buildings such as Chali Mongkhon At Thap KaeoThap Khwan. At present all the buildings of Sanam Chan Palace are utilized as the Provincial Hall (the Sala Klang Changwat) of Nakhon Pathom.
Ya-Le Monument, is a monument to Ya-Le, a cross breed dog, who was King Vajiravudh's favourite and always accompanied him. One day Ya-Le was shot dead by an envious man. The king commanded a monument be constructed as his commemorative in front of Chali Mongkhon At Building in the compound of Sanam Chan Palace.
Rose Garden (Country Resort & Thai Village Cultural Show) is situated on Phetkasem Road about 32 kilometers from Bangkok. With an area over 60 acres, it has beautiful lawns, gardens, orchards, a first class hotel with swimming pool, restaurants, children's playground and the world-renowned Thai Village Cultural Show. This cultural show is presented each afternoon. There are, for instance, Thai folk dancing, Thai boxing, cock fighting and sword fighting demonstrations.
Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo is about 31 kilometers from Bangkok or 1 kilometer before reaching The Rose Garden. The Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo offers tourists a most spectacular show. It has a crocodile wrestling show between man and crocodile. The highlight of the place is the exciting "Elephants Theme Show" which is performed two times daily. The Shows demonstrate the elephant round-up from the jungle, the training of baby elephants, elephants at work and play, elephant racing and the most exciting of all, the Elephant War Parade. Both men and beasts are dressed in beautiful costumes.
Phuttha Monthon is an important Buddhist place of worship occupying an area of 2,500 rai in Tambon Sala Ya, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi and Tambon Bang Rathuk Amphoe Sam Phran. Within the compound various types of trees are grown. Replicas of important places concerning Buddhism have been constructed, e.g.,Lord Buddha's places of birth, gaining enlightenment, giving the first preaching sermon, and Nirvana. There is also a Buddha image in the attitude of walking named "Phra Si Sakkaya Thotsaphonyan Prathan Phuttha Monthon Suthat". It is considered as the highest in the world (40,688 meters).
Thai Human Imagery Museum is located at Km. 31, Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisi Road. The museum houses life-like sculptures created by a group of Thai artists. These breathtaking figures are displayed in four sections: "The Great Buddhist Monks", "Former Kings of the Chakri Dynasty", "One Side of Thai Life' and "Playing Chess". The collection to over 10 years of hard work to finish. The museum is open to public from 9,00 A,M.- 5,30 P.M. on weekdays and 8.30 A.M.- 6.00 P.M, on Saturday, Sunday and official holidays. Admission fee is baht 140.
Phra Pathom Chedi Fair : During the seven day fair in November, the grounds are packed with people. There are vendors of fruit, dried fish and meats. Also present are palmists and card fortune tellers, musicians with their cradle-like wooden instruments, saffron-robed monks and hundreds of families wandering around the pavilion. It is Carnival Time, yet a deeply religious atmosphere prevails.