Nakhon Nayok is a
destination which is often taken for granted by many tourists.
The fact that it is located just 106 kilometers from Bangkok
and its attractions may be visited as a day trip makes it
just a stop over spot for travelers. But this is not always
the case. Nakhon Nayok is famous for its refreshing natural
beauty including waterfalls and parks, renowned historical
sites, soft adventure activities, and its variety of fruits.
Nakhon Nayok is one of Thailand's central
provinces. Covering some 2,130 square kilometres, it borders
Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima Provinces on the north, Prachin
Buri Province on the east, Chachoengsao Province on the south
and Pathum Thani Province on the west.
The northern part of Nakhon Nayok is located
in the Dong Phaya Yen mountain range an area covered by the
Khao Yai National Park. Yod Khao Kiew, its highest peak, is
1,292 meters above sea level. The central part of the province
is on a contrary, a rather flat river plain formed by the
Maenam Nakhon Nayok. The southern part of the province has
relatively unfertile acidic soil.
The provincial seal says a lot about Nakhon
Nayok. It is a picture of a circle indicating the unity of
Nakhon Nayok people. An elephant raising an ear of rice in
the circle represents fertile forests with numerous elephants.
An ear of rice refers to farming which is fruitful. The background
with a pile of straw, trees and clouds depicts fertility and
the natural beauty of the province.
Nakhon Nayok is a province with a history
of over 900 years. It was believed to have been established
in the Dvaravati period as indicated by some remains found
in Ban Dong Lakhon, a village to the south of the town. During
the Ayutthaya period and the reign of King U-Thong, the town
which was an eastern garrison was only a forested but infertile
highland called Ban Na (village of the rice field). Jungle
fever, unfruitful and unproductive agriculture forced the
settlers to migrate elsewhere. It was not until the King granted
an exemption of paddy field tax that people began to move
in and settle down as a community. It was then named Muang
Nayok which literally means the town that the paddy tax was
lifted.
In 1894, under the royal command of King
Rama V, Nakhon Nayok was designated as part of Prachin Buri
province. Eventually, it became a province in its own right.
How to get there
By
Car
From Bangkok:
For the shorter route, take Highway No. 305 (along Rangsit
canal) passing Ongkharak district. The total distance is 106
kilometers.
For the longer route, take Highway No. 1, turn right at Hin
Kong and then drive towards Suwannason Road (Highway No. 33).
The total distance is 137 kilometers.
Traveling from Nakhon Nayok to neighboring provinces
Buses to Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Saraburi, and Chanthaburi
Provinces are available. For more information, contact the
Transport Co. Ltd. Tel. 0 3731 1932.
By Bus
From Bangkok: Buses leave the Bangkok's Northern
Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet Road
(Tel: 02 936-3660 and 02 936-3666) every 30 minutes from 5.30
a.m. to 8.30 a.m. daily. Air-conditioned buses cost 70 bahts/single
journey. Regular (non air-conditioned) buses cost 37 bahts.
There are two other routes operated by transport companies:
Bangkok-Hin Kong-Nakhon Nayok and Bangkok-Rangsit-Ongkharak-Nakhon
Nayok. For more information, contact Tel: 0 2537 8055 and
0 2936 2841. In addition, there are also second-class air-conditioned
buses operating from Bangkok-Ongkharak-Chulachomklao Royal
Military Academy (by-passing the Nakhon Nayok town).
