Nakhon Pathom is
a small province located just 56 Kms. from Bangkok. The province
features an ancient religious structure called “Phra
Pathom Chedi”, the first religious landmark that signified
the influx of Buddhism into Thailand. Nakhon Pathom is also
renowned for its abundant fruits varieties and famous dishes.
Formerly situated by the sea, the city prospered
during the Dvaravati civilisation. According to archaeological
findings, Nakhon Pathom was the first city to possess influences
of Buddhism and Indian civilisations. From the Phra Pathom
Chedi and other remains discovered in the city area, it is
believed that the city was a centre of civilisation in that
era. People of different races settled in Nakhon Pathom. However,
a change in the course of the river caused a draught that
forced the people to migrate and settle on the banks of river,
and these communities developed into towns. The new town was
called “Nakhon Chaisi” or “Sirichai”,
leaving Nakhon Pathom deserted for hundreds of years until
the reign of King Rama IV. While His Majesty was in monk hood,
he travelled to Nakhon Pathom and found the Phra Pathom Chedi
that he regarded to be the largest pagoda of all.
When King Rama IV ascended to the throne,
he commanded that a bell shaped Chedi be built to cover the
former Chedi. The surrounding area was also renovated and
improved. He also commanded that a water canal be dug to facilitate
commuting, which was called Chedi Bucha canal. During the
reign of King Rama V, the construction of railways to the
south began, at that time Nakhon Pathom was still a heavily
forested area. King Rama V also commanded that the town be
relocated from Tambon Thana, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, to the
Phra Pathom Chedi area as it used to be. Nakhon Pathom has
been there ever since.
During the reign of King Rama VI, a palace
was built at Tambon Sanam Chan as a temporary residence on
his travels and many roads were constructed. A large bridge
was also built over the Chedi Bucha canal, which His Majesty
named “Saphan Charoensattha”. Later, he commanded
that the name of Nakhon Chaisi be changed to Nakhon Pathom,
but the name of the prefecture was still called “Nakhon
Chaisi” until the reign of King Rama VII when the calling
of the prefecture was ended. Nakhon Chaisi is now one of the
districts in Nakhon Pathom.
Nakhon Pathom covers an area of 2,168 square
kilometres or 542,081.6 acres. It is divided into 7 administrative
districts or Amphoe, they are: Amphoe Muang Nakhon Pathom,
Amphoe Buddhamonthon, Amphoe Sam Phran, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi,
Amphoe Bang Len, Amphoe Kamphaeng Saen, and Amphoe Don Toom.
Most of the areas are plains with no mountainous land, plateau
are found in the west east of Amphoe Muang and Amphoe Kamphaeng
Saen. The plains along the Tha Cheen River (Nakhon Chaisi
River) are the location of Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, Amphoe Sam
Phran, and Amphoe Bang Len. These fertile lands provide agricultural
area for people, thus most of the residents earn their living
from agriculture; plantations, farming, growing food crops,
and fruit orchards. Moreover, Nakhon Pathom is well known
for pomelo, some call the Nakhon Pathom the sweet pomelo town.
Distances from Amphoe Muang to neighbouring
Amphoe (districts) :
Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi 14 Kms.
Amphoe Buddhamonthon 20 Kms.
Amphoe Sam Phran 21 Kms.
Amphoe Kamphaengsaen 26 Kms.
Amphoe Don Toom 31 Kms.
Amphoe Bang Len 46 Kms.
How to get there
By
Car
By Car : From Bangkok, driving on the old route of Petchakasem
Road (Highway No.4) passing Aom Noi, Aom Yai, Sam Phran to
Nakhon Pathom or driving on a new route from Bangkok, passing
Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Chaisi to Nakhon Pathom.
By Bus
By Bus : From the Southern Bus Terminal on Boromrajajonnani
Road there are two lines of buses.
Old Route (Bangkok-Aom Yai-Sam Phran-Nakhon Pathom), there
are several lines of 2nd class air-conditioned buses: Bangkok-Nakhon
Pathom, Bangkok-Ratchaburi, and Bangkok-Bangli. There are
2 lines of non air-conditioned buses: Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom,
Bangkok-Ratchaburi, and Bangkok-Suphanburi.
New Route (Bangkok-Buddhamonthon-Nakhon Chaisi-Nakhon Pathom)
There are 2 lines of 1st class air-conditioned buses: Bangkok-Nakhon
Pathom and Bangkok Dan Chang (blue bus) or taking the 2nd
class of air-conditioned buses of Bangkok-Damnoen Saduak and
Bangkok-Ratchaburi.
For more information, contact the Southern Bus Terminal on
Boromrajajonnani Road. Non air-conditioned buses tel: 0 2434
5557-8 and Air-conditioned buses tel: 0 2435 1199.
By
Train
By Rail: The State Railway of Thailand
operates daily trains to Nakhon Pathom. For more information
contact Bangkoks Hualampong Railway Grand Station tel: 1690,
0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 and the Thonburi Railway Station
tel: 0 2411 3102.
