Pathum Thani is a neighbouring province of Bangkok. It is situated on the Chao Phraya basin with plenty of canals and orange plantations. Its original name is Mueang Sam Khok, which was founded during the Ayutthaya era. It was the settlement for the Mon people migrating from Mohtama (in Myanmar) over 350 years ago. In the year 1815 when King Rama II made a royal visit to this area, the inhabitants offered him plenty of lotus flowers which is the origin of the present name.

The Pathum Thani Town is only 46 kms. from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 1,525 square kilometres and is administratively divided into 7 districts (Amphoes): Muang Pathum Thani, Lat Lum Kaeo, Sam Khok, Thanyaburi, Nong Suea, Khlong Luang, and Lam Luk Ka.

Wat Chedi Hoi

Wat Chedi Hoi is located at Mu 4, Tambon Bo Ngoen. To get there: Take Highway No. 341 (Pathum Thani – Lat Lum Kaeo) to kilometre marker Nos. 21-22 and turn to the temple for approximately 10 kilometres. In the compound of the temple, a large number of gigantic fossilised oyster shells, aged millions of years were discovered. Luangpho Thongklueng, therefore, took the shells to build a chedi at the entrance of and in the temple. Furthermore, there is a museum collecting Buddha images, art objects, antiques, and many old utensils such as Sam Khok water jars, pottery, engraved wood, calculators, etc. Within the compound of the temple is a herbal garden, as well as, turtle and fish ponds for tourists to relax and feed the animals.

Wat Chedi Thong

Wat Chedi Thong is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Tambon Khlong Khwai. To get there: Take the Pathum Thani - Sam Khok route for approximately 8 kilometres and turn right for 500 metres to the temple. Inside the temple lies a Mon style chedi, constructed during the early Rattanakosin era by the Mons. Its architecture was duplicated from the Burmese “Chittakong” chedi. Besides, there is a Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture, made of white jade and revered by the Thai-Mon people.