fbpx
Site logo

--- Advertisement ---

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

A Day in Nakhon Pathom

Want to get out of the city for a day of exploring with the kids? Then try Nakhon Pathom! It’s just about 60km from Bangkok and is rich in history and culture. The city is known as one of the first places where Buddhism became established in Thailand and is also home to a former private residence of the Royal Family that is now open to visitors. Get ready for a unique discovery…

Phra Pathom Chedi

This is the absolute must-see when you come to Nakhon Pathom and it’s impossible to miss, whether you arrive by train, bus or car. This chedi (or stupa) is the largest of its kind, reaching 127 meters, and besting even the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar. It is also said to contain a relic of Buddha and date back to the 6th century A.D., making it the oldest Buddhist temple in Thailand. However, most of the structures that can be seen now were renovated by King Rama V in the 19th century.

The legend behind the chedi is a tragic one. It tells the story of the ancient King Phya Kong who was told by a fortune teller that his son would one day kill him. Dreading this, the king sent Phya Pan, his son, to live in the woods. There he was found by a woman who raised him. Thanks to his great wisdom and intelligence, Phya Pan was taken into service in the neighboring Ratchaburi kingdom and so impressed its king that he adopted the boy. When the kings of both cities went to war soon after, Phya Pan fought against his father and ended up killing him. He only found out then that he had murdered his own father, and to show his sorrow and make amends he is said to have constructed the first structure of today’s Phra Pathom Chedi.

You can’t enter the chedi itself but walk around it and explore the many small side altars. The large golden Buddha statue in the main hall is also well worth seeing and attracts many worshippers every day.

Sanam Chan Palace

King Rama VI built this palace in 1910 before he ascended to the throne. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens where young guests can feed the many ducks, freely roaming roosters and chickens. There are a number of buildings to be visited, including the main residence, a beautiful gazebo on the garden’s pond and also two golden statues, one of Ganesha and one of a dog. The dog is Ya Le, supposedly King Rama IV’s favorite pet, who was loved so much that he was immortalized in the palace gardens.

Delicious Snacks and Yummy Fruit

After a long day of exploring, try one of the many food stalls in Nakhon Pathom’s main street. They offer an endless variety of delicious, freshly cooked treats. The city is also known for its variety of great fruit… the perfect place for hungry adventurers to get a healthy snack!

How to get there:

You can take either the bus or train from Bangkok which will cost you about THB 50 one way. Alternatively, you can come by car and take Highway No. 4 or No. 338.

Sanam Chan Palace closes quite early (4pm) so it’s good to get there early in order to really enjoy the big garden without having to hurry. To save time and energy, grab a moto taxi when going between the Chedi and the Palace. It’s possible to walk, but it would be quite strenuous for little feet.

A quick note: When you enter both Phra Pathom Chedi and Sanam Chan Palace, be sure to dress respectfully. Guests wearing shorts above the knee or tank tops will be asked to buy a shawl or sarong to cover up.

Register your email address here and we’ll notify you when a new article gets uploaded.

Pssst... like what you're reading?

Join our community and never miss an event, post or update!

Just enter your email address below:

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Follow Us!

Upcoming Events

Wellington College International Bangkok – Football Training

Wellington College International Bangkok 18 Krungthep Kreetha Road Saphan Sung District, Bangkok, Thailand

Join us here at Wellington for the finest football training in town! Our Wellington Extra providers, Galaxy, have lots of extra opportunities on their programmes this year. If your child […]

฿12000 – ฿35200

BimBi Italiani – Imparando l’Italiano

Salesian Sisters Foundation Saladaeng Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand +1 more

ANNOUNCEMENT : ENROLLMENT OPEN FOR "IMPARANDO L'ITALIANO" IN BANGKOK,THAILAND For everyone in , BimBi Italiani has reopened registration for the weekly group language courses for children in Imparando l'Italiano from September […]

฿610 – ฿8610

Asobiba Art Exhibition

XSPACE GALLERY 71 15 Pridi Banomyong 14 Alley, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana,, Bangkok, Thailand

“Asobiba” Group exhibition by Nagoya University of the Arts and the Department of Fine Arts at KMITL At Xspace Gallery, Bangkok. (Main Hall) SHOW PERIOD: September 7 – December 22, […]

Please Contact

ELC Family of International Schools Bangkok – After-School Activities

The City School - International School Bangkok 18 Sukhumvit 49/4 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok, Thailand

We’re excited to open our After-School Activities registration today for children at The City School. We have a wonderful array of activities, including the following new classes available this year: […]

Please Contact

Alliance Française de Bangkok – French Course

Alliance Française de Bangkok 179 Witthayu road, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok,, Bangkok, Thailand

Great news for parents in Bangkok! Open the door to a world of linguistic and cultural discoveries for your children aged 3 to 11! Our next French course session begins […]

Please Contact
Get The Latest Updates

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get the latest kid and family-friendly activities and events in your inbox every Thursday! No spam, guaranteed.

More information

You May Also Like...

Santa in Bangkok

Where to Meet Santa in Bangkok

Remember that wonderful age when you believed in Santa and the magic of Christmas? Getting to see Santa in the flesh will be one of the many highlights of Christmas

Christmas Events in Bangkok

Are you looking to get in the holiday spirit? Or perhaps you’re ready to tick of all of those things your kiddos have on their list to Santa? Have no

Group kids play on festive camp at night

Festive Winter Camp Guide

Holiday breaks are a time for students to step back and refresh from the first academic semester. While many families will use this an another opportunity to continue exploring Thailand,