--- 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

B.Duck Thailand – 20th Playful World City Fun Carnival!

Central World 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan,, Bangkok 10330, Bangkok, Thailand

B. Duck 20th Playful World – City Funs Carnival" Ready to land in Bangkok! Ready to open a full fun experience including toy zone. Let you chill with fantasy carousel. […]

Playmondo – Snoopy Bouncy Adventure

Central Chaengwattana 99, 99/9 Village No. 2 Chaeng Watthana Rd, Bang Talat, Pak Kret District, Bangkok, Thailand +1 more

  The fun isn’t over yet! Let’s keep the excitement going with the PEANUTS-themed inflatable playground. ⁣ Stay tuned to find out where we’ll be heading this year! ⁣ ⁣ […]

Recurring

Kids Kingdom Ruamrudee International Kindergarten – Playgroup Summer

Kids Kingdom Ruamrudee 63/2 Soi Ruamrudee 3, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

Join us this June for our exciting “Summer” Playgroup Days!Happening on Saturdays – June 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2025, each day will be filled with sunny adventures, splashy fun, […]

Please Contact

Kiztopia Thailand – Jumptopia

Central Rama 2 160 Rama II Rd, Samae Dam, Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok 10150, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

Jumptopia is bouncing across Asia! From Singapore to Taiwan, the fun never stops at Kiztopia. Here’s what’s happening right here in Thailand — don’t miss the action!⁣⁣ Jumptopia: Bouncy Egg […]

Playmondo – Snoopy Bouncy Adventure

Central Westgate 199, 199/1, 199//2 หมู่ที่ 6 Kanchanaphisek Rd, Sao Thong Hin, Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi 11140, Nonthaburi, Nonthaburi, Thailand

Snoopy is back at Central Westgate ⁣⁣ The PEANUTS-themed inflatable playground is here—get ready to bounce, run, and roll non-stop! ⁣⁣ Bring your friends and family along for a day […]

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...

Vana Nava Water Jungle

Vana Nava Water Jungle in Hua Hin

Asia’s First Water Jungle!! Hidden deep inside tropical jungle surroundings you’ll find the world’s best rides, slides and incredible attractions. Hua Hin has always been a favourite for families, famed for its