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Nakhon Pathom

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Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom, Thailand's oldest city, has a rich history as the center of Buddhism in Southeast Asia. Famous for Phra Pathom Chedi, the world's tallest Buddhist stupa built in 1853 by King Rama IV, the area is a repository of Buddhist relics and a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world. The magnificent architecture and stunning surroundings of this high and beautiful stupa attract visitors.

Not only that, Nakhon Pathom is also famous for the Phra Pathom Chedi Festival, which is held annually from October to November. The festival is a religious and cultural celebration featuring various ceremonies, performances, and exhibitions. Visitors can witness processions carrying Buddha relics, ritual offerings of alms to monks, dance and music performances, as well as handicraft and visual arts exhibitions.

As an area that offers diverse and memorable travel experiences, Nakhon Pathom allows you to explore its history, culture, and nature with ease and convenience. Located only about 56 km from Bangkok, the area is accessible by car, train, or bus. So, don't hesitate to visit Nakhon Pathom and enjoy the charm of Thailand's oldest city!

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Tuk-tuks, Thailand's iconic three-wheeled vehicles, are an interesting transportation option in Nakhon Pathom. With its distinctive open design, the tuk-tuk not only provides an efficient mode of transportation but also adds a colorful touch to your travel experience. It is a fun way to explore the area, especially for short trips to the city center. The price of a tuk-tuk ride may vary depending on the distance of your destination. You can also negotiate the fare with the tuk-tuk driver.

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What is Nakhon Pathom known for?

Nakhon Pathom is known as one of the regions in Thailand that is rich in various fruits and local culinary specialties. This is evident in its festival, the Nakhon Pathom Food and Fruit Festival, which is held in the Phra Pathom Chedi area on September 1-7 every year. During this festival, you can buy a variety of local and agricultural products, including coconuts, bananas, pomelo, shredded beef, sweet sausages, and crispy pork. Nakhon Pathom, in particular, is famous for its pomegranates, earning it the nickname "sweet pomelo city" among Thais.

What are the things to do in Nakhon Pathom?

Your adventure in Nakhon Pathom can begin with a visit to Sanam Chan Palace, a former residence of kings that captivates with its beautiful architecture and enchanting gardens. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of the palace, the lush flower gardens, and the river that flows through the palace grounds. Sanam Chan Palace is an ideal place to experience the splendor of Thai royalty.

For a unique shopping experience, explore Don Wai Floating Market, a hub for food and souvenirs from renowned restaurants. Located along the Tha Chin River and dating back to the reign of King Rama VI, the market offers a variety of products and food sold by vendors on boats, such as Pet Phalo Nai Nap, and duck braised in a pot. Don Wai Floating Market is open every Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 17:00, and on weekends, from 07:00 to 18:30.

For automotive enthusiasts, Nakhon Pathom also provides an interesting tourist destination, the Jesada Technik Museum, which exhibits a variety of antique vehicles, including cars, boats, and airplanes.

What to eat in Nakhon Pathom?

Several specialties in Nakhon Pathom are worth trying. Start your culinary adventure with a visit to a stall called Yam Yod Laem, where you can enjoy a variety of yam dishes (spicy Thai salad) known for their delicious taste and affordable prices.

Not far away, you'll find a beef noodle stall that serves meatballs and sliced beef that are braised overnight. One of the most interesting dishes from this noodle stall is the soupless version, as the marinade is perfectly matched with the aroma of fried garlic on top.

Lastly, don't miss out on trying Khanom Bueng, Thai crepes that are still made the traditional way. These crispy crepes are thinly coated with tantalizing palm sugar and topped with well-seasoned prawns and fragrant roasted peanuts. You can also order the sweet variant, with crepes decorated with glittering homemade 'golden threads' or foi thong.

When is the best time to visit Nakhon Pathom?

Throughout the year, temperatures in Nakhon Pathom vary greatly, ranging from 20°C to 36°C, and rarely drop below 16°C or rise above 38°C. The best time to visit Nakhon Pathom is from November to January when the weather is cooler and less humid, allowing you to explore the beauty and uniqueness of the area with ease. If you want to attend festivals that are held in the area, then you can visit Nakhon Pathom according to the festival schedule, such as the Nakhon Pathom Food and Fruit Festival held every September 1-7, and the Phra Pathom Chedi Festival held around October to November every year.

How to get to Nakhon Pathom from Bangkok?

Nakhon Pathom is located not too far from the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, with a distance of approximately 56 kilometers and a travel time of about 1 hour 30 minutes by road. There are several transportation options you can use to get to Nakhon Pathom from Bangkok, such as bus, train, or drive. One of the best options is by train, which takes about 1 hour and 9 minutes and costs from 45 Baht to 950 Baht. Alternatively, you can also take a bus, which costs from 40 Baht to 600 Baht and takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes.

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