Key Takeaways
1. Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Ratchaworamahawihan
Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Ratchaworamahawihan is a magnificent temple located in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. This temple is home to the country’s largest pagoda, Phra Pathom Chedi, which enshrines the relics of the Buddha. It was built in 1853 during the reign of King Rama IV.
The highlight of the temple is the Phra Ruang Rotchanarit, a standing Buddha image that is known for its posture of giving a pardon. This image is installed in the niche of the wihan located to the North in front of Phra Pathom Chedi. The temple also houses the royal relics of King Rama VI at the base of the pagoda.
Aside from its religious significance, Wat Phra Pathom Chedi also houses a museum that showcases artifacts from the Ban Chiang and Dvaravati periods. Visitors can explore the museum to learn more about the history and culture of Nakhon Pathom.
At night, the pagoda stands out majestically under the electric lights, creating a mesmerizing sight. The temple is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and has an admission fee of 40 Baht.
The Phra Pathom Chedi Festival is another highlight of the temple. It is held for 9 days during the 12th lunar month (November) and features various religious and cultural activities.
How to get there:
There are several ways to reach Wat Phra Pathom Chedi:
- By car: Follow Highway No. 4 (Phetchakasem Road) or Borommaratchachonnani Road until you reach Nakhon Pathom.
- By train: Take a train from the Thon Buri Railway Station (Bangkok Noi) and get off at Nakhon Pathom Railway Station. The journey takes about 1 hour.
- By bus: Take a bus from the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), Borommaratchachonnani Road.
2. Sanam Chan Palace
Sanam Chan Palace is a royal palace located in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. It was built under the command of King Rama VI and is known for its significant and majestic throne halls.
One of the notable buildings in the palace complex is Phra Thinang Phiman Pathom, a beautiful throne hall. Another highlight is Phra Thinang Samakkhi Mukkhamat, a hall that showcases the king’s collection of ancient artifacts. The palace also houses the Statue of Yale, which is a symbol of knowledge and wisdom.
The palace is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except on public holidays.
How to get there:
There are two ways to reach Sanam Chan Palace:
- By car: Take Phetchakasem Road or Borommaratchachonnani Road to the Nakhon Chaisi Intersection and continue straight until you reach the Ban Phaeo Intersection. From there, follow the signs to Nakhon Pathom.
- By train: Take a train from the Thon Buri Railway Station (Bangkok Noi) to Nakhon Pathom Railway Station. Many trains stop at the palace. For more information, contact the State Railway of Thailand.
3. Don Wai Floating Market
Don Wai Floating Market is a popular shopping center located behind Wat Don Wai in Nakhon Pathom. This market has been around since the reign of King Rama VI and is known for its wide variety of food and souvenirs.
The market features vendors selling their products on boats, offering delicacies such as pot-stewed duck, sweet and salty carp fish, and Thai sweets. Visitors can also explore the farming product market fair at Wat Don Wai, which showcases local agricultural products.
Don Wai Floating Market is open from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on weekends from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy cruising along the Tha Chin River to admire the scenic views.
How to get there:
There are two ways to reach Don Wai Floating Market:
- By car: From Borommaratchachonnani Road, turn left onto Highway No. 3316. From Phetchakasem Road, turn right onto Highway No. 33166.
4. Tha Na Old Market
Tha Na Old Market is a charming market located on the Tha Chin Riverside in Nakhon Pathom. This market has been around for over 100 years and is known for its delicious local food and traditional architecture.
The market offers a wide variety of fresh local food, including traditional noodles, noodles and dumplings, and various Thai desserts. Visitors can also find local fruits and vegetables, especially the famous Nakhon Chaisi pomelo.
Tha Na Old Market is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How to get there:
There are two ways to reach Tha Na Old Market:
- By car: Follow Borommaratchachonnani Road to Nakhon Pathom province and take Highway No. 4006. Alternatively, take Phetchakasem Road and merge with Borommaratchachonnani Road. Once you reach the Yaek Tha Na Bridge, continue straight and turn left to the market.
- By bus: Take a bus from the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), Borommaratchachonnani Road.
5. Lam Phaya Floating Market
Lam Phaya Floating Market is located in front of Wat Lam Phaya on the Tha Chin Riverside in Nakhon Pathom. It is a center for fruits and vegetables, agricultural products, wickerwork, woven textiles, and food.
The market offers a wide variety of products at reasonable prices, including Malai Khanom Thai Bang Len, Chai Kuai, Hoi Thot (fried mussels), and Phat Thai. Visitors can also see a variety of fish at the front of the temple.
Lam Phaya Floating Market is open on weekends and public holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
How to get there:
There are several routes to reach Lam Phaya Floating Market:
- By car: Take Highway No. 4 (Phetchakasem Road) or Highway No. 338 (Borommaratchachonnani Road) to Phutthamonthon Sai 4. Follow the signpost to Wat Suwannaram, which is a point to take a boat tour.
- By bus: Take bus No. 124 from Sanam Luang or bus No. 515 from Victory Monument. Get off at the designated stops and take a taxi or motor taxi to Wat Suwannaram.
- By train: Take a train from the Thon Buri Railway Station to Wat Suwan Railway Station.
6. Khlong Maha Sawat Tour
Khlong Maha Sawat is a canal that was built in the reign of King Rama IV. It runs through Amphoe Phutthamonthon and exits to the Tha Chin River. This canal is known for its width, being considered the widest canal of that period with a width of 14 meters.
Today, the canal preserves the community lifestyle and offers agro-tourism services. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the orchards along Khlong Maha Sawat, including Uncle Chaem’s water lily field, Ban Fak Khao, orchid gardens, rice cracker tasting, fruit orchards, and paddy fields.
The boat tour costs 350 Baht and can accommodate up to 6 persons.
How to get there:
There are several ways to reach Khlong Maha Sawat:
- By car: Follow Highway No. 4 (Phetchakasem Road) or Highway No. 338 (Borommaratchachonnani Road) to Phutthamonthon Sai 4. Follow the signs to Wat Suwannaram, which is a point to take a boat tour.
- By bus: Take bus No. 124 from Sanam Luang or bus No. 515 from Victory Monument.
- By train: Take a train from the Thon Buri Railway Station via the Thon Buri-Lang Suan train or Thon Buri-Namtok train to Wat Suwan Railway Station.
7. Sookjai Farmer’s Market
Sookjai Farmer’s Market is a green market located in Nakhon Pathom. It is a center for organic farming products and processed food provided by organic farmers. The market is open on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Visitors can find a wide range of organic products, including non-chemical vegetables and fruits, eggs, duck eggs, cooked food, Thai sweets, organic rice, fresh vegetables, and fruit juice. The market offers high-quality products at reasonable prices.
8. Mueang Maya at the Film Archive
Mueang Maya at the Film Archive is a museum located in Nakhon Pathom that showcases the history of Thai film. The museum displays films, film-related materials, printed matter, objects and equipment related to film making, rare books, and journals.
The museum is open daily, with different schedules for each exhibition. The library is open from Monday to Friday, the museum is open on weekends and public holidays, and the theater has specific showtimes throughout the week.
9. All-night Market at Phra Pathom Chedi
All-night Market at Phra Pathom Chedi is a popular food center in Nakhon Pathom. The market is known for its wide range of food offerings, including main dishes, desserts, snacks, ice cream, and fruits.
Visitors can enjoy various delicacies from wheelbarrow vendors, such as Bua Loi Tae Chio, Chim Mu, Cho Hoi Thot, and Denchai Ice Cream. The market is also surrounded by restaurants that offer local specialties like roasted pork with rice and sticky rice in bamboo tubes.
10. Jesada Technik Museum
Jesada Technik Museum is a unique museum located in Nakhon Pathom. It showcases a collection of vintage vehicles, including cars, boats, and airplanes. The museum is open to the public and offers free admission.
In addition to the museum, Jesada Technik Museum also organizes various activities outside, including events to celebrate the royal institution, social services, and tourism support.
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