Nakhonpathom Province

The name Nakhon Pathom derives from the Pali Nagara Pathama, meaning First city, and is thus often referred as the oldest city of Thailand. It was already an important center during the Dvaravati kingdom from the 6th century until the 11th century, however it might even be older. Some historians speculate it dates back to the 3rd century BC, when Buddhist missionaries from India visited there.

Originally Nakhon Pathom was a coastal city, however due to the sedimentation of the Chao Phraya river the coast line moved away from the city. When the Tha Chin river changed its course, the city was removed from water and was deserted, the population moved to the new city of Nakhon Chaisi (or Sirichai). King Mongkut (Rama IV) moved the population back to the old city in 1870, after the restoration of Phra Pathom Chedi was finished

Nakhonpathom province is covering area about 2,168 square kilometres and its population is about 798,000.

There are many attractive places such as Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Ratchaworaviharn (temple), King Rama VI museam (Sanam-Chan Palace), Suan Sam Pran (garden and Crocodile farm), and Buddhamonthon (Buddhism religious park) .
 

Local Transportation

Car: Take road to Phutthamonthon - Nakhonchaisri to Nakhonpathom province. Total distance is about 194 kms. Bus: Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Boromaratchachonnani Road) to Nakhonpathom province daily. Train: Leaving daily from Bangkok's Hualumphong Railway Station to Nakhonpathom province