Exploring Nakhon Pathom in Thailand
The town of Nakhon Pathom is about 60 kilometres or 36 miles west of Bangkok and believed to be Thailand's oldest city. Majestically rising over the surrounding countryside is the Phra Pathom Chedi for which the town is mostly famous for. At 125 metres or 410 feet in height, the stupa is the tallest Buddhist monument in the world and only a few feet taller than the one found at Rangoon in Burma. The Phra Pathom Chedi is situated right in the center of the city and has been an important Buddhist center since the early 6th century. The current building was created by king Mongkut in 1860 and the royal crown which you see at the very top of the chedi is symbolic of the kings dedication in reconstructing the pagoda. The structure, set in an enormous square park, rests upon a circular terrace and is covered with golden orange tiles imported from China. If you walk up the main staircase of the north Viharn, you will come across a standing Sukhothai Style Buddha. The stone head, hands and feet of the Buddha were discovered in 1900 but the bronze body was cast in 1915. It is greatly revered by the Thai people.
Temple Halls Containing Buddha Images
Nakhon PathomThe Phra Pathom ChediStanding on the south side in the inner courtyard of the stupa is a giant golden Buddha. Great to admire but often packed with worshipers. Unfortunately the stupa itself cannot be entered but is believed to contain a relic of the Buddha. Nevertheless spend some time circumnavigating the stupa where you will find a great many smaller temple halls housing various Buddha images.To make your time even more entertaining and interesting, have your palm read by one of the fortune tellers who occupy the temple grounds. Although most of them speak only Thai, you will find at least one who can speak enough English to keep you amused if nothing else. The price won't burn a hole in your pocket. Thereafter go and enjoy a delicious iced coffee or cool drink at one of the small stalls gathered around the outside of the chedi. The drinks are mostly served in a plastic bag accompanied with a straw. A rather novel idea that works really well. A little further afield near the entrance to the chadi are stalls selling all the usual Thai souvenirs and handicrafts including a starling selection of sexy magazines.
The Giant Golden Buddha Image
Getting to Nakhon PathomTransport OptionsSeveral transport options are available including public buses, trains and minibus taxis or alternatively you may choose to hire a car and then drive yourself there.Public buses leave from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok every 10 minutes from 4:00 am until 9:30 pm. A first class ticket will cost approximately 40 baht. Trains leave from the Thonburi Train Station in Bangkok. You need to look out for trains heading towards Kanchanaburi as this is on route to your destination. Minibus taxis leave from Victory Monument and go to the Big C Superstore on Nakhon Pathom's main road. On arrival take a taxi to any place you wish to visit. First take the Sky Train to the Victory Monument and once there, look out for the departure point located under the expressway about 50 metres north of the roundabout on Phahon Yothin Road. A one way minibus trip costs around 60 baht. Should you prefer to travel by car, then either exit Bangkok on the new route via Pinklao Road on Highway 338 or the old route via Petchakasem Road on Highway 4. A one way road trip will take approximately an hour depending on the traffic.
English Tudor at Sanam Chan Palace
Further Afield from Nakhon PathomSanam Chan PalaceTwo kilometres off Petchakasem Road from the Phra Pathom Chedi is the early 20th century Sanam Chan Palace. It was previously the summer residence for King Rama VI. Parts of the palace are open to the public on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday however, the grounds are open daily. On any day Sanam Chan Palace is a good place to view the unusual mix of architectural design styles.One of the buildings on the ground is an unusual Thai architectural interpretation of an English Tudor Home now used appropriately as a setting for Shakespearean drama. There is also a fine sala and a pavilion used for government meetings. Attached to the grounds is the beautiful Silpakorn University campus. In front of the palace stands a statue of Yah Leh, the pet dog of King Vajiravudh who had originally commissioned the palace. Looking at the statue you get the feeling that this dog was insufferable yet because of his fierce nature, he was so unpopular with the court and subsequently poisoned by the kings attendants. No natter how hard you may try, you just cannot escape the relentless markets of Thailand and if you thought you might just pull it off here, think again. Every Wednesday there is a student market selling T-shirts. Seen it all and then some. Please buy one if you absolutely must. There is however a nice cafeteria near the lake that provides superb local Thai food at excellent prices every day. Go crazy.
The Kings Pet Dog Yah Leh
Return from Nakhon Pathom to the Bangkok City Page
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