Nakhon Pathom is located in an alluvial plain in the central region, about 58 kms by road from Bangkok. Generally, it is an area of alluvia plain which is drained by the Tha Chin River, covering an area of 2,168,327 sq kms or about 1,355,204 sq Rai. It is an old city which has an interesting history dating back thousands of years. It was well known as a center of cultural development and prosperity. From the evidence revealed by extensive excavation in the past, we have learned a lot of things which have historical and archaeological value, such as Phra Pathom Chedi and Dhammacakra (Symbol of the completeness of the Dhamma) etc.

Borders
North: Suphan Buri and Ayutthaya
South: Ratcha Buri and Samut Sakhon
East:   Nontha Buri and Bangkok
West: Kanchanaburi

Distance from Nakhon Pathom city of nearby Provinces
   Ayutthaya 142 kms.
   Bangkok 56 kms.
   Kanchanaburi 65 kms.
   Ratchaburi 65 kms.
   Samut Sakhon 63 kms.

How to get there

Nakhon Pathom is located very near Bangkok and it is conveniently accessible from the neighboring cities. Through the best high way available, from Bangkok by car, we may choose to use Bang Khae and Phetkasem route or Phrapinklao Nakhon Charsri route, which takes about 40 minutes to reach Nakhon Pathom. Further more, traveling by train to Nakhon Pathom is another popular way in which the tourists can enjoy the natural scenery on the way sides of the fruit orchids and flower plantations along the way.

By Rail
Trains regularly leave Bangkok's Hualampong (Tel: 223-7110, 223-7020) and Bangkok Noi (Tel: 411-3102) railway stations for Nakhon Pathom. The third-class fare for the 64 kilometers journey is 10 Baht per person. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on the type of train.

By Road
Buses regularly leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Tel: 434-5558) for Nakhon Pathom. The fare is 18 Baht per person by non-air-conditioned bus, and 52 Baht by air-conditioned coach, for the approximately 70 minutes journey.

Transportation within Nakhon Pathom
Traditional three-wheeled pedicarts still operate in Nakhon Pathom. Fares need to be negotiated before embarking on journeys. Sign-language suffices for communication. Pedicarts can carry two adult passengers. Typical fares are 10-15 Baht (for 1-2 persons) from Nakhon Pathom's railway station to the Phra Pathom Chedi, and 27 Baht for the 2-kilometre journey from the chedi to Sanam Chan Palace.

Festivals & Events

Songkran Traditional Festival
April
Organized in the vicinity of Phra Pathom Chedi area, it features the processions with decorated floats, dragon and lion groups, as the bathing Buddha images rite and the rite to pay respects to the elder, the honorable persons.

Gliding Luang Por Wat Rai Khing Festival
Held during the 13th waxing moon day to the 4th waning moon day of the 5th lunar month, every year, altogether 8 days and 8 nights. Many forms of entertainment are available such as musical performance, Lie-Kay (Thai song and dance performance), Movies. Local goods are also available for sale.

Food Staff and Fruit Fair
During Chinese New Year period
Venue: In the precinct of the Phra Phatom Chedi, Amphoe Muang, Nakhon Phathom.
Background/Rationale: Phra Pathom Chedi fare held annually during the Chinese New Year period aims at introducing well-known agricultural products of Nakhon Pathom such as pomeloes, coconuts with flavored milk, oranges, guavas, bananas, grapes, Chinese pork sausages, dried and crispy sweeter pork. Additionally, the fair's purpose is to promote tourism in Nakhon Pathom.
Activities: 1.Exhibiting and selling well-known food products and varieties of vegetables and fruits.
                2. Displaying and selling local handicrafts.
                3. Showing of local culture and tourist attractions and activities of Nakhon Pathom.

Loi Krathong Festival
November
Held within the Sanam Chand Palace ground, contests of many interesting items are held such as Krathongs (decorated baskets), hanging lamp shades, Miss Nopamart, including the interesting folklore playing and displaying of fireworks.

Paying homage to Phra Pathom Chedi Fair
Taking place during the 12th, waxing moon day to the 4th, waning moon day on the 12Th, lunar month of every year.
Venue: In the precinct of the Phra Pathom Chedi, Amphoe Muang, Nakhon Pathom.
Background: The festival fair for Paying home to Phra Pathom Chedi is held annually for nine days and nights. There are all kinds of entertainment as well as displays of the local products.
Activities: 1. Paying homage to a relic of Lord Buddha and Phra Pathom Chedi and making merit.
                2. Attending red cross activities.
                3. Participating in activities of local schools and government sections.
                4. Practicing gun shooting organized by the police.
                5. Buying various kinds of goods and products from factories, companies and stores.

Jumbo Banquet & Jumbo Queen Contest
Samphan Elephant Ground & Zoo host Jumbo Banquet in May 1st in honor of the gentle elephant which are so well loved in Thailand. 2 Tons of elephant's favorite edibles are selected for them to feast on and Jumbo Queen contest is provided to find the participant of XL ladies that best exhibits the characteristics of the titanic elephant.