VIEW NAKORN PATHOM MAP

   Topographically, the province is a fertile alluvial plain well irrigated by the Tha Chin river, which flows through the land from north to south. Views of lush green rice fields, orchards and plantations lining both sides of the highway and stretching out far to the horizon at test to the rich fertility of the land. The province is best known for its unique strain of sweet pomelo and aromatic coconut fruits. 

Getting there.
   Heading west from central Bangkok means having to cross over the Chao Phraya river and, although there are several crossing points, Phra Pinklao bridge is recom- mended as it gives directly onto Highway 4 (see province map) which leads right to the province.

Attractions  

Phra Pathom Chedi
   At 380 ft. in height, the golden-colour tiled pagoda is a familiar and famous landmark of the province, and said to be the tallest Buddhist edifice in the world.
   Presiding over a huge plaza right in the middle of the town and can be seen from a couple of kilometres away, the pagoda is said to have been built - encasing an earlier structure - in the mid 1850s, to commemorate the advent of Buddhism to Thailand from India more than 2,000 years ago.
   Visitors, local and foreign, in large number come to pay homage or to simply view this gradiose structure as well as to study ancient religious artifacts exhibited in the museum sited within the same compound. 
   Fairs are held in April to mark the Songkran (water) festival and in November for the Loi Krathong festivity.

Sanam Chan Palace
   Just 2 kilometres away to the west of Phra Pathom Chedi is this beautiful summer palace and royal retreat, consisting of a group of vast grandly designed halls and auditoriums on a 355 acres piece of land. The palace is built during the reign of King Rama VI (circa.1910) and is a masterpiece in harmonious blending of Thai, Chinese and European architectural designs.

Wat Phra Mainru
   Because of the long historical and religious background, Nakhon Pathom is home to several ancient Buddhist temples amoung which Wat Phra Mainru is one of the most splendid in design and construction and is conveniently located within the town limits. The temple houses the rare Burmese style marble Buddha image.
   Similar temples of old, each with its own unique architectural style, are to be found all over the province and within easy reach. The more notable of which are Wat Rai Khing built in 1791, Wat Don Yai Hom and Wat Phra Patone Chedi.

Sam Phran Elephant Ground & Zoo
   This is a theme park that stages daily shows of elephants at work, at play and at war. It is the best of such exhibitions in all of Thailand. In between is the crocodile wrestling show which is just as exhilarating to witness. 
   The park is located in Sam Phran district, just over the half-way mark between Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom on Highway 4 and the admission fee is 250 Baht per person all inclusive.

Suan Sam Phran (Rose Garden)
   Initially devel- oped as an orchard of various strains of roses, Rose Garden soon turned into a country resort with a world-class golf course that is rated amoung the top 25
courses in the world. 

   Added to the attraction is the Thai cultural show that
depicts the traditional village life-style complete with dances, ceremonies and activities including silk-weaving, pottery making, sword fighting and Thai boxing by a troupe of more than 150 actors.

   Rose Garden is located just over two kilometres down the highway from the Sam Phran Elephant Ground & Zoo mentioned above and the admission fee is also 250 Baht per person.