Nakhon Pathom
“Phra Pathom Chedi” Photograph by Stewie
Nakhon Pathom is an ancient city and was the center of the Dvaravati Civilization in the 6th to 11th century. The name literally means the “first city” and it is indeed Thailand’s first and oldest city.
Today it is known as a small province famous for Phra Pathom Chedi, a religious structure that signifies the birth of Buddhism in Thailand.
The place is located 56 kilometers west of Bangkok and can be reached either by car, bus or train. This province is also renowned for its production of a variety of fruits as well as serving distinct and flavorful dishes.
The Chin River, a branch of Chao Phraya River, once saturated the plains of Nakhon Pathom. Maybe, this is the reason behind the healthy fruit production in the area.
There’s a Fruit Fare during the celebration of Chinese New Year to promote the agricultural products of the province and attract local and foreign tourists. Fruits and agricultural products on display include bananas, guavas, pomeloes, oranges, coconuts and coconut products with milk, grapes, Chinese sausages and dried pork besides sweet and crispy pork. There are stalls that market local handicrafts as well.
During the month of November, Loi Krathong is celebrated in Nakhon Pathom. The festival celebrates with folklore plays, fireworks, beauty contests and display of Krathong products such as baskets and lamp shades.
Songkran Traditional Festival on the other hand is a festivity held in honor of the elder and respected persons. There are processions of Buddha images that bathe besides lion and dragon floats adequately decorated to pay tribute to the founders of the society.
More than 2000 years ago, Nakhon Pathom was the capital of Suwannaphum. Buddhism was first introduced to the people who lived here by the Buddhist missionaries from India. The philosophies of Gautama Buddha were easily accepted by the peaceful people of Nakhon and Phra Pathom Chedi was raised as a center of prayer and devotion.
During the reign of King Rama V in Bangkok, Phra Pathom Chedi was renovated. It was then when new communities settled here after it was entirely abandoned in the 12th century due to political conflicts.
Going there? You can rent a car and driver to take you there.
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