Nakorn Pathom is a small province located just 56 km. from
Bangkok. The province features an ancient religious structure called “Phra
Pathom Chedi”, the first religious landmark that signified the influx of
Buddhism into Thailand. Nakorn Pathom is also renowned for its abundant fruits
varieties and famous dishes.
Nakorn Pathom covers an area of 2,168 square kilometres. Most of the areas are
plains with no mountainous land, plateau are found in the west east of Amphoe
Muang and Amphoe Kamphaeng Saen. The plains along the Tha Cheen River (Nakorn
Chaisi River) are the location of Amphoe Nakorn Chaisi, Amphoe Sam Phran, and
Amphoe Bang Len. These fertile lands provide agricultural area for people, thus
most of the residents earn their living from agriculture; plantations, farming,
growing food crops, and fruit orchards. Especially so of pomelo. Nakorn Pathom
is well known for pomelo, some call the Nakorn Pathom the sweet pomelo town.
Formerly situated by the sea, the city prospered during the Dvaravati
civilisation. According to archaeological findings, Nakorn Pathom was the first
city to possess influences of Buddhism and Indian civilisations. From the Phra
Pathom Chedi and other remains discovered in the city area, it is believed that
the city was a centre of civilisation in that era. People of different races
settled in Nakorn Pathom. However, a change in the course of the river caused a
draught that forced the people to migrate and settle on the banks of river, and
these communities developed into towns. The new town was called “Nakorn
Chaisi” or “Sirichai”, leaving Nakorn Pathom deserted for hundreds of
years until the reign of King Rama IV. While His Majesty was in monk hood, he
travelled to Nakorn Pathom and found the Phra Pathom Chedi that he regarded to
be the largest pagoda of all.