Nakhon Pathom is a small province located just 56 km west of Bangkok.
The province features an ancient religious structure called Phra Pathom Chedi,
the first religious landmark that signified the introduction of Buddhism into
Thailand. Nakhon Pathom is also renowned for its abundant fruit varieties
and famous regional cuisine.
Formerly situated by the sea, the city prospered during the Dvaravati
civilization, which existed between the 6th and 11th centuries C.E. According
to archaeological findings, Nakhon Pathom was the first city to be exposed
to the influence of Buddhism. From the Phra Pathom Chedi and other remains
discovered in the city area, it is believed that the city was a center of civilization
in that era and that people of different races settled in Nakhon Pathom.
However, a change in the course of the river caused a draught that forced
the people to migrate, leaving Nakhon Pathom deserted for hundreds of years
until the reign of King Rama IV. While His Majesty was in monk-hood, he
traveled to Nakhon Pathom and discovered the Phra Pathom Chedi.
When King Rama IV ascended to the throne, he commanded that a bell shaped
Chedi be built to cover the old Chedi. The surrounding area was also renovated
and improved.
During the reign of King Rama V, the construction of railways to the
south began; King Rama V also commanded that the town be relocated from
Tambon Thana, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, to the Phra Pathom Chedi area as it
used to be. Nakhon Pathom has been there ever since.
An area of great historical importance that features both archaeological
and religious treasures, not least of which is Phra Pathom Chedi, the first religious
landmark that signified the introduction of Buddhism to Thailand, Nakhon Pathom
has a number of attractions that make it a fine day trip or stopping point on
the way to or from Kanchanaburi.
Most of Nakhon Pathom consists of plains with no mountainous land,
though a plateau rises up in the west. The plains along the Tha Cheen River
(Nakhon Chaisi River) are the location of Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, Amphoe
Sam Phran, and Amphoe Bang Len. These fertile lands provide agricultural
opportunities for the people, thus most of the residents earn their living from
agriculture, plantations and farms growing food crops as well as fruit orchards.
In fact, Nakhon Pathom is well known for pomelo, a fruit much like a grapefruit,
and some Thais call Nakhon Pathom the sweet pomelo town.
Credit :: Amazing Thailand
