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Nakhon Nayok is a destination which is often taken for granted
by many tourists. The fact that it is located just 106 kilometers
from Bangkok and its attractions may be visited as a day trip makes
it just a stop over spot for travelers. But this is not always the
case. Nakhon Nayok is famous for its refreshing natural beauty including
waterfalls and parks, renowned historical sites, soft adventure
activities, and its variety of fruits.
 Nakhon
Nayok is one of Thailand's central provinces. Covering some 2,130
square kilometres, it borders Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima Provinces
on the north, Prachin Buri Province on the east, Chachoengsao Province
on the south and Pathum Thani Province on the west.
The northern part of Nakhon Nayok is located in the Dong Phaya
Yen mountain range an area covered by the Khao Yai National Park.
Yod Khao Kiew, its highest peak, is 1,292 meters above sea level.
The central part of the province is on a contrary, a rather flat
river plain formed by the Maenam Nakhon Nayok. The southern part
of the province has relatively unfertile acidic soil.
The provincial seal says a lot about Nakhon Nayok. It is a picture
of a circle indicating the unity of Nakhon Nayok people. An elephant
raising an ear of rice in the circle represents fertile forests
with numerous elephants. An ear of rice refers to farming which
is fruitful. The background with a pile of straw, trees and clouds
depicts fertility and the natural beauty of the province.
Nakhon Nayok is a province with a history of over 900 years. It
was believed to have been established in the Dvaravati period as
indicated by some remains found in Ban Dong Lakhon, a village to
the south of the town. During the Ayutthaya period and the reign
of King U-Thong, the town which was an eastern garrison was only
a forested but infertile highland called Ban Na (village of the
rice field). Jungle fever, unfruitful and unproductive agriculture
forced the settlers to migrate elsewhere. It was not until the King
granted an exemption of paddy field tax that people began to move
in and settle down as a community. It was then named Muang Nayok
which literally means the town that the paddy tax was lifted.
In 1894, under the royal command of King Rama V, Nakhon Nayok was
designated as part of Prachin Buri province. Eventually, it became
a province in its own right.
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