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Nakhon Pathom is a small province located just 56 Kms. 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. Nakhon Pathom is also renowned for its
abundant fruits varieties and famous dishes.
 Formerly
situated by the sea, the city prospered during the Dvaravati civilisation.
According to archaeological findings, Nakhon 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 Nakhon 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
“Nakhon Chaisi” or “Sirichai”, leaving Nakhon Pathom deserted for
hundreds of years until the reign of King Rama IV. While His Majesty
was in monk hood, he travelled to Nakhon Pathom and found the Phra
Pathom Chedi that he regarded to be the largest pagoda of all.
When King Rama IV ascended to the throne, he commanded that a bell
shaped Chedi be built to cover the former Chedi. The surrounding
area was also renovated and improved. He also commanded that a water
canal be dug to facilitate commuting, which was called Chedi Bucha
canal. During the reign of King Rama V, the construction of railways
to the south began, at that time Nakhon Pathom was still a heavily
forested area. 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.
 During
the reign of King Rama VI, a palace was built at Tambon Sanam Chan
as a temporary residence on his travels and many roads were constructed.
A large bridge was also built over the Chedi Bucha canal, which
His Majesty named “Saphan Charoensattha”. Later, he commanded that
the name of Nakhon Chaisi be changed to Nakhon Pathom, but the name
of the prefecture was still called “Nakhon Chaisi” until the reign
of King Rama VII when the calling of the prefecture was ended. Nakhon
Chaisi is now one of the districts in Nakhon Pathom.
Nakhon Pathom covers an area of 2,168 square kilometres or 542,081.6
acres. It is divided into 7 administrative districts or Amphoe,
they are: Amphoe Muang Nakhon Pathom, Amphoe Buddhamonthon, Amphoe
Sam Phran, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, Amphoe Bang Len, Amphoe Kamphaeng
Saen, and Amphoe Don Toom. 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
(Nakhon Chaisi River) are the location of Amphoe Nakhon 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. Moreover, Nakhon Pathom is well known for pomelo,
some call the Nakhon Pathom the sweet pomelo town.
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