Travelling by train to Nakhon Pathom – a day full of fun and food.
Our one-day trip by train is back by popular demand after the latest journey to Chachoengsao. This time around, we’re going to Nakhon Pathom, which is only about 60 kilometres from Bangkok.
The check list :
1. Arrive at Nakhon Pathom Railway Station.
2. Walk across Charoen Sattha Bridge (Saphan Yak).
3. Have breakfast or shop for souvenirs at Talat Bon – Talat Lang.
4. Pay homage to Phra Pathom Chedi.
Enjoy a lunch break at Krua Apirat Tonson Restaurant.
5. Check out Junkyard Car’fé.
6. Visit Sanam Chandra Palace.
7. Enjoy street food at the Night Market at Phra Pathom Chedi.
** Each attraction is not very far from each other. You can walk or take a motorcycle taxi. **
For this trip, it’s best to take the train at Thon Buri Railway Station. You can either choose the Thon Buri – Chumphon train at 7:30 a.m. or the Thon Buri – Kanchanaburi train at 7:45 a.m.
Both are regular trains with no air-conditioned compartments, and the fares are 10 Baht per person.
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It takes about an hour and 15 minutes to reach Nakhon Pathom, and our first activity upon arrival is to pay respect to Phra Pathom Chedi and the Phra Ruang Rochanarit Buddha image.
Stroll about 100 metres from the station and you will reach the 100-year-old Charoen Satta Bridge, which is commonly known as Saphan Yak and was constructed across Khlong Chedi Bucha during the reign of King Rama VI to link the train station with Phra Pathom Chedi.
Beyond the bridge you will be in Talat Bon –Talat Lang, a local market that features a large array of goods. You can also have a quick breakfast here. Well-known food shops include Tang Ha Seng and Nai Chua for Khao Mu Dang – roasted red pork in gravy with rice, and Suki Khun Tuan for Thai Sukiyaki.
The market is also a good place to shop for Nakhon Pathom’s famous souvenirs; such as, pomelos, various styles of preserved pork, and Khao Lam – sticky rice with coconut milk in a bamboo tube.
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Location : Rotfai Road, Tambon Phra Pathom Chedi, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Pathom
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Phra Pathom Chedi is the country’s largest chedi. Its present form was constructed in 1853 by King Rama IV the Great, who commanded that the bell-shaped Lankan style chedi be built atop the original structure that was in ruins. The Chedi is enshrined with the Buddha’s relics and surrounded by a vihara in the cardinal directions.
Phra Ruang Rochanarit, a Buddha image in the gesture of forgiveness, stands in the front vihara. It was previously found in Si Satchanalai, Sukhothai and in a derelict condition before being recast by King Rama VI, whose ashes are interred in its base.
This is the principal Buddha image in the temple’s ubosot called Luangpho Sila Khao, which was relocated from nearby Wat Thung Phra Meru by King Rama IV the Great.
Luangpho Phra Khao is the seated Buddha image behind Phra Pathom
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Location : Tambon Phra Pathom Chedi, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Pathom
Open daily from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tel. 0 3424 2143
After the temple visit, head to Krua Apirat Tonson restaurant for lunch. The restaurant, which was awarded the Shell Chuan Chim certificate in 2003 guaranteeing its tasty food, serves noodles and a la carte dishes. Highly recommended is the tom yam pork noodles with its signature bowl-shaped pork. The portion is very generous and enough to share between two. The restaurant is about a kilometre from Phra Pathom Chedi.
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Location : Ratchadamnoen Road (Tonson Road), Tambon Phra Pathom Chedi, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Pathom
Open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
You’ll see a number of vintage cars at the next attraction that certainly lives up to the name Junkyard Car’fé.
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Location : Ratchadamnoen Road, Soi 10, Tambon Phra Pathom Chedi, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Pathom
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tel. 08 1880 1296
The yard displays eclectic vintage objects besides cars, giving visitors countless photo opportunities. Food and sweet stalls are available. It’s a cool place to hang out with friends and have a snack before moving on to the next attraction.
Sanam Chandra Palace is a must-visit when you’re in Nakhon Pathom. It is about two kilometres from Phra Pathom Chedi and a kilometre from Junkyard Car’fe.
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The Palace grounds are now open to the public to run and enjoy the landscape but the royal residence buildings are still off limits for interior viewing. Please dress respectfully while visiting the Palace.
Location : Na Wang Road, Tambon Sanam Chan, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Pathom
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tel. 0 3431 0431-2
The Palace was built by King Rama VI to serve as his royal residence while on a pilgrimage to Phra Pathom Chedi. The Palace’s construction started in 1903 when the King was still the crown prince. Many other structures were added later, and today it features many distinctive architectural treasures, including the King’s statue and a Ganesh shrine.
The statue of Jarlet, the beloved dog of King Rama VI, is also on the Palace grounds. The mixed-breed dog was born in Nakhon Pathom’s prison. The King saw the dog during his inspection trip to the prison and had it adopted later.
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Jarlet was very smart and well-known for its loyalty to the King. It was shot dead presumably by a person who was jealous of its status as the King’s much-loved pet. The King put up its monument inscribed with his memorial poem in front of his Charlie Mongkhon Asana Residence.
The trip ends at the colourful night market behind Phra Pathom Chedi. This is a food paradise. Whatever you fancy, we promise you will find it here!
What should you have at this market? Among the popular dishes are Phat Thai, Hoi Thot – mussel pancake, Rat Na – stir-fried noodles in gravy, ice cream, Khanom Krok – coconut cream and rice pancakes, the list goes on and on. Come and see for yourself !
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Location : Tambon Phra Pathom Chedi, Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Pathom
Open daily from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
You can take a mini bus back to Bangkok at Saphan Yak. The service is available until 8:00 p.m. The fare is 45 Baht per person.
