Nakhon Pathom is located in an alluvial plain in the central region, about 58 kms by road from Bangkok. Generally, it is an area of alluvia plain which is drained by the Tha Chin River, covering an area of 2,168,327 sq kms or about 1,355,204 sq Rai. It is an old city which has an interesting history dating back thousands of years. It was well known as a center of cultural development and prosperity. From the evidence revealed by extensive excavation in the past, we have learned a lot of things which have historical and archaeological value, such as Phra Pathom Chedi and Dhammacakra (Symbol of the completeness of the Dhamma) etc.
Festivals & Events
Loi Krathong Festival
As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called Loi Krathong - the 'festival of lights". This is one of the Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions.
Jumbo Banquet & Jumbo Queen Contest
The Jumbo Queen Contest was first held in 1st May 1997 to celebrate the annual Jumbo Banquet.And seek for representative to lead a caravan of favorite food and fruits in the annual Jumbo Banquet. A Jumbo Queen is a lady who best exhibits the characteristics of the majestic pachyderm to persuade people to support the cause of elephant conservation in Thailand.The search has begun go find the Jumbo Queen, a well-padded young woman with the right personality to front a campaign to... promote the conservation of elephant cause in Thailand.
Songkran Traditional Festival
Of all the feasts and festivals in Thailand, which are many, the Songkran Festival is the most striking. It starts April 13 and lasts between 3 days, depending on where you are in Thailand. The word Songkran is from the Sanskrit meaning the beginning of a new Solar Year, but nowadays Thailand celebrates the New Year on 31 December.
The Thai people celebrate this festival with water. Everyone gets soaking wet and since it is the hottest season of the year, the custom is quite refreshing. Songkran is a Public Spring Cleaning Day, supported by the religious belief that anything old and useless must be thrown away or it will bring bad luck to the owner.
Held during the 13th waxing moon day to the 4th waning moon day of the 5th lunar month, every year, altogether 8 days and 8 nights. Many forms of entertainment are available such as musical performance, Lie-Kay (Thai song and dance performance), Movies. Local goods are also available for sale.