Nakhon Pathom Travel Guide: 8 Must-Visit Spots, and More - A Complete Travel Guide for First-timers

Nakhon Pathom Travel Guide: 8 Must-Visit Spots, and More

A Complete Travel Guide for First-timers
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
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โšก๏ธ Take our travel guide with you wherever you go! See our PDF shop.

Nakhon Pathom used to be a prosperous city during the Dvaravati civilization before the time of Siam's founding when the Tha Chai River passed through the city, bringing wealth, people from across the region, and, more importantly, Buddhism.

It is said that Nakhon Pathom is the first city in Siam (modern-day Thailand) to possess influences of Buddhism and Indian civilizations. The influx of Buddhism led to the construction of one of the most stunning ancient religious structures in Thailand: Phra Pathom Chedi, a massive ancient pagoda located right at the heart of Nakhon Pathom.

However, the city was abandoned in disrepair due to the change in the course of the river later on, causing widespread drought and forcing people to migrate further northeast. It was not until the reign of King Rama IV that the city was renovated and expanded, bringing back prosperity to the city.

Nowadays, the city is home to many interesting tourist attractions, and due to its proximity to Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom has become a popular place for people to visit as a day trip.

For all the temples to visit, markets to check out, and more importantly, all the delicious food to try, here is a complete backpacking guide to Nakhon Pathom with a list of the best things to do, what to eat, where to stay, and so much more.

Without further ado, let's begin with a look at all the best things to do in Nakhon Pathom for solo travelers on a map:

10 Days Itinerary for Thailand10 Days Itinerary for Thailand

Nakhon Pathom Things To Do Itinerary Map

Nakhon Pathom Things To Do Itinerary Map

8 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Pathom

1. Admire the Dragon Temple of Wat Sam Phran

The dragon tower at Wat Sam Phran in Nakhon Pathom

One of the photos you might have seen from Instagram of Bangkok is this pink tower with a dragon (yup, a dragon) wrapped around it. Well, I'm happy to say that I have finally found it! The temple is called Wat Sam Phran and it is between Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom, and it will be one of the first places we will visit.

The dragon tower up close at Wat Sam Phran in Nakhon Pathom

Wat Sam Phran, or as it is known, the Dragon Temple, is a Buddhist temple located just 40 km west of Bangkok. It is home to the 40-meter-tall dragon tower, among other curious structures like the giant turtle tunnel and more.

An aerial shot of Wat Sam Phran's Dragon Tower in Nakhon Pathom

The highlight of visiting Wat Sam Phran is to climb the Dragon Tower, where you will be able to get a panoramic view of the surrounding area and see how beautiful Wat Sam Phran is from above.

Planning to visit soon?
๐Ÿ›Œ Booking hotels: Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld.
  1. Diary Suite (Budget)
  2. Xen Hotel Nakhon Pathom (Mid-Range) ๐Ÿ‘ Top Pick
  3. The Museum Hotel (High-End)
๐Ÿ„ Booking tours: Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook.
  1. Longtail boat 2 hrs - Bangkok Canal tour (2 hours)
  2. Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour in Thailand (6 hours)
  3. Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food by Tuk-Tuk (4 hours)
๐Ÿš˜ Renting a car: Discover Cars.
๐Ÿฅ Travel Insurance: Heymondo.

The tunnel going up the dragon tower at Wat Sam Phran in Nakhon Pathom

To hike up to the top, you will have to walk up a tunnel that is made up of the body of the dragon, and the tunnel will go around the tower until you are at the top. It should take you around 5 minutes to walk up. There used to be a functional elevator to take people up, but not anymore as it has been under renovation for quite some time now.

The view from the top of the dragon tower at Wat Sam Phran in Nakhon Pathom

There isn't a whole lot to see at the top since Wat Sam Phran is located just off the main highway, and you will only see forest and factories surrounding the temple. However, it is quite nice to observe the temple grounds from above.

A turtle structure at Wat Sam Phran in Nakhon Pathom

You will also notice a giant turtle structure in the middle of all the trees, and that is where we will check out next. Once you get down from the tower, follow the path parallel to the parking lot, and that will take you to the turtle structure.

The entrance of the turtle structure at Wat Sam Phran in Nakhon Pathom

The turtle structure is, in fact, a tunnel where you can enter through the mouth and exit from the tail. There aren't a ton of things to see in the turtle, just 1 or 2 Buddha images, but the structure itself is pretty impressive.

The dragon Tower at Wat Sam Phran as seen from the ground in Nakhon Pathom

Wat Sam Phran's opening hours are between 6 AM and 6 PM every day, and there is no admission fee whatsoever. The nuns there might ask you to participate in Buddhist ceremonies and donate, though.

2. Learn More About the History of Thai Film at Thai Film Museum

Thge exterior of the Thai Film Museum in Nakhon Pathom

The Thai Film Museum is a recently-built museum dedicated to preserving old Thai films and telling the stories of how Thai films have evolved over time, with three exhibitions spread out across three floors.

An exhibition inside the Thai Film Museum in Nakhon Pathom

Within the Thai Film Museum, you will be able to see some vintage pieces of film equipment that were used back in the day to make Thai films, old-style posters, as well as an exhibition about Mitr Chaibancha, a legendary Thai actor who made over 260 films between 1956 and 1970.

The vintage poster of Insee Thong (Golden Eagle) Thai movie from the Thai Film Museum in Nakhon Pathom

He is known for his portrayal of the masked crime fighter, Insee Daeng (Red Eagle), which is basically a modern-day Thai version of Zoro. The first film he ever produced was Insee Thong (Golden Eagle), which is also his last film, as he died during a helicopter accident on the last day of shooting.

Mitr Chaibancha's exhibition Thai Film Museum in Nakhon Pathom.

The whole ordeal shook the entire country, and it was interesting to see his work immortalized at this museum. It is very interesting to see what Thai films were like back in the day.

The replica of the Alien Spaceship of Nabua at the Thai Film Museum in Nakhon Pathom.

There are other exhibitions as well, such as the Alien Spaceship of Nabua exhibition, where a replica of a wooden alien spaceship was built for the award-winning Thai art-drama movie Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives. This exhibition explores the theme of reincarnation of Uncle Boonmee, the main character.

The interior of the Alien Spaceship of Nabua from the Thai Film Museum in Nakhon Pathom

The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010 and became the very first Thai film to win the prestigious Palme d'Or award. The exhibition is very interesting, allowing you to see the wooden spaceship up close and read about the story of its construction and the remote village of Nabua.

The peep shows exhibition at the Thai Film Museum in Nakhon Pathom.

There is also an exhibition dedicated to preserving the old ways of watching movies (more like moving pictures) in public called Peep Show or Raree Show, where movies are shown in a box and can be viewed through a small hole or magnifying glass for a fee.

A movie seen from the peep box at the Thai Film Museum in Nakhon Pathom.

Peep Show Boxes were popular in the 19th Century, and you can see how they work and even take a look through the magnifying glass to watch movies at one of the many operational peep boxes here at the Thai Film Museum.

An old Chinese peep box for movies at the Thai Film Museum in Nakhon Pathom.

If you are looking to learn a bit more about Thai Films and how they have influenced our culture over the years, I highly recommend you drop by the Thai Film Museum. The museum opens from 10 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free.

3. Check Out the Vintage Car Collection at Jesada Technik Museum

Green vintage cars at Jesada Technik Museum in Nakhon Pathom

Another interesting and unique museum that you should drop by is the Jesada Technik Museum, where you will find a large array of old vintage vehicles, from cars to planes, lined up in a huge warehouse.

White vintage cars at Jesada Technik Museum in Nakhon Pathom

The antique car collection at Jesada Technik Museum is quite impressive, with rare vintage vehicles from all over Europe and America. From bubble cars to old-school New York checker taxis, there is a ton to see here if you are interested in vintage automobiles.

DMC DeLorean at Jesada Technik Museum in Nakhon Pathom

Even if you are not an automobile fan, all the cars you see here will still impress you. They even have the DMC DeLorean, AKA the DeLorean Time Machine, for those Back to the Future series fans out there, in the collection, and they are all very well-maintained.

A large array of vintage cars at Jesada Technik Museum in Nakhon Pathom

The best part about Jesada Technik Museum is that it is free to enter. Mr. Jesada, the founder of the museum, opened it in 2007 with the purpose of public interest, preservation of history, and heritage. He wanted the museum to be free for anyone to see. God bless the guy!

The entrance of Jesada Technik Museum in Nakhon Pathom

Jesada Technik Museum's opening hours are between 9 AM - 5 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. They also open during public holidays, so be sure to check them out along the way before you get to Nakhon Pathom City.

Tours & Tickets You Might Like

4. Visit Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market

Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market in Nakhon Pathom

Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market is unlike those commercialized floating markets, such as Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak, where everything is overpriced, crowded, and everyone will try to get you on a boat tour.

Riverside pier at Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market in Nakhon Pathom

Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market is a traditional floating market that locals actually visit. It is not as photogenic as the Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak floating markets, where you won't find many vendors on boats selling food and snacks. However, it is authentic and, unlike those two floating markets, it represents what a floating market truly is in modern Thailand.

Street food stalls at Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market in Nakhon Pathom

What you will find at Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market is a food market built on top of a large wooden riverside pier, where two sides of the walking path are filled with lines and lines of street food stalls for you to indulge yourself in.

Locals selling street food on boats at Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market in Nakhon Pathom

Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market is a great place to visit if you are looking to eat something for lunch with plenty of space for you to sit. There are also tons of food options to choose from, and they are all cheap, unlike the food at Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak floating markets.

That snacks at Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market in Nakhon Pathom

But, like Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak floating markets, Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market also opens from 8 AM to 5 PM only on Saturdays and Sundays. So, if you want to visit the floating market, be sure to plan your trip for a weekend.

5. Stroll Around Sanam Chandra Palace

The Chalee Mongkol Royal Palace at Sanam Chandra Palace in Nakhon Pathom

After exploring the outer area of Nakhon Pathom, it is time to explore what Nakhon Pathom City Center has to offer. One of the first things you should do when you arrive in Nakhon Pathom City is to check out the palaces at Sanam Chandra Palace.

Colonial style residence at Sanam Chandra Palace in Nakhon Pathom

Sanam Chandra Palace is a massive royal park that houses some of the most breathtaking British colonial-style buildings in the province. It was formerly a royal residence but has since been transformed into a park where locals enjoy jogging in the morning.

The Chalee Mongkol Royal Palace from the side at Sanam Chandra Palace in Nakhon Pathom

The Chalee Mongkol Royal Palace, one of the landmarks of Sanam Chandra Palace, is built in this unique colonial architectural style that resembles a fairy tale castle often seen in Europe.

Colonial style bridge at Sanam Chandra Palace in Nakhon Pathom

You will also find some really interesting combinations of Thai and British-inspired structures like the river-crossing bridge that connects 2 palaces or the Bhimarn Prathom Residence, which was built to serve as King Rama VI's private quarters back in the day.

The wooden colonial bridge at Sanam Chandra Palace in Nakhon Pathom

Sanam Chandra Palace's opening hours are from 5 to 9 AM in the morning and 4 to 8 PM in the evening every day, and it is free for anyone to enter. However, it has a quite strict dress code since it is a royal garden. Therefore, you will need to wear pants that cover your shoulders and knees or just touch your knees a little. I was wearing shorts that go down only a little bit to my knees and I walked in just fine.

6. Admire the beauty of the Grand Wat Phra Pathom Chedi

An aerial shot of Wat Phra Pathom Chedi at sunset in Nakhon Pathom

One of the highlights of visiting Nakhon Pathom is to see this mighty pagoda, Wat Phra Prathon Chedi, the tallest pagoda in Thailand, with the top spire reaching over 120 meters. Now, that is one hell of a huge pagoda!

An aerial side shot of Wat Phra Pathom Chedi at sunset in Nakhon Pathom

Wat Phra Prathon Chedi has quite a history that dates all the way back to 325 BCE, over 1,500 years before Siam (modern-day Thailand) as we know it was even founded, when Wat Phra Pathom was established on this spot.

The entrance of Wat Phra Prathon Chedi in Nakhon Pathom

The pagoda was then built in the year 193 BCE, which is one of the earliest pieces of evidence that shows when the influences of Buddhism and Indian civilization reached this part of the world.

Inside Wat Phra Prathon Chedi's templeground in Nakhon Pathom

And from that day, even though it had passed through multiple hands and undergone several renovations, the stupa still stands, and you can visit and admire its beauty right here in the heart of Nakhon Pathom.

The standing Buddha image at Wat Phra Prathon Chedi in Nakhon Pathom

At Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, you can pay respect to the massive standing Buddha image and walk around the stupa to see just how massive it really is. There is also Phra Pathom Chedi Museum in case you want to learn more about the pagoda, the civilizations, and the people that came before.

Wat Phra Prathon Chedi in Nakhon Pathom at night

Once you are done with Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, it is time to explore another awesome part of this tourist attraction, not with our eyes this time, but with our stomachs, as we will be visiting the Ong Phra Pathom Chedi Market next.

7. Eat Your Way Through Ong Phra Pathom Chedi Market

Ong Phra Pathom Chedi Market at night in Nakhon Pathom

Ong Phra Pathom Chedi Market is a daily food market located west of Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, and it is a market I often frequent when I want to find something local and delicious to eat at night in Nakhon Pathom.

Hoi Tod Street Food Stall Ong Phra Pathom Chedi Market in Nakhon Pathom

Ong Phra Pathom Chedi Market is set in this large parking lot with a ton of street food stalls all lined up in 2 strips, where you will find all kinds of street food, from delicious Hoi Tod (fried mussels) to sweet Thai-traditional ice creams, all at a local price.

People waiting in line for ice creams at Ong Phra Pathom Chedi Market in Nakhon Pathom

One of the most popular places to eat among locals is at Chor Street Food, where you can try their delicious crispy shrimp cakes and Hoi Tod dish, as long as you manage to get a table. I went there twice, and they saw huge crowds in front of the stall every time.

A man cooking at Ong Phra Pathom Chedi Market in Nakhon Pathom

Ong Phra Pathom Chedi Market opens from 5 PM to 10 PM every day. For more information on what to eat here, check out our "What to Eat and Drink in Nakhon Pathom" section.

8. Shop Until You Drop at Tawarawadee Sri Night Market

Tawarawadee Sri Night Market in Nakhon Pathom at sunset

If Ong Phra Pathom Chedi Market is the market to visit if you want to eat food, then Tawarawadee Sri Night Market is the best place to go if you want to buy some affordable souvenirs to take back home.

The riverside at Tawarawadee Sri Night Market in Nakhon Pathom

Tawarawadee Sri Night Market is located on the riverside just north of Phra Pathom Chedi, and you will find lines and lines of shops all clustered along the river selling all kinds of goods, from cheap clothes to finger food.

That street food at Tawarawadee Sri Night Market in Nakhon Pathom

This night market is definitely more crowded than the Ong Phra Pathom Chedi Market, and it is also more lively. Locals flock the street and scramble their ways around finding things to eat and cheap goods to buy.

People walking at Tawarawadee Sri Night Market in Nakhon Pathom

I highly recommend you visit Tawarawadee Sri Night Market if you wish to find something to buy or if you just want to go people-watching in Nakhon Pathom. The market opens from 4 PM to 10 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

What To Eat and Drink in Nakhon Pathom?

1. Eat Crispy Shrimp Cake and Hoi Tod at Chor Street Food Stall

People making Crispy Shrimp Cake at Chor Street Food Stall in Nakhon Pathom

Chor Street Food Stall is a popular street food stall at Ong Phra Pathom Chedi Market where they serve seafood dishes such as crispy shrimp cakes, fish soft-boiled rice, and Hoi Tod, a Thai-style fried mussels dish. They are extremely popular among the locals.

People queuing up in front of Chor Street Food Stall in Nakhon Pathom

You will often find a long queue forming in front of Chor Street Food Stall every evening, where people line up to order their Hoi Tod. They also have a seating area where you can eat if you manage to get a table. I was unable to get any when I was there, and I went there twice on two separate days!

A man cooking Hoi Tod at Chor Street Food Stall in Nakhon Pathom

The food at Chor Street Food Stall costs from 40 THB to 100 THB, and if you cannot get a seat, you can order takeaway, as I did, and take it to your hotel to eat there.

Crispy Shrimp Cake at Chor Street Food Stall in Nakhon Pathom

I tried their crispy shrimp cakes, and they were crazy delicious. Definitely worth the wait. Chor Street Food Stall opens from 5 PM to 11 PM, and if you wish to avoid large crowds, I suggest you come here as early as 5 PM and be the first in line.

2. Eat Hakka-Style Fish Noodle at Thana Market

Hakka-Style Fish Noodle from Hakka Noodle Thana Restaurant in Nakhon Pathom

For a great place to have lunch, I highly recommend you try the Hakka-style fish noodle at Hakka Noodle Thana Restaurant at Thana Market, located around 15 km east of Nakhon Pathom City Center.

Boiled fish meat with seafood dip at Hakka Noodle Thana Restaurant in Nakhon Pathom

Hakka-style fish noodle is a Chinese-style noodle of the Hakka people where the noodle is made from minced fish and turned into noodles served with stuffed tofu, minced pork, fish balls, fish meat, and fish dumplings. Yes, it is as delicious as it sounds, and I highly recommend you try it before you leave Nakhon Pathom.

The entrance of Hakka Noodle Thana Restaurant in Nakhon Pathom

The Hakka noodle at Hakka Noodle Thana Restaurant costs around 40 THB per dish. The restaurant opens from 7 AM to 3 PM every day except Wednesday, so be sure to drop by when you are in Nakhon Pathom.

3. Eat Delicious Vietnamese Food at Bai Miang Restaurant

The entrance of Bai Miang Restaurant in Nakhon Pathom

If you are looking for a nice restaurant to eat in Nakhon Pathom, I was tipped by a local there to go check out Bai Miang Restaurant which serves high-quality Vietnamese cuisine. So, I went there for lunch the next day, and I was not disappointed!

Bahn Xeo from Bai Miang Restaurant in Nakhon Pathom

Dishes like Bรกnh Xรจo, the crispy, stuffed rice pancake, and beef and lemongrass on sticks wrapped with betel leaves are to die for. It's hard to explain just how much I love Vietnamese food, and they really do deliver here. So, if you are craving healthy and delicious food in Nakhon Pathom, Bai Miang Restaurant is the way to go.

The beef and lemongrass on sticks wrapped with betel leaves from Bai Miang Restaurant in Nakhon Pathom

Bai Miang Restaurant opens from 11 AM to 8 PM every day, and the Vietnamese dishes here should cost around 70 - 150 THB. It's not cheap, but you really do get what you paid for here, which is high-quality ingredients and tasty Vietnamese food that is not so easy to find in Thailand.

15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

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When to Visit Nakhon Pathom?

An aerial shot of Wat Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom

The best time to visit Nakhon Pathom is from November to January when the weather is cooler and less humid, making it much more enjoyable to explore Bangkok.

That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March-April is the hottest and most humid period of the year, so if you can't handle the heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be slightly better during this period, but it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be rainy seasons which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain, which might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality or vice versa.

The Best Time To Visit ThailandThe Best Time To Visit Thailand

How to Get to Nakhon Pathom?

People walking up the Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom is located only 55 km west of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, and in order to travel to Nakhon Pathom, you will first have to get yourself to Bangkok.

Thankfully, Bangkok is one of the largest travel hubs in the region. You should have no trouble finding a flight from your home country to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the main international airport in Bangkok.

From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Bangkok, so you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.

From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. Afterwards, you can fly domestically to Chiang Mai. You can also choose to go with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you don't mind transiting.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering multiple routes from various hub cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Jakarta to Bangkok. AirAsia is a great option as they have the most connections to Bangkok from all over Asia.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok, I would recommend you to use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.

Getting from Bangkok to Nakhon Pathom

The exterior of Hua Lamphong Train Station in Bangkok

To get from Bangkok to Nakhon Pathom, you can either take a bus, a train, or simply rent a car and drive. Here are the ways you can get from Bangkok to Nakhon Pathom in detail:

By Train: Nakhon Pathom has a train station located right by Phra Pathom Chedi, the main tourist attraction in the city center. It is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to travel straight from Bangkok to the city center of Nakhon Pathom.

To take a train from Bangkok to Nakhon Pathom, you will need to get yourself to Hua Lamphon Central Train Station in Bangkok, which can be easily reached by MRT (Bangkok's Metro System).

There are around 5 trains departing from Hua Lamphong Train Station from 7:50 AM to 7:30 PM every day, with 2 classes available: the 2nd class (air-con) and the 3rd class (fan). The prices for these classes are 80 THB and 250 THB respectively. You can book your train ticket here: Book a Train from Bangkok to Nakhon Pathom.

By Bus: There are also several daily buses departing from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal every 10 minutes or so from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM, and the ticket should cost about 40 THB. The journey should take about 2 hours, and you will be dropped off at Nakhon Pathom Bus Terminal.

The problem with taking the bus is in getting to the Southern Bus Terminal, which is located west outside of Bangkok's city center, and there is no easy way to get there except via taxis.

In my opinion, taking the train will be much easier for you. You do not have to book the bus to Nakhon Pathom as they leave every 10 minutes every day, so just go to Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal and buy the tickets from there.

By Car: You can also rent a car straight from Bangkok's airports. The drive should take around 1-2 hours depending on the traffic. It should cost you around 25 USD per day to rent a car in Bangkok. To rent a car, you will need to prepare at least 8,000 THB for the deposit and make sure you have a valid driver's license. To rent a car, click the link below.

Rent a car in Bangkok

How to Get Around Nakhon Pathom?

A vintage Mustang car at Jesada Technik Museum in Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom is quite a big city with tourist attractions scattered throughout the province, except for a few in the city center. To see them all, you will have to utilize a mix of these modes of transportation:

By Walking: There are several tourist attractions that you can reach on foot within the city center, such as Phra Pathom Chedi, the night markets, and Chandra Palace Park. However, if you wish to travel further, you will need to rent a vehicle.

By Car: There are not a whole lot of car/motorcycle rental places in Nakhon Pathom, so if you wish to explore the province with a car, I highly recommend renting one in Bangkok and driving to Nakhon Pathom.

There are more options available in Bangkok, and since Nakhon Pathom is only 55 km away, driving straight from Bangkok will be much faster and more convenient for you.

Renting a car in Bangkok should cost you around 25 USD per day, plus around 8,000 THB for a deposit. Make sure you have a valid driving license if you decide to rent a car. Click the link below to rent a car in Bangkok.

Rent a car in Bangkok

How Many Days To Spend in Nakhon Pathom?

Sunrise at the wooden bridge in Sanam Chandra Palace in Nakhon Pathom

You can see almost all of the tourist attractions in Nakhon Pathom. You can even do a day trip from Bangkok if you start early enough and don't mind ending your day late. Here is a sample itinerary for Nakhon Pathom:

Day 1: Visit Wat Sam Phran, Jesada Technik Museum, and Thai Film Museum in the morning before having lunch at Thana Market. In the afternoon, visit Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market, Wat Phra Prathon Chedi, Sanam Chandra Palace, and Phra Pathom Chedi. For dinner, visit Ong Phra Pathom Chedi Market and then shop your way through Tawarawadee Sri Night Market before heading back to Bangkok.

How Much Money Do I Need For Nakhon Pathom?

With the rough itinerary above, we can calculate approximately how much you will be spending in Nakhon Pathom as follows:

Accommodation: Since we will be visiting Nakhon Pathom as a day trip from Bangkok, you will be paying 0 USD for accommodation.

Food: Food costs about 50 THB minimum in Nakhon Pathom on average, so you can expect to pay around 150 THB for food.

Transportation: Renting a car for a day from Bangkok should cost you around 1,000 THB plus gas for transportation.

Activities: All the tourist attractions listed here are free, so you will pay 0 THB for activities in Nakhon Pathom.

Total Budget for a day trip in Nakhon Pathom: 1,150.00 THB (37.45 USD)

Is it Safe in Nakhon Pathom?

Like most of Thailand, Nakhon Pathom is very safe, and you are unlikely to meet any undesirable scammers that you often encounter in other crowded places like the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

That said, since you will be driving on Thai roads, it is my duty as a Thai to warn you that we are not the best drivers in the world. The roads are great throughout, but we sometimes drive like maniacs, so make sure to be extra careful when you are on the road.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True, all of which offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. I personally use AIS as I have been with them since my first phone, and they have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand. Their coverage hasn't failed me yet, so if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are three packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on the length of your trip to Thailand, you can choose one of these three packages that best suits your itinerary.

With these three packages, you can top up more if you need additional data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Nakhon Pathom?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Nakhon Pathom, Thailand:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Nakhon Pathom, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing ListWhat to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Further Reading for Central Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Central Thailand? Here are some articles about Central Thailand that you might find useful:

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Categories DestinationsThailandSoutheast AsiaAsiaCentral Thailand

1 Comments


Horan Shimotsuma from Japan's profile picutre
Horan Shimotsuma from Japan

Dear sir, I am looking for a buddha statue factory in Nakhon Pathom where they make statues of the starving buddha.


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