Pathum Thani is a neighbouring province of Bangkok. It is situated
on the Chao Phraya basin with plenty of canals and orange plantations.
Its original name is Muang Sam Khok, which was founded during
the Ayutthaya era. It was the settlement for the Mon people migrating
from Mohtama (in Myanmar) over 350 years ago. In the year 1815
when King Rama II made a royal visit to this area, the inhabitants
offered him plenty of lotus flowers which is the origin of the
present name.
Attractions
Wat Hong Pathummawat – This is located on the west bank of the
Chao Phraya River in the town. It was constructed by the Mon
immigrants in 1764 during the reign of King Taksin. The chedi
and vihara are replicas of the ones at Hongsawadi City. The fish
sanctuary in front of the temple attracts many tourists during
holidays.
Wat Chinwararam – This temple, originally called Wat Makham
Tali, is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya
River slightly
opposite the mouth of Khlong Rangsit Prayunsak in the vicinity
of Amphoe Muang. The main interests are mural paintings depicting
the story of “Phra Chao Sip Chat” or Lord Buddha’s ten lives
with poetic descriptions.
Wat Sing – This first Mon style temple of Pathum Thani is located
on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, 3 kms. from township
area. It houses Luang Pho To, an Ayutthaya style gold covered
Buddha image in a rare mara posture and Luang Pho Phet, a reclining
Buddha image. The monk’s former quarters has been turned into
a museum for Mon antiques along with a teak reproduction of a
Lord Buddha footprint and a bedstead utilized by King Rama II
during his visit to Sam Khok. The villagers living around the
temple produce old style Mon bricks, famous products of Pathum
Thani.
Wat Chedi Thong –
This temple is located on the west bank of
the Chao Phraya River in the vicinity of Amphoe Sam Khok, 8 kms.
from Pathum Thani Town. There is a Mon style pagoda approximately
160 years old and a white jade Buddha image enshrined in the
ubosot.
Talad Thai – This is Thailand’s largest, international standard
wholesale and retail market for food products and all agricultural
produces including fruits, vegetables, cut flowers and pot plants.
It is located on 200 acres of land in Tambon Rangsit, Amphoe
Thanyaburi on Bangkok’s outskirts and can be accessible by Phaholyothin
Road.
Wat Phut Udom – This temple constructed in 1894 is located in
Tambon Lam Sai, Amphoe Lam Luk Ka. This temple is known for the
illustrative images of hell and heaven stages of beings and other
mythical figures made according to the Buddhist belief.
Wat Bua Khwan – This temple in the vicinity
of Amphoe Lat Lum Kaeo houses a Buddha image in the attitude
of starving, which was cast in the reign of King Rma V. Another
important attraction is the pavilion where King Rama VI presided
over a ploughing ceremony, called “Sala Daeng”, having a teak
tile roofing which is regarded as exquisite.
Wat Chedi Hoi –
This small monastery is located at Tambon Bo
Ngoen, Amphoe Lat Lum Kaeo. A tremendous number of giant oyster
shells, 8 million years of age, were unearthed and piled up into
a form of a chedi. Each shell weighs at least 1 kilogramme.
Wat Worani Thammakayaram – This monastery, better known as the
Meditation Practice Centre, is located in Tambon Khlong Sam,
Amphoe Khlong Luang. The temple occupies a pleasant and extensive
area with a jungle atmosphere suitable for practicing meditation.
Wat Phailom – This temple is located on the east bank of the
Chao Phraya River in Amphoe
Sam Khok. The Asian Openbills migrate
from India to lay their eggs here from November to May. Other
kinds of migratory birds include the Black-capped Kingfishers,
the Spot-billed Pelicans and the Black-headed Ibis.
Dream World – Situated on Km. 7 on Rangsit-Ongkharak Road, a
20 minute drive from Don
Muang Airport, this is an extensive
fun land consisting of a European style plaza, miniature land
of the major world legends and exciting playing machines. It
is open daily.
Muai Thai Institute – This institute has been established by
the World Muay Thai Council in order to promote this folk arts
of self defense at national and international levels. It offers
three types of Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) courses for both Thais
as well as foreigners. Besides the fundamental programmes which
provide skills, experience, and knowledge of the Muay Thai Culture,
one can apply for special programmes to become Muay Thai instructors
or referees.