| SACRED SITES AND SHRINES
CENTRAL THAILAND
NAKHON PATHOM
DAY TRIPS IN SEARCH OF SPIRITUAL INSPIRATION
The following programmes feature a selection of well-known Buddhist temples, holy sites, places of worship and shrines deemed to be sacred. These are frequented by local residents as well as international visitors, many of whom make regular pilgrimages to the site to pay homage and seek blessings.
PROGRAMME 1
Bangkok-Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisri Route
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Buddhamonthon
Buddhamonthon, which literally means ‘Buddhist town’, is considered to be the most important of the kingdom’s Buddhist sites. Construction of Buddhamonthon began on Vesakha Day in 2500 B.E. to mark the 2500 year anniversary of the founding of Buddhism.
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The ancestral site and centre of Buddhist practice is set on 2,500 rai of land straddling the sub-district of Sallaya, Nakhon Chaisri district and Rateuk sub-district, Sampran district. A vast variety of trees and plants have been planted on the site.
An important Buddhist ancestral site, statues and sculpture depict various stages in Lord Buddha’s life, following the Cycle of Birth through to Enlightenment, Lord Buddha’s first sermon (pathomtessana) and Nirvana.
Buddha images in various mudra or postures (prang).
Phrasrisakayatossayaanprataan-Buddhamonthon-Suthat, the principle Buddha image and focal point, provides spiritual inspiration. |
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| Proceed to Nakhon Pathom city centre |
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Phra Pathom Chedi Stupa
Recite prayers as a gesture of respect and seek the blessings of Phra Ruang Rojanarit
Visit the Phra Pathom Chedi Museum
Lunch in the area adjacent to the Phra Pathom Chedi — Pathom Pochana and Tan Ha Heng, two of Nakhon Pathom’s restaurants that are an all-time favourite with the locals, are a short stroll away. The province is famous for its delicious Roasted Duck Rice (khao na ped) and Roasted Red Pork Rice (khao mu daeng)
After lunch, join a guided tour of Sanamchandra Palace, one of the Royal residences of King Rama VI. |
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Wat Phratone Chedi temple
Archaeological evidence suggests that Nakhon Pathom province was the centre of Dvaravati culture that prospered during the 11th-12th century A.D. Admire the Dvaravati period (8th-12th century) chedi. The stupa, one of the best preserved in the kingdom, is exemplary of the non-Khmer Buddhist architectural styles that flourished in the central and eastern parts of the kingdom.
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Wat Klang Bang Kaeo temple
Visit the Phra Buddha Vithi Nayok Museum which houses a collection of ancient artefacts and sacred items used in religious rituals collected by the abbots, Luang Phor Poon and Luang Phor Perm.
Admire the marble ubosoth, an ordination hall or Buddhist chapel where monks are ordained. The ubosoth, or bot, stands on a sacred site marked by sema stones.
Take a closer look at the motifs that adorn the stucco temple walls. Quizzes and cryptic messages from times past embedded in temple walls waiting to be unravelled by observant and curious souls reflect the ingenuity of its creators. |
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Talat Tana Traditional Market, Nakhon Chaisri province
The traditional market is famous for its fried chicken and vast selection of home-made Thai desserts.
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Talat Don Wai Riverside and Floating Market
This riverside market is shopper’s paradise, best known for its food and souvenirs. |
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| Return to Bangkok. |
PROGRAMME 2
Bangkok-Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisri Route
Turn left at Sallaya and proceed to Lampaya Riverside Market
STOPS EN ROUTE
Board a comfortable boat and enjoy a leisurely river cruise along the Ta Chine River, enjoying lunch on the boat.
At the end of the river cruise, take the Lampaya-Nakhon Chaisri route.
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Wat Bang Phra temple
Pay homage to Luang Phor Poen, the revered abbot of the temple.
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Wat Klang Bang Kaeo temple
Visit the Phra Buddha Vithi Nayok Museum which houses a collection of ancient artefacts and sacred items used in religious rituals collected by the abbots, Luang Phor Poon and Luang Phor Perm.
Admire the marble ubosoth, an ordination hall or Buddhist chapel where monks are ordained. The ubosoth, or bot, stands on a sacred site marked by sema stones. |
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Wat Rai Khing temple, Sampran district
Pay homage to the former abbott, Luang Phor Wat Rai Khing, another of the province’s famous abbots, highly respected and revered by Thais of Buddhist faith
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Talat Don Wai Riverside and Floating Market
This riverside market is shopper’s paradise, best known for its food and souvenirs.
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| Return to Bangkok. |
PROGRAMME 3
Bangkok-Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisri Route
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Buddhamonthon
A sacred site and Buddhist centre that is home to
Phra Srisakyatossaponyaan Prataan Buddha Monthon Suthat. (please see above)
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| Proceed to Nakhon Pathom city centre |
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Phra Pathom Chedi Stupa
Recite prayers as a gesture of respect and seek blessings of Phra Ruang Rojanarit. Visit the Phra Pathom Chedi Museum
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Lunch in the area adjacent to the Phra Pathom Chedi — Pathom Pochana and Tan Ha Heng, two of Nakhon Pathom’s restaurants that are an all-time favourite with the locals, are a short stroll away. The province is famous for its delicious Roasted Duck Rice (khao na ped) and Roasted Red Pork Rice (khao mu daeng).
After lunch, join a guided tour of Sanamchandra Palace, one of the Royal residences of King Rama VI. |
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Jee Tek Lim Chinese Shrine
Pay homage to Chao Mae Lim Khor Neow.
The shrine is situated on Malaiman Road Km 13, Tambon Tap Luang sub-district.
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Wat Yor Noi, Amphoe Kampaeng Saen district
Practice Dhamma with Luang Phor Buddha Isara
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| Return to Bangkok. |
RELIGIOUS TRAVEL
SACRED PILGRIMAGE SITES
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