Pathum Thani

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 Mueang 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.

The Pathum Thani Town is only 46 kms. from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 1,525 square kilometres and is administratively divided into 7 districts (Amphoes): Muang Pathum Thani, Lat Lum Kaeo, Sam Khok, Thanyaburi, Nong Suea, Khlong Luang, and Lam Luk Ka.

Attractions
A tremendous amount of giant oyster shells dating from 8 million years ago were unearthed and piled into a form of a chedi at Wat Chedi Hoi , hence the name Temple of Shelled Chedi . Each shell weighs at least 1 kilogram.

Within the compounds of Wat Pued Udom (Thriving Plant Temple) are pavilions with various sculptures depicting heaven and hell and a museum containing historical artifacts. The ubosot houses a replica of Luang Phor Sothorn, a highly revered Buddha image in Chachoengsao. The Wat Phra Thummakay Buddhist Meditation Center , or Wat Worani Thammakayaram, occupies an extensive area of 196 rais with a pleasant and jungle atmosphere ideal for practicing meditation.

Nearby is Thailand's largest, international standard wholesale and retail market. The Talad Thai (Free Market) sells food products and all agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, and potted plants.

Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, a 16 th century Mon-style chedi (pagoda) and a white jade Buddha image enshrined in the ubosot are the main attractions at Wat Chedi Thong (Golden Chedi Temple).

City 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.

City Pillar Shrine This is located in the compound of the City Hall. It was constructed in 1977 as a four-gabled pavilion housing the city pillar and statues of the gods Narai and Vishnu. On one side is enshrined a Buddha image of the Sukhothai style in the attitude of Subduing Evil.

Wat Chinwararam This temple, originally called "Wat Makham Tai”, is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River slightly opposite the mouth of Khlong Rangsit Prayunsak in the vicinity of Amphoe Mueang. The main interests are mural paintings depicting the story of " Phra Chao Sip Chat" or Lord Buddha's ten lives with poetic descriptions.

Khlong Luang

Dream World Situated on Km.7 on Rangsit-Ongkharak Road, a 10 minute drive from Don Mueang 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 from 10.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. On holidays, it is open until 7.00 p.m. Call 0-2533-1152, 0-2533-1447, 0-2533-1449 for further information.

Thung Rangsit This flooded grassland at Tambon Khlong Nung, Amphoe Khlong Luang attracts many migratory birds escaping from the cold climate zones, such as the Rubythroats, the Blue Throats, the Bush Warblers, Crakes and Rails.

Wat Worani Thammakayaram This monastery, better known as the Meditation Practice Centre, is located in Tambon Khlong Sam, Amphoe Khlong Luang, 5 kms. from Pahonyothin Road. The temple occupies a pleasant and extensive area with a jungle atmosphere suitable for practicing meditation.

Sam Khok

Wat Sing This first Mon style temple of Pathum Thani is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, 3 kms. from the 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 Phai Lom 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.

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.

Rangsit

Talat 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 Phahonyothin Road.

Lam Luk Ka

Wat Phut Udom This temple constructed in 1894 is located in Tambon Lam Sai, Amphoe Lam Luk Ka, 57 kms. on the Pathum Thani-Nong Chok Route. 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.

Lat Lum Kaeo

Wat Chedi Hoi This small monastery is located at Tambon Bo Ngoen, Amphoe Lat Lum Kaeo, 18 kms. from the town. 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 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 Rama 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.

Thanyaburi

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. Contact the Muay Thai Institute at 336/932 Prachathipat, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani 12130, Tel: 0-2992-0096-9.

Hotels and accommodation

  • Asia Airport Hotel : 99/2 Moo 8, Phaholyothin Road, Lamlukka [(66 2) 992-6999]
  • Bangkok Golf & Spa : 99/3 Mu 2 Tiwanon Road, Bang Kradi Amphoe Muang [0 2963 9777 Fax: 0 2963 9797] : 3,000-4,000 baht
  • Nice Inn : 20/9 Mu 5, Tambon Bang Phun Amphoe Muang [0 2567 2750-2] : 500 baht
  • Bin Inn : 59/265 Prachathipat Road Amphoe Thanyaburi [0 2531 5125] : 140-320 baht
  • Mit Phaisan : 246/48 Mu 2 Prachathippatai Road Amphoe Thanyaburi [0 2531 3069, 0 2531 3230] : 150-200 baht
  • Rangsit Palace : 336/923 Mu 1 Phahonyothin Road Amphoe Thanyaburi [0 2531 4860, 0 2531 5024-5] : 500 baht
  • Siam : 336/309-312 Prachathipat Road Amphoe Thanyaburi [0 2531 0474, 0 2531 3394] : 200-370 baht Pinehurst Lodge : 73 Phahonyothin Road, Tambon Khlong Nueng Amphoe Khlong Luang [0 2516 8679-84 Fax: 0 2516 8685] : 1,500-3,500 baht
  • Royal Inn : 39 Mu 5 Tambon Khlong Nung Amphoe Khlong Luang [0 2516 9400] : 500-1,000 baht
  • Asia Airport : 99/2 Mu 8 Phahonyothin Road, Tambon Khu Khot Amphoe Lam Luk Ka [0 2992 6999] : 3,649-6,239 baht
  • Don Inn : 99 Mu 5 Tambon Khu Khot Amphoe Lam Luk Ka [0 2539 9731-3, 0 2533 7173] : 450-500 baht

Restaurants

  • Pathum Thani is well known for kung ten (raw shrimp), large fresh-water prawns, and kuay tiew rua Rangsit (beef noodles).
  • Kung Ten Prathum : 487/7 Moo 4, Bangkok-Pathum Thani Rd., Tel: 0-2581-5316
  • Kung Ten Fishing Hut : 113/1 foot of Nonthaburi Bridge
  • Kung Ten Ung Jua Kee : 12 Tesabal Sampan Rd., Tel: 0-2581-6166
  • Kosi :170-176 Charoenpon Wattana Rd., Bang Prok, Charoenpon Wattana market, Tel: 0-2581-6350 Bua Thong : 42/1 Pathum Thani-Lad Lum Kaew Rd.
  • Sri Thai Charoen : 14 Pathumrat 1 Rd.
  • Ik Kiew Suki : 6/8 Pathum Sampan Rd
  • Kung Jiam Tu : 99 Phaholyothin Rd., Moo 7, Klong Nung, Tel: 0-2516-9715-6
  • Klong Luang : 54/2 Phaholyothin Rd., 39 Km, Klong Nung


How to get there
* By bus: Pathum Thani can be reached by the following buses:

  • Bus No. 33 (Sanam Luang-Pathum Thani)
  • Bus No. 90 (Chatuchak-Tiwanon Road) connecting a Rangsit-Pathum Thani bus
  • Buses No. 29, 34, 39, 59, 95, 503 to Rangsit, then connecting a Rangsit-Pathum Thai bus
  • Bus No. 104 (Victory Monument-Pak Kret), then connecting Bus No. 33 or Bus No. 90