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Historical Sites
Dong Lakon Ancient City
Location: Mueang District
Dong Lakon Ancient City
Dong Lakon Ancient City is better known as Dong Lakorn town or Lab Lae town. It's one of the most interesting national
ancient spots which located south east of Nakhon Nayok town centre about 9 kilometers. This ancient, ovular walled
settlement dating from the Davaravati Period (6
th - 13
th centuries) measures 600 meters
at its broadest point, and 700 meters at its longest. Religious artifacts, including Buddha heads, seals and jewelry, excavated
from the area, are exhibited in the Prachinburi National Museum.
According to Lab Lae historical records, this town, which used to be a forest, belonged to Queen Khom. Whoever wanders
around the place would have very little chance to get out as gigantic trees flourish the surroundings. On the day the trees
were being cut-off sounds from a fiddle, a flute, and string instruments resembled an orchestra and as if there was a stage
play being performed, hence the name "Dong Lakorn" (Forest of Stage Play).
How to get there
From Nakhon Nayok city, take road No. 305 just 5 km., then turn left to Dong Lakon Ancient City about 5 kilometers.
Luang Pho Siannakhon
Location: Mueang District
Luang Pho Sian Nakhon is the highly revered Buddha statue of townspeople, stands at Bunnak Rakkhitaram Temple (Wat
Tam) in Muang district. It is believed to have been built in Sukhothai period. During an excavation at a whisky brewery, located
near Wat Nang Hong, in the year 1952, the head of a Buddha image was found. The head was kept at a school then known
as Nayok Phitthaya School (at present no longer exists), later it was enshrined at Wat Bunnak Rakkitaram. In 1968, the rest of
the parts of the Buddha image other than the Buddha’s head were recreated and a new chapel was constructed to house the
new complete Buddha image. Since then, the Buddha image came to be known as "Luang Pho Sian Nakhon".
How to get there
The temple located on the eastern edge of Nakhon Nayok town centre about 3.5 kilometers.
Shrine of Chao Pho Khun Dan
Location: Mueang District
Shrine of Chao Pho Khun Dan is one of the most highly respected shrines by local residents. The shrine is located at the foot of
Khao Cha Ngok, 14 kilometers west of town center. Khun Dan was Nakhon Nayoks supreme administrative leader during the reign
of King Naresuan the Great of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. During the war between the Kingdom and the Burmese, the Khmers took
the opportunity to invade Nakhon Nayok and claim the city under its sovereignty. It was here that Khun Dan set up a camp to
mobilize the people and fought back. He defeated the Khmers in 1587 A.D.
How to get there
From Bangkok drive along highway No.1 (Phaholyothin Road) and highway No. 33 (Hin Kong - Nakhon Nayok Route).
Total distance is 140 kilometers.
Religious Site
City Pillar Shrine
Location: Mueang District
City Pillar Shrine or San Lak Mueang is the most honored Shrine in the city. The Shrine is located alongside Nakhon Nayok
River near the Old City Wall. It was once an old Shrine housing a 1-metre wooden column with a carving of a lotus at the top.
In 1910, the City Pillar was enshrined at the Red Building of the Sri Nakhon Nayok School where a new four-cornered pavilion
situated along Maenam Nakhon Nayok was established to house the Pillar. Inside the Shrine visitors will see one corner dedicated
to Narai, a Hindu God, and another corner to a Buddhist image from the Ayutthaya period.
Ganesha Park
Location: Muang District
Ganesha Park
Ganesha is called Phra Pikanet or Phra Phikanesuan in Thai. Ganesha Park in Nakhon Nayok is two of the largest ganesha
statues in Thailand. The first shows Ganesha in a sitting position. This image is 15 meters high and 9 meters wide. He is
holding his broken tusk in one hand. In his other hands he has a mahoot's (elephant trainer) hook, a rope noose and a
rosary. In front of the sitting Ganesha is a mouse. It is said that Ganesha uses the mouse as a vehicle to communicate
with his followers. Ganesha is an impressive tribute to the Hindu god Ganesha. Although Ganesha is a Hindu god he is also
revered by Buddhists. In fact there are many common themes between Hinduism and Buddhism with both religions believing
in the concept of re-incarnation, the cycle of life, death and rebirth. Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and the lord of l
earning.
Ganesha or Phra Phikanet as he is commonly referred to known in Thailand is known as the remover of obstacles and
bestower of good fortune. This temple not only hosts Ganesha statues but also of many Reusi, Vishnu, Shiva, Durga and others.
It also hosts precious Buddhist Relics from various countries.
How to get there
From Bangkok drive along Rangsit - Nakhon Nayok route, turn left at intersection into the street No.305 (Nakhon Nayok -
Prachin Buri), drive toward the street No. 3049, approximately 86 km. Ganesha Park is located on Prachakasem intersection.
Lord Buddha's Footprint at Khao Nang Buat
Location: Muang District
Lord Buddha's Footprint is a nice little pagoda located at the top of Nang Buat Hill, 9 kilometres from Nakhon Nayok town. Inside is a replica
of the Lord Buddha's Footprint. The original is housed in
Saraburi. It is a cast of a natural impression found in limestone
rock that resembles a very large footprint. In 1620 a group of Thai monks on pilgrimage in Sri Lanka were told that the
Lord Buddha's Footprint could be found in Thailand. When this rock was discovered in Saraburi it was declared a Buddhist
shrine. The worshippers like to stick gold foil and place coins on the artifact for good luck. The hill is 100 m high and you
must climb 227 steps to reach the top. It’s a fun climb and you do have good views of the surrounding countryside.
How to get there
From Nakhon Nayok town centre, Drive along highway no. 3049 for approximately 6 km and then turn right at the traffic
lights. The shrine is just 3 km on the left.
Wat Phrammani
Location: Mueang District
Wat Phrammani
Wat Phrammani or Wat Luang Phor Pak Daeng is the oldest temple in NaKhon Nayok was built during the King Rama V.
The temple is still an old Buddha image which was brought here during the war from Vientiane by migrating Laotians. The
Buddha image is commonly called Phra Phuttarup Pak Daeng (the red-lipped Buddha image).
An additional attraction is the Commemorative Monument of the Japanese Forces, Division 37, During World War II,
the 37
th Quartermaster Infantry of the Japanese Military located their camp at the temple. In 1992, the
Friend of Asian Alliance War Association built the memorial to honor the 7,920 Thai soldiers who were recruited to work in
the camp and died in the war. Their ashes which were once placed in the temple are now put in the altar of the memorial.
How to get there
The temple located in Sarika Sub-district, approximately 5 kilometers on the way to Sarika Waterfall - Nang Rong route
(highway No. 3050).
Wat Phra Phutthachai (Wat Phra Chai)
Location: Muang District
Wat Phra Phutthachai or better known as Wat Khao Cha Ngok is one of the sacred grounds
and famous attractions in Nakhon Nayok which located at the top of Khao Cha Ngok hill. Initially, the only painting featuring
several Buddha motifs in different postures on a cliff wall facing a small hill near Khao Cha Ngok was found in a place formally
called Wat Khao Cha-Ngok. In 1942, the Map Department of the Royal Thai Army decided to build a marble quarry at the foot
of the hill and began restoring the paintings. In addition, the expansive temple compound offers a peaceful haven surrounded
by stunning scenery.
How to get there
Wat Phra Phutthachai is situated nearby the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, 14 kilometers west of Nakhon Nayok
town center.
Market
Local Fruit Market
Location: Mueang District
Nakhon Nayok Province is the most well known producing sweet plum mango. Every year around February - April, You will see
vendors selling a wide array of locally grown fruit in front of the City Hall. Some of the local specialities include sweet plum mango
(or Ma - Yong) is very similar to maprang, the most well known fruit of Nakhon Nayok. It is a sweet fruit with a texture like apricot.
The peel is slightly sour and can be removed if preferred. The Pomelo (or Som-o), these are similar to grapefruit in appearance but
drier and sweeter and Jack Fruit (or ka-noon) a big ugly brutes are the largest tree borne fruit in the world. They are rather smelly
and unattractive but once the fruits have been extracted, they are crisp and fresh tasting.
Ongkharak Plant Market (Khlong Sip Ha Plant Market)
Location: Ongkharak District
Ongkharak Plant Market
Ongkharak Plant Market or Khlong 15 Plant Market, located in Ongkharak District is well known for its ornamental plants and cut
flowers. There are plenty of plant nurseries selling several kinds of plants ranging from miniature Bonsai plants to large species.
Visitors to Thailand's largest plant and flower center can purchase high-quality plants and flowers at reasonable or even wholesale
prices.
How to get there
From Bangkok drive along highway No. 305 (Rangsit - Nakhon Nayok route), at Khlong 15 and down to Santi Dhamma Raj Bumrung
Temple
Museums
Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam Museum
Location: Mueang District
Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam Museum is base on the area of Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, Ban Tha Dan Sub-District, approximately
18 km north of Nakhon Nayok town centre. It's a pleasant attraction that gives lots more information all you might want to know
about the dam in both Thai and English. It includes the history behind the need for the dam and all the technical specifications of its
construction. What is also nice is the museum includes a lot of background information on Nakhon Nayok's history, geology and
geography. There is also an excellent section on the history of mankind's water management projects from the ancient Egyptians all
the way forward to some of the greatest modern day dams around the world.
The museum is generally only open at the weekends and the entrance fee is a mere 20-baht.The museum is located in front of the
Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam. When you reach the traffic circle with the elephant fountain in the middle you turn right and the museum
is immediately on your left.
How to get there
From Nakhon Nayok town centre, take road No. 3049 north toward Nang Rong Waterfall - The foot hill of
Khao Yai Route, approximately
11 km, then turn right at the intersection and drive for another 6 km, Turn right for 1 km to Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam Museum.
The 100-Year Royal Military Academy Museum
Location: Mueang District
The 100-Year Royal Military Academy is a nice museum to learn about the history of war and its consequences, the museum
boasts a collection of military artifacts, displays biographies of famous graduates, history of wars, weapons of war and uniforms of soldiers of
neighboring nations, as well as a wax sculpture of King Rama V as one of its highlights. In addition, you can enjoy a variety of fun-filled sports
activities such as kayaking, biking, mountain trekking, rock climbing, walk rally as well as cycling. There area also some other sporting facilities
such as golf course and driving ranges, skeet shooting and firing ranges, snooker clubs, youth camps and many others.
How to get there
The 100-Year Royal Military Academy Museum is located at the foot of Khao Cha Ngok, 14 kilometers west of Nakhon Nayok town centre.
Natural Attractions
Nakhon Nayok River
Location: Mueang District
Nakhon Nayok River is a popular for white water rafting. The northern part of Nakhon Nayok province is located in the Dong Phaya Yen mountain
range, an area covered by the Khao Yai National Park, the national park are the source of many canals which are lined with evergreen forests and
orchards. The Canoe rafting trips leave from Wang Ta Krai Canal (next to Wang Ta Krai Bridge) and procee ds along Nang Rong Canal to the
Nakhon Nayok River. There are many exit points along the river bank such as at Ban dong, Kaeng Sam Chan, Wang Kutapha and Wang Yao. The
distance for each section is 2-5 kilometers. The river is quite smooth without rapids, but may have many unexpected (but thrilling) twists and turns.
The canoeing routes as follows
| Wang Takhrai Bridge - Sam Chan Rapids |
: distance - 3 kms. |
| Wang Takhrai Bridge - Wang Kutapha |
: distance - 4 kms. |
| Tha Dan Bridge - Sam Chan Rapids |
: distance - 3 kms. |
| Tha Dan Bridge - Wang Kutapha |
: distance - 4.5 kms. |
| Wang Takhrai Bridge - Wang Yao |
: distance - 6.5 kms. |
| Tha Dan Bridge - Wang Yao |
: distance - 6.5 kms. |
Sai Thong Reservior
Location: Mueang District
Sai Thong Reservoir located within Khao Yai National Park, a small, hilly terrain with natural beauty cover a wide area. But a large surface
water throughout the year. Above the reservoir up to about 2 km is Sai Thong waterfall, a small waterfall but have water all year round.
It is a nice drive out to these reservoirs and there are several interesting temples on the way. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has plans
to develop the area into a water sports center with rowing, sailing and other activities. However, generally there is very little going on here
apart from a little fishing and the odd walker.
How to get there
Taking the road No. 3049 out of Nakhon Nayok town towards Sarika Waterfall. 1km out of town, take a left onto Khao Thurian Road and
follow it for 11 km.
Other Attractions
Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
Location: Mueang District
Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy
Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy was established in 1887 by His Majesty King Chulachomklao. The Academy is a training center for Thai
military cadets, located at the foot of Khao Cha Ngok, 14 kilometers west of Nakhon Nayok town centre. Apart from providing the best educational
services, the compound also offers a wide range of attractions and activities. Attractions open to the public include a museum, a golf course, and
a shooting range. Recently, the Boot Camp Program which allows the public to explore and experience some parts of the military exercises was initiated.
Touring the Academy, which covers an area of some 3,000 rai of land, by car, is the best option. However, bicycles can be rented from the tourist
centre in the Academy's compound.
How to get there
From
Bangkok, take road No. 305 (Rangsit - Ongkarak route), turn right at Jor Por Ror intersection to road No. 3052 to Chulachomklao Royal Military
Academy.
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