Nakhon Pathom Attractions and Hotels, Thailand. By Sawadee.com

Thailand destinations: Bangkok, all Provinces, Isan (North-east), ...

[ The Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo ]
at Km 31 on the Phetkasem Highway linking Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom incorporates a crocodile farm and orchid nursery, and presents daily elephant theme shows and crocodile wrestling shows. The elephant show is one of the finest of its kind in anywhere in Thailand. The spectacle ends with the dramatic re-enactment of medieval when between Siamese and Burmese troops, replete with war elephants, thunderous cannons and other special effects. The Sampharn Elephant Ground & Zoo is open daily, including public holidays, and offers a refreshing interlude to any tour program to the west coast originating in Bangkok.

□ Show Times & Admission Fees
There are three daily crocodile wrestling shows at 12.45 P.M. labd 4.20 P.M. There are two special shows at 1.45 P.M. and 3.30 P.M. respectively. Extra shows are arranged on Sundays and public holidays. Aboard at the ticket booth displays show times, which may be subject to change without notice.
Admission fee is 250 Baht per person inclusive of the crocodile wrestling special and elephant theme shows.

□ How To Get There
By far the most convenient way of visiting the Sampharn Elephant Ground & Zoo is as part of any one of several package tours originating in Bangkok. Such tours often proceed afterwards to the nearby Rose Garden for the Thai Village cultural show. Independent visitors can visit the Sampharn Elephant Ground by taking air-conditioned buses from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal on routes serving Nakhon Pathom, and beyond. The single fare is 16 Baht per person

[ The Rose Garden Country Resort & Thai Cultural Village ]
Some two kilometers further down the road, the Rose Garden Country Resort & Thai Cultural Village enjoy a carefully landscaped setting amid some 60 acres of riverine parkland. The Thai Cultural Village offers an introduction to popular Thai culture in a handicraft village, where visitors can also enjoy elephant rides. Demonstrations are staged of various activities, including silk-weaving, pottery making, fruit carving and garland making. Over 150 participants re-enact a cross-section of dances, rituals, ceremonies and sports, such as the Buddhist ordination procession, the northern fingernail dance, the traditional Thai wedding ceremony and martial arts including sword-fighting and Thai boxing in a 60 minutes show accompanied by comprehensive English-language narration. The Rose Garden has a riverside resort hotel, a swimming pool and tennis courts and leisure opportunities including boating and jogging. Golfers may play on the nearby par-72, 18-hole Rose Garden Championship Golf Course which has been selected by the Golf Monthly magazine as 'one of the world's top 25 holiday golf courses.

□ How To Get There
The Rose Garden (Bangkok office: Tel: 295-3261-4) is most conveniently visited as part of one of several package tours originating in Bangkok. Independent visitors can take air-conditioned coaches from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Tel: 434-5558) on the Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom route. Buses depart every 20 minutes. The single fare is 16 Baht
□ Show times & Admission fees
There is one Thai Village cultural show daily at 2.45 p.m. Admission is 250 Baht.

[ Wat Rai Khing ]
Located in Tambon Sam Pran, 32 kms from Bangkok, it was built in 1791. A Buddha statue, Mara Wichai posture, which is generally known as "Luang Por Wat Rai Khing".

[ Phutta Monthon (Buddhist Mandala) ]
Some 20 kilometers from Bangkok via the Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisri route. Phuttha Monthon is an enclave covering over 1,000 acres and commemorates the first 2,500 years of Buddhism. The carefully landscaped complex contains research and meditation facilities, and replicas of places important to the Buddha's life including his place of birth, the site where he gained enlightenment, and the venue of his first sermon. The focal point is a massive 40 meters black walking Buddha image which is considered to be the tallest in the world. Phuttha Monthon is a comfortable 30-minute drive from Bangkok, and is located on route 3310 (also known as Phuttha Monthon Road No. IV), between Highways no.4 and 338. The park is open daily from 5.00 A.M. until 7.00 P.M., later on public holidays when evening religious ceremonies occur. Admission is free