Nakhon Pathom, Province with Buddhist heritage near Bangkok, Thailand.
Nakhon Pathom is an administrative region in central Thailand, west of the capital. The landscape is crossed by the Tha Chin River, which flows through rice paddies and fruit orchards before turning south toward the gulf.
The region once served as a port for traders traveling between China and India until the coastline receded. Later rulers expanded religious sites and turned the area into a center for Theravada Buddhism in Southeast Asia.
The name comes from a Pali phrase meaning first city, reflecting its ancient importance in early Thai civilization. Many residents still observe Buddhist holy days by visiting temples to make offerings and join in chanting ceremonies with monks.
The region is reached via multilane highways that link Bangkok with western parts of the country. Trains run regularly from the capital's main station and stop at several points inside the area.
The central district holds a religious structure made of orange tiles that draws Buddhist pilgrims from across Asia. The surrounding park provides shade under old trees planted around the compound to shelter visitors from midday heat.
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