Nakhon Pathom: Where Thailand's Sacred Past Meets Easy Adventure
Join me and my good friend Khun Nat as we explore the vibrant province of Nakhon Phathom in this exciting vblog! 🚗🌾 From a scenic drive south of Bangkok to uncovering cultural landmarks and hidden gems, this day trip is packed with fun, food, and unforgettable experiences!
About Nakhon Pathom
Nakhon Pathom, one of Thailand’s oldest provinces, is a living museum of the nation’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Home to the towering Phra Pathom Chedi—the world’s tallest Buddhist stupa—this province was the gateway for Buddhism’s arrival in Thailand over 2,000 years ago. Just an hour from Bangkok, its palm-shaded ruins, vibrant markets, and sacred sites whisper tales of ancient Dvaravati kingdoms, making it the perfect day trip for history lovers. From royal pilgrimage routes to its role as a monastic hub, Nakhon Pathom remains a quiet but profound keeper of Thai identity.
#1. Stop : After the Rain Cafe
After white-knuckling through Bangkok’s "organized chaos" (aka traffic), our first stop was the perfectly named After the Rain Café—and guess what? The rain actually stopped when we arrived! 🌈 I planned this as our #1 destination because this place isn’t just a café… it’s a TikTok-famous time machine to old-school Thailand!
The café dug out its own mini-canal system with paddle boats, surrounded by swaying padi fields that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a 19th-century Thai village painting. *No filter needed*—this place is that photogenic!
Pro Tips (Save These!):
🍽️ Breakfast Warning: Full meals only start at 10:30am (we arrived early and survived on drinks and snacks).
💸 Minimum Spend: Yes, there’s one—come hungry and ready to order!
🚤 Boat Rule: FREE paddle boats… *but only after you eat* (smart move to stop joyriders!).
Let’s just say our paddle boat skills were… hilariously bad. Picture three adults spinning in circles while ducks judge us. 🦆😂 But gliding through those canals was pure serenity—until the crowds rolled in. Pro move: Come at the opening to enjoy the misty morning calm before the selfie squads arrive!
Verdict Worth the hype? 100%. Just pack your patience (and maybe a paddle lesson). Who’s ready to ditch Bangkok for a day? 👇
Detour: Ai Tim ! Thai Ice Cream Sandwich (in a Bun) ไอติมขนมปัง
🍦💛 The Thais don’t just eat ice cream (“Ai Tim" in their adorable slang)—they worship it, and my first spoonful of durian ice cream with a street vendor hit me like a sweet, creamy thunderbolt! Compared to Malaysia’s subtler versions, Thailand’s take was unapologetically decadent—richer, sweeter, and packed with that funky durian punch that makes you go "Whoa… should I take a second bite? (Spoiler: I finished the whole cup. No regrets.) But the real showstopper? The sinful" sandwich ice cream—a buttery, grilled bread stuffed with three giant scoops and rivers of condensed milk. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your dentist weep, but every sticky, cold, caramelized bite was pure joy. 😂🍞❄️
Stop #2 Phra Pathom Chedi องค์พระปฐมเจดีย์
Towering over Nakhon Pathom with golden grace, Phra Pathom Chedi (องค์พระปฐมเจดีย์) isn’t just a monument—it’s the spiritual soul of Thailand. As the world’s tallest Buddhist stupa (120 meters!) and one of only six "Class A" heritage sites in the country, this sacred landmark holds layers of history: originally built in the 6th century by the Dvaravati kingdom, later rebuilt by King Mongkut (Rama IV) as a symbol of Buddhism’s first flowering in Thailand. For Thai people, it’s a living pilgrimage site—where whispers of ancient Mon monks blend with the chants of modern devotees circling its gleaming base. The chedi’s very name ("Pathom" meaning "first") honors its status as the birthplace of Thai Buddhism, while its hybrid architecture (part Indian stupa, part Thai elegance) tells a 1,500-year story of faith and cultural fusion. To stand before it is to feel the weight of kingdoms, kings, and countless prayers that shaped a nation.
Fun fact: Hidden within its walls? A tiny original Dvaravati-era stupa, preserved like a Russian nesting doll of history! 🏯✨
Detour: Lotus Five Star Gai Tod ไก่ทอด
We meant to be responsible adults. Our mission: grab dog food for a sanctuary visit. But then—plot twist—Lotus’s Nakhon Pathom branch hit us with the irresistible aroma of Five Star Gai Tod (ไก่ทอด), Thailand’s legendary fried chicken on a stick. Suddenly, philanthropy took a tasty pause.
Famous for their golden, juicy chicken balls skewered like edible jewels, this street food icon had us at first bite. Crispy outside, explosively moist inside—each bite was a "why did I only buy one stick?!" regret in real time. We devoured them leaning against the shopping carts, sauce dripping, all dignity abandoned. (Sorry, dogs—dinner’s delayed!)
Stop #3. Dog Island: A Sanctuary of Hope Amidst Heartbreak
Our third stop brought us to Dog Island, a unique refuge nestled within the peaceful grounds of a Buddhist monastery garden. This sprawling sanctuary is home to over 500 abandoned dogs —each with their own story of neglect, now finding safety in this unlikely oasis.
What amazed me most? The entire operation runs largely through the dedication of a single elderly caretaker, who has spent the past 20 years preparing food, bathing the dogs, and holding this fragile ecosystem together. It’s both inspiring and heartbreaking to witness his quiet devotion.
Thankfully, compassion extends beyond just one man. Local charities and even Taling Chan Hospital step in to provide vaccinations, while others help cover essentials like water and electricity. It’s moving to see the community rally for these voiceless souls—yet deeply troubling that so many owners still see this sacred space as a dumping ground for pets they no longer want.
Hope shines here, but the problem runs deep. If you visit, consider bringing supplies or donating—every small act helps. And if you’re thinking of getting a pet, remember: adoption is forever.
Stop #4. Wat Sam Phran: Thailand’s Mythical Dragon Temple
Tucked away in Nakhon Pathom, Wat Sam Phran (วัดสามพราน) is one of Thailand’s most surreal and awe-inspiring temples—a 17-story pink tower dramatically coiled by a giant emerald dragon, its scales glinting in the sunlight. This isn’t just art; it’s a symbol of spiritual ascent, with the dragon’s body forming a stairway to enlightenment (though today, an elevator whisks you up for a small fee!). At the 17th-floor viewpoint, you’re rewarded with sweeping vistas of emerald rice fields and distant Bangkok skyscrapers—a breathtaking contrast. Local lore says touching the dragon’s scales brings good luck, and after climbing (or riding) past its fierce head, you’ll believe it. Built in 1985, the temple blends modern ambition with ancient symbolism, its pink walls representing mercy in Buddhism. Equal parts whimsical and profound, Wat Sam Phran is a must-see for adventurers and seekers alike—just don’t forget to glance inside the dragon’s mouth for a surprise! 🐉💖
#Stop 5: A Must-Try Culinary Detour: Somneuk Grilled Chicken (สมนึกไก่ย่าง) in Nakhon Pathom!
No trip to Nakhon Pathom is complete without a pitstop at Somneuk Grilled Chicken —a humble roadside gem that serves up some of the most flavorful grilled chicken and som tam in Thailand! The moment we stepped in, the smoky aroma of charcoal-grilled chicken had us hooked. Their signature ไก่ย่าง (grilled chicken) is marinated to perfection—juicy on the inside with crispy, caramelized skin, best paired with their fiery som tam (green papaya salad) that packs just the right punch of tangy, sweet, and spicy. Every bite was a burst of authentic Isaan flavors, and the prices? Unbeatable. Whether you’re road-tripping or just craving a no-frills, super satisfying meal, this place is 100% worth pulling over for. Pro tip: Order extra sticky rice—you’ll want to soak up every last bit of flavor! 🍗🔥
End Trip : The Perfect Finale: Nuek Cafe (นึก คาเฟ่) – A Hidden Oasis Behind the Legendary Grilled Chicken!**
After devouring Somneuk’s iconic grilled chicken, we stumbled upon its charming sibling—Nuek Cafe, tucked just behind the restaurant like a delicious secret. Owned by the same family, this breezy coffee haven is the ideal spot to unwind, with strong, aromatic Thai coffee and a relaxed garden view that makes time slow down.
