Long before you see the river, the journey begins with a giant. Rising more than 120 metres above the town of Nakhon Pathom, Phra Pathom Chedi is the tallest stupa in Thailand. Its golden-brown tiles glow in the morning light – a fitting first stop on the way from Bangkok to the River Kwai.
History
Nakhon Pathom is regarded as one of the places where Buddhism first took root in what is now Thailand, and archaeological finds at the site reach back to around the 4th century. In 1831 the future King Mongkut (Rama IV), then still a monk, found the ancient monument in ruins. As king he had it encased in a new, far larger stupa in Sri Lankan style. It was completed in 1870 under his son, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who had it covered with glazed tiles from China.
What you will experience
A wide cloister with four viharns – one at each point of the compass – surrounds the stupa. In the western viharn rests a reclining Buddha almost eight metres long; the northern viharn, with its grand staircases, forms today’s main entrance. Shady terraces with sacred trees from the life of the Buddha invite you to stroll, while local worshippers light incense and offer lotus flowers.
Good to know
- Please wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering the viharns.
- The visit is a short stop on the transfer from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi; your guide leads you through the compound.
On these cruises
You visit Phra Pathom Chedi on the following RV River Kwai cruises:
- 7D/6N River Kwai Heritage Cruise – Day 1 (Monday)
- 4D/3N River Kwai Cruise (upstream) – Day 1 (Monday)
- 4D/3N River Kwai Cruise (downstream) – Day 1 (Thursday)
Compare all River Kwai cruises
