Nakhon Sawan Tourist Attractions
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Nakhon Sawan, once called Paknam Po, is located 240 km (149 mi.) north of Bangkok on the confluence of the Menam Ping and the Menam Nan with the large Menam Chao Phraya, which irrigates the central plain and flows into the Gulf of Thailand. Always a flourishing town, Nakhon Sawan has been particularly concerned since 1989 with a ban on the felling of tropical trees, as the town was the terminus for the enormous rafts carrying wood from the north. However, the timber trade still plays a role in the town's life. Fields of jute, maize and peanuts characterize the scenery around Nakhon Sawan. The impressive Khao Pathawi mountain chain towers upwards in the west of the town.By car: from Bangkok highways 1/32/1 (about 240 km (149 mi.)).By rail: on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai line.By bus: from Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal.
Wat Chomkiri Nagaproth
Today little can be seen of the old town of Nakhon Sawan. The wat on the nearby mountain on the opposite bank of the Menam Chao Phraya dates from the Sukhothai period. It contains a footprint of Buddha, which enjoys special adoration. Of greater importance is the Wat Chomkiri Nagaproth situated on a hill on the other side of the Menam Chao Phraya in the south of the town. The bot, surrounded by a double row of semas, was also built in the Sukhothai period. Inside is a beautiful statue of a seated Buddha in the Ayutthaya style, the throne borne by demons. Another statue of Buddha and a footprint can be found behind this statue. Within the wiharn are Buddha figures in the Ayutthaya style surrounding a main seated Buddha. A large, finely-chased bronze bell, cast around 1870, hangs in the courtyard between stone pillars.
Boeng Boraphet Lake
Nature lovers should not miss Boeng Boraphet Lake to the east of the town. One of Thailand's largest lakes, it reaches its "true" size towards the end of the rainy season, measuring a considerable 20 km (13 mi.) in length. The lake is rich in fish and the home of many species of waterfowl. The area was declared a nature reserve years ago.
Phayuha Khiri, Thailand
Phayuha Khiri, a village inhabited by numerous ivory carvers, lies 6 km (4 mi.) south of Nakhon Sawan. The production of valuable art objects can be witnessed here. Today, however, artificial materials are used as African elephants are protected by the Washington protection of species agreement.
Mosque
A mosque, built with donations from Pakistan, stands near the town center. Visits are permitted when prayers are not in progress. The numerous markets held in the vicinity of the mosque are worth visiting.
