Nakhon Nayok Town

Pho Nayok Temple by the river

Thai provinces are named after the capital town of the province. Nakhon Nayok is a small province and Nakhon Nayok town is actually the only major town in the province. The population of the town at the last census was 18,000. Historians believe the city was founded in the 11th century AD in the Dvaravati period.

Nakhon Nayok derives its name from the province's history of having poor soil because of frequent flooding and drought. A long time ago, the government exempted the province from rice paddy field tax because the rice yield in the area was so poor. Nakhon is a Thai word for town. Nayok is derived from 'na' - rice paddy field, and 'yok' - exempt (from tax).

click for a map of Nakhon Nayok TownNakhon Nayok is a typical Thai provincial town. It is a pleasant place but has few points of genuine interest. There is a market, bus stop, hospital, banks and a variety of amenities. There is a range of small shops selling just about anything you need for life in a Thai province. There is a new Tesco Lotus just on the edge of town and a Macro is coming soon.

The main reason to visit Nakhon Nayok town will be for the shopping and amenities. A wander around the fresh food market is a colourful experience. There are a few other points of interest in town. Nakhon Nayok River flows through the center of town. There are a couple of interesting temples by the river.

Pho Nayok Temple: This temple is by the river in the center of town. There is a pagoda crammed full of Buddha images and other religious artifacts.

Bunnak Rakkhitaram Temple: The most revered Buddha image in the town is enshrined at this temple. The Luang Pho Sian Nakhon is believed to date back to the Sukhothai period. The head was discovered during the excavation of a whisky brewery in 1952. In 1968, the rest of the Buddha was recreated and a new shrine was built to house it at Bunnak Rakkhitaram Temple. The temple is on the eastern edge of town.

City Pillar Shrine (San Lak Muang): This is the most revered shrine in Nakhon Nayok town. The city pillar is a 1-meter high wooden column with a carving of a lotus flower at the top. It is enshrined in an elegant four-cornered pavilion.

Nakhon Nayok river gently flows by Chalerm Prakiat ParkChalerm Prakiat Park: This small park by the river is a nice little spot to sit down and relax. On the road are lots of food stalls where you can buy some refreshments to enjoy while you watch the gentle flow of the river.

In the evenings, there are a couple of live music bars and a single disco. The live music bars are playing Thai country music. They are nice to relax, enjoy the music and get a drink and something to eat.

ACCOMMODATION

Juntra Resort - Nakhon Nayok TownJuntra Resort (3 star) -- This resort is just 1km out of town. It is an easy couple of minutes drive into the town centre. The hotel has spacious and comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms and televisions. The hotel has complimentary wi-fi, bar, restaurant, garden and private karaoke rooms if you fancy a sing song.

The hotel is on route 305.