The central province of Nakhon Pathom, once deserted due to drought and later revitalized during the reign of King Rama IV, has a great historically religious significance.
Dating back as early as 150 BC and home of the Phra Pathom chedi, the first religious structure marking the introduction of Theravada Buddhism into Thailand, the province is visited by thousands every year. Rebuilt with glazed tiles brought from China, Phra Pathom is the largest chedi in Thailand and one of the largest in the world. The golden bell-shaped dome rises nearly 380 feet and dominates the town’s skyline.