Nakhonsawan

Nakhon Sawan, or Paknam Pho, is an important city where four streams, the Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan meet to form the Chao Praya River. It is the Gateway to the Northern Region. Nakhon Sawan has many scenic attractions and is noted for its large marsh area "Bung Boraphet" which abounds with "Sua" fish, a special delicacy of the Thai people. Covering an area of 9,597.7 square kilometers, Nakhon Sawan is located 240 kms. from Bangkok and is administratively divided into 12 Amphoes and 1 King Amphoe: Muang, Nong Bua, Chumsaeng, Banphot Phisai, Latyao, Phayuha Khiri, Krok Phra, Tha Tako, Takhil, Phaisali,Takfa, Kao Lieo and King Amphoe Mae Wong. What to see and what to do in Nakhon Sawan? Wat Chom Khiri Nak Phrot is a monastery located outside of the city just before Dejativong Bridge. It is situated on a low hilltop on the left of Phahonyothin Road. From the heights, one can view the scenic Chao Phraya River, as well as, Dejativong Bridge, the first bridge to span the Chao Phraya River and another newly built bridge. This monastery houses the Buddha's footprints and has an annual celebration which takes place every 12th lunar month. In addition there is a pavilion named Sala "Thevada Sang" said to be built by angels due to its seemingly unlimited capacity. Khao Woranat Banphot (Khao Kop) This mountain monastery is located behind Paknam Pho City, with a wide courtyard and beautiful flower gardens. It is a popular afternoon rest spot for the city folks. Legend has it that the mountain-top monastery was built in the Reign of King Lithai of Sukhothai over 700 years ago. There is a pagoda and a Vihara housing the Buddha Footprints. From the mountain-top, one can view the beautiful scenery of Paknam Pho City, Bung Boraphet - swamp in the Northeast and a large jungle in the west, where mountain ranges are strung along the horizon. Utthayan Sawan is a large Public park, with an area of 314 rai, located in the central part of the city. With a small island in the middle of the small lake, the park provides all necessary recreational facilities for locals, as well as, tourists. Bung Boraphet Depending on the water level, Bung Boraphet can be a small sized lake or a large sized swamp, with a vast area of approximately 140,000 rai. It is the largest aquaculture source of fresh water fish in Thailand. There is a museum and aquarium with many species of fresh water fish. Travel to Bungoraphet maybe arranged by car, a trip of about 9 kms. on Nakhon Sawan - Chum Saeng Road, while a boat from the landing behind the City Market takes bout half an hour. To the south of Bung Boraphet, 16 kms. along Nakhon Sawan -Tha TakoRoad, is Bung Boraphet Wildlife Sanctuary(or Waterfowls Park). The park is designed for recreation with abundant wild animals and birds of different kinds. Dragon and Lan Procession Each Chinese New Year, thousands of Thai and Chinese people from several provinces flock into Nakhon Sawan to celebrate and view the procession, an annual event since 1914. The procession falls on the 4th waxing day of the 1st Chinese lunar month which usually is around the end of January or early February. This ceremony in Nakhon Sawan is organized in a more grandiose manner than those of other provinces in the country. The colorful and noisy procession includes, among other things, traditional Cantonese Singhtoh (i.e, Lions), Dwarf Lions, Hainanese style Lions, Engkaw, Lorkoh the clamorous symbol - like and a Taychew musical parade. They are followed by a long file of hundreds of beautiful young maidens. During the festival, however, all hotels of Nakhon Sawan are fully-booked and the revellers celebrate day and night, as they do at Chiang Mai's Songkran Festival. http://travel.thainn.com/thailand/