Nakron Sawan, or Paknam Pho, is an important city where four streams, the Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan meet to form the Chao Praya River and 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 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.

NAKHON SAWAN's ATTRACTIONS

Wat Chom Khiri Nak Phrot This monastery is located outside of the city just before Dejativong Bridge. It is situated on a low hillock 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 where annual celebrations take place every 12th lunar month. In addition there is a pavillion named Sala "Thevada Sang" said to be built by angels for its seemingly unlimited capacity

Khao Woranat Banphot (Khao Kop) This mountain 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, in addition to pagoda, 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 appear strung out along the horizon.

Utthayan Sawan A large Public park in an area of 314 rai, is located in the central part of the city. With a small island in the middle of the small lake, the park provides all necessary facilities for recreational purposes for the locals as well as for the tourists.

Bung Boraphet Depending on the water lever, it can be a small sized lake, or a large sized swamp, occupying 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 Bung Boraphet may be 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 about half an hour.

To the south of Bung Boraphet,16 kms. along Nakhon Sawan Tha Tako Road, there is Bung Boraphet Widlife Sanctuary or Waterfowls Park. The park is designed for recreation, abundant in wild animals and birds of different kinds.

The Source of Maenam Chao Phraya is a junction of Maenam Ping and Maenam Nan at Tambon Pak Nam Pho. The waters of the Ping flow reddish while those of the Nan flow greenish, as visible from behind a market within the provincial city of Nakhon Sawan, and when met become the source of Chao Phraya, the most important river of Thailand.

Dragon and Lion 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 Chinese 1st lunar month which usually falls around the end of January or early February of every year. This ceremony of Nakhon Sawan is organised 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 Lion, Hainanese style Lion, Engkaw, Lorkoh the clamorous symbol - like and a Taychew musical parade, 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.