Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom claims the tallest Buddhist monument in the world — Phra Pathom Chedi, a 120-meter golden stupa visible from across the flat plains of central Thailand. The site is believed to be the point where Buddhism first arrived in what is now Thailand, and the surrounding temple grounds are expansive and well-maintained. The nightly food market around the chedi is excellent, known especially for khao lam (sticky rice in bamboo) and khanom jeen.

Beyond the chedi, Nakhon Pathom is a quick escape from Bangkok (under an hour by train). The Sanam Chandra Palace, built by Rama VI, is a beautiful European-style estate in a park setting. Don Wai Floating Market along the Tha Chin River is a weekend food destination — grilled river prawns and roasted duck are the draws. The Thai Human Imagery Museum has eerily lifelike wax figures of Thai historical figures, and the Rose Garden (Sampran Riverside) offers cultural shows and fruit orchards. Nakhon Pathom also houses Silpakorn University's campus and Mahidol University, giving it a student-town energy.