Nakhon Nayok Information guide
Nakhon Nayok is a destination which is often taken for granted by many tourists.
The fact that it is located just 106 kilometers from Bangkok and its attractions
may be visited as a day trip makes it just a stop over spot for travelers. But
this is not always the case. Nakhon Nayok is famous for its refreshing natural
beauty including waterfalls and parks, renowned historical sites, soft adventure
activities, and its variety of fruits.
Nakhon Nayok is one of Thailand's central provinces. Covering some 2,130 square
kilometres, it borders Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima Provinces on the north,
Prachin Buri Province on the east, Chachoengsao Province on the south and Pathum
Thani Province on the west.
The northern part of Nakhon Nayok is located in the Dong Phaya Yen mountain
range an area covered by the Khao Yai National Park. Yod Khao Kiew, its highest
peak, is 1,292 meters above sea level. The central part of the province is on
a contrary, a rather flat river plain formed by the Maenam Nakhon Nayok. The
southern part of the province has relatively unfertile acidic soil.
The provincial seal says a lot about Nakhon Nayok. It is a picture of a circle
indicating the unity of Nakhon Nayok people. An elephant raising an ear of rice
in the circle represents fertile forests with numerous elephants. An ear of
rice refers to farming which is fruitful. The background with a pile of straw,
trees and clouds depicts fertility and the natural beauty of the province.
Nakhon Nayok is a province with a history of over 900 years. It was believed
to have been established in the Dvaravati period as indicated by some remains
found in Ban Dong Lakhon, a village to the south of the town. During the Ayutthaya
period and the reign of King U-Thong, the town which was an eastern garrison
was only a forested but infertile highland called Ban Na (village of the rice
field). Jungle fever, unfruitful and unproductive agriculture forced the settlers
to migrate elsewhere. It was not until the King granted an exemption of paddy
field tax that people began to move in and settle down as a community. It was
then named Muang Nayok which literally means the town that the paddy tax was
lifted.
In 1894, under the royal command of King Rama V, Nakhon Nayok was designated
as part of Prachin Buri province. Eventually, it became a province in its own
right.
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