The province of Nakhonn Nayok is located just over 50 km. from Bangkok, so a little day trip there is not a massive undertaking. The place is home to a few interesting religious attractions that make for a worthwhile (and peaceful) little excursion for a family interested in getting out of over-crowded, over-polluted Bangkok.
The massive Phra Pathom Chedi is the tallest Buddhist monument in the world (127 m) and one of the most sacred religious places in all of Thailand. To me, it was reminiscent of Bangkok's own Golden Mount (see previous entry from last summer).
The chedi was originally constructed in the 6th Century, but time took its toll on that original monument. Kings Rama IV and Rama V oversaw its reconstruction, and today it stands proudly and is covered in glazed orange tiles imported from China.
Near the base of the spire is this Buddha image that peers out from behind a window. I have no idea what its significance is, but it seemed kind of important.
Like every other wat I have visited, the temple complex is home to some impressive statuary, including a golden reclining Buddha...
And some traditional warrior and guard images.
The complex itself isn't too large, so a trip here can be short and sweet if you wish. On the other hand, the Chedi is so massive, you can still see it in the rearview mirror long after you've departed Phra Pathom.
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