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Discover the hidden gems of Nakhon Sawan, Thailand, with our comprehensive travel guide. From the serene beauty of the city's rivers and mountains to the bustling night markets and cultural attractions, we've got you covered. Find out where to stay and how to get here, our transportation guide makes it easy.
Nakhon Sawan, which translates to "Heavenly City," is a wonderful place to visit. It has a relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel at ease. There are not many tourists here so you can enjoy the authentic Thai culture and cuisine but there are also many Western options. You can also see some amazing scenery, visit lovely parks, and drive around scenic roads.
The city is not too big or too small - it has just the right balance of activity and tranquillity - and it's much more laid-back than Bangkok. You can also explore some nearby villages that have a lot of charm and character.
One thing I love about Nakhon Sawan is that it's very walkable, which is rare in Thailand. I like to walk a lot, so I appreciate that I can wander around and discover all the hidden gems of the city but I would stick to the main city pavements because wild dogs can be extremely dangerous. There is also a big park to walkaround.
Nakhon Sawan is lucky to have four rivers: Nan, Ping, Wang, and Yom. The Nan (red) and Ping (blue/green) rivers join together to make the big Chao Phraya River, which is amazing to see with all its different colours. you can use a kayak to get a closer view.
Chao Phraya River eventually runs through Bangkok.
The nice building you can see in the picture is called Phasan, and it's where the Chao Phraya River starts. It's something you have to see twice - once during the day when you can see the river flowing, and once at night when the building is all lit up. You can also go inside and walk around to get a great view. Just remember that it closes at 8 p.m., so it's best to drive there and keep an eye out for stray dogs along the way.
Wat Khiri Wong, a temple on top of a mountain in Nakhon Sawan. You can see some really beautiful views of the area from up there.
You don't have to pay to get into the temple, but it's nice to donate if you can.
Just be ready for a twisty and turny ride up to the top because the road to Wat Khiri Wong has a lot of sharp turns.
Keep an eye out for the big dragon, you can find it at Paradise Park. You can rent a bike and ride around, which is really fun, but it might not be the best idea when it's really hot outside. If the temperature is really high, it might feel more like hell than paradise. You can also go for a nice run here, but make sure to check the heat and pollution levels before you do. Even if it's a bit too hot for you, it's still worth a visit just to see everything and then leave instantly.
In Nakhon Sawan, you can find a Chinese cemetery, which shows how much Chinese culture has influenced the region. There are a lot of Thai people in the area who have Chinese ancestors, and you can see how their traditions are part of the local way of life.
The city is known for its traditional long-tail boats, which you can rent to explore the nearby rivers and canals. It's a great way to see the local scenery and wildlife.
If you're looking for souvenirs or local products, you can visit the Nakhon Sawan Cultural Handicraft Center, which sells handicrafts made by local artisans, such as pottery, silk fabrics, and wood carvings.
If you want to try some really good food, there are a lot of great restaurants in Nakhon Sawan. My wife and I are a bit obsessed with S Cafe and Bistro, which is near Paradise Park. They have lots of delicious Thai and Western dishes, as well as a big selection of drinks, and the prices are pretty reasonable. Plus, the service there is really great, so it's a nice place to go for a special meal.
TRANSPORT
Bus: There are regular buses that run between Nakhon Sawan and Bangkok, as well as other major cities in Thailand. The journey from Bangkok Don Mueang to Nakhon Sawan takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic. You can check the schedules and book tickets with the Asian Public Transportation widget below.
Train: Nakhon Sawan is also accessible by train, with several daily services running from Bangkok and other cities. The train journey takes around 4-5 hours, and you can choose from different classes and seat types this is also available in the widget below.
Minivan: Minivans are a faster and more convenient option if you are travelling from nearby cities such as Phitsanulok or Sukhothai as well as Bangkok. You can find minivan services around the bus station or book them online below. Simply change the Bangkok section in the widget below if you're not coming from Bangkok.
Once you arrive in Nakhon Sawan, you can easily hire a taxi to get to your hotel or other destinations within the city, also many hotels offer pickups from the Train Station.
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Car rental companies in Bangkok: There are many car rental companies located in Bangkok, both international chains and local companies.
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Choosing a car: When choosing a car, consider the size of your group and the amount of luggage you'll have. Make sure the car has air conditioning, as the journey from Bangkok to Nakhon Sawan can be quite hot.
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Driving time and distance: The distance from Bangkok to Nakhon Sawan is approximately 240 km and the driving time is around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
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Road conditions: The roads between Bangkok and Nakhon Sawan are generally in good condition, but there may be areas of heavy traffic or construction and people tend to be diabolical drivers in Thailand.
ACCOMMODATION
The city centre is near Paradise Park: This area is close to shops, restaurants, and some of the city's main attractions.
Riverside: If you want to be close to the river and enjoy scenic views, the riverside area is a good option.
Nakhon Sawan is a relatively small city, so you should be able to get around easily no matter where you stay
TOUR
Ayutthaya
Lop Buri
Nakhon Sawan - Bang Mun Nak
Phitsanulok
Sukhothai
Lampang - Chao Son
Chiang Mai
Driving option: Khao Yai
If you are looking for a memorable and enriching travel experience, you might want to consider customising your own tour to the north of Thailand. This tour will take you on a fascinating journey through the historical and natural wonders of central Thailand, before ending in the lively city of Chiang Mai.
You will begin your tour in Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, where you will marvel at the ancient ruins of temples, palaces, and monasteries that testify to the glory of the past. Then, you will travel to Lop Buri, a city with a unique Khmer-style temple and monkeys that live among the locals.
From Lop Buri, you will head to Nakhon Sawan and visit Bang Mun Nak, a town that preserves the traditional wooden architecture and culture of Thailand. You will enjoy the authentic Thai cuisine and hospitality as you explore this quaint town.
Your next destination is Phitsanulok, the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great, one of the most revered monarchs in Thai history. You will visit Wat Maha That, a temple that houses one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. Then, you will continue to Sukhothai, the first kingdom of Siam, where you will admire the beautiful ruins of the Sukhothai Historical Park.
After Sukhothai, you will visit Lampang, a town known for its exquisite ceramics and rich heritage. You will learn about the history and culture of this region and see how the locals make their pottery.
Your tour will conclude in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand. You will explore the vibrant city and its historic temples, as well as enjoy the nightlife and shopping options.
This tour is a perfect way to experience the diversity and beauty of central and northern Thailand. You will discover the amazing history, culture, and nature of this region and create unforgettable memories.
NEARBY
