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 “Mueang 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.
