Pathum Thani is a big province that can be divided into two sections. Through one of these runs the Asian Highway, which comes up from Malaysia, passes through Rangsit and continues on to the North. This is the part of Pathum Thani that sees the full impact of Bangkok’s expansion. The number of developments seems to grow every day.
The other part of Pathum Thani stretches along the bank of the Chao Phraya River up to Ayutthaya, and has not seen the same kind of boom. In the past the river was a popular travel and transport route for goods. Communities along the river are traditional sources of local art and handicrafts, and many of the temples have been there for centuries. The plain extending away from the riverbanks is farmland, and there is a railroad track that goes to the North and to the Northeast. Considering all of this, it seems clear that the “old” part of Pathum Thani by the river is the place to go if you want to enjoy life away from the pandemonium in Bangkok. And when lunchtime comes, the choice of restaurants won’t disappoint you.
After the middle of the Ayutthaya period, Mon monks brought some Mon refugees from Kanchanaburi toward the end of the Ayutthaya period. They settled near to Wat Singh and formed a community there. Another old site dating from the early days of the Mon settlement is the remains of a kiln used to fire ceramics, Sam Khok. The drive along the edge of the river goes all the way to Ayutthaya. A road that runs along the bank of a river, passes old communities and old temples. An especially interesting temple, with an appealing surrounding community. On this road is also Wat Saladaeng Nuea. This temple also belongs to the community of Mon refugees who now live all along the bank of the Chao Phraya River up to Ayutthaya.
The village of Saladaeng Nuea is small. Its residents once made their living by selling goods from boats, doing business along the banks of the river down as far as Bangkok. The community itself is extremely clean and orderly. Not a single piece of rubbish can be seen anywhere.
Although Saladaeng Nuea is small and quiet without any luxuries, it is a pleasant place to live. The houses face onto the river, and the pavilions on the bank are cool and comfortable, perfect places to sit and relax. A drive out of the city to pass the day can lead to some remarkable experiences, and a good way to make that happen is to start off in the direction of Pathum Thani.
Pathum Thani offers authentic living, pleasant rural atmosphere, history, great food and even greater prices.