Phanat Nikhom: History, Tradition and Nature

Phanat Nikhom brings together a history of prehistoric and ancient settlements, an annual Songkran tradition, bamboo weaving and a distinctive wildlife-watching opportunity. This means there is no single theme to focus on when planning your trip: you can explore historic sites, traditions and nature separately, and prioritize the interests that shape your journey. The following places show how varied these facets are across Phanat Nikhom District.

Settlement History Across Two Periods

Ban Khok Phanom Di in the Tha Kham subdistrict is a prehistoric ancient settlement. Mueang Phra Rot in the Na Phra That subdistrict is classified as an ancient urban settlement. Archaeological finds suggest that Mueang Phra Rot originated during the Dvaravati period—approximately Buddhist centuries 12 to 16—and continued into the Lopburi period, approximately Buddhist centuries 17 to 18.

The two sites therefore represent different historical perspectives: Ban Khok Phanom Di represents prehistoric settlement, while Mueang Phra Rot has a history that can be placed within the Dvaravati and Lopburi periods. If you are particularly interested in early history, you can explore two different time frames rather than grouping both sites simply under the term “ancient.”

Waterways and Worked Stone

Several waterways are part of the landscape of Mueang Phra Rot. Khlong Sa Klang, Khlong Luang and Khlong Phan Thong run through or into the ancient city area. These waterways are therefore part of the description of the city area itself.

Sa Siliam presents a different archaeological landscape. There is a square pond excavated in laterite. Its stone surfaces were cut vertically downward and smoothed; Sa Siliam is in Phanat Nikhom District. Compared with the waterways near Mueang Phra Rot, the focus here is a single geometrically defined pond, while there it is the broader context of an ancient urban area with several waterways.

Songkran Tradition and Bamboo Weaving

Every year on April 19, during the Songkran festival, a procession takes place through the village at Wat Hua Thanon. It carries a Buddha image carved from Taeo or Tew wood. The temple is in the Hua Thanon subdistrict of Phanat Nikhom District. The annual date gives this tradition a clear connection to the festival calendar and distinguishes it from the historic settlement sites, whose history spans earlier periods.

The Traditional Bamboo Handicraft Center in Phanat Nikhom District preserves bamboo weaving techniques. This folk art has been passed down through generations; its preservation was supported in 1978 through a project by the SUPPORT Foundation of Queen Sirikit. The center thus brings together a craft tradition passed down through generations and a preservation project with a specific date.

Flying Foxes and Cultural Institutions

Wat Luang Phrommawat offers an opportunity to observe nature: visitors can see large groups of flying foxes that have roosted in trees within the temple grounds for more than 100 years. The temple is in the Wat Luang subdistrict of Phanat Nikhom District, on Route 315; it is approximately 700 metres from the road entrance to the temple. If you plan to visit, check local road conditions; the distance is an approximate guide from the entrance.

The cultural landscape also includes the Wat Kaew Noi Community Museum and the Local Water Heritage Museum. Both were developed as part of a project to create sustainable cultural tourism destinations. Their creation through this joint project offers a distinct perspective alongside the archaeological sites, the Songkran tradition and the weaving craft passed down through generations.

Discover more destinations: Chon Buri District, Nong Yai District, Bang Lamung, Phan Thong District, Ban Bueng District.

For the broader travel overview: Chonburi.