Nakhon Sawan Province

Nakhon Sawan, whose name translates beautifully as 'Heavenly City', occupies a unique and historically significant position in Thailand as the birthplace of the mighty Chao Phraya River - the lifeblood of the Thai nation. Located about 240 kilometres north of Bangkok at the confluence of the Ping and Nan rivers in an area called Pak Nam Pho, the city sits at the gateway between Thailand's central plains and the northern highlands, making it a vital trading and transportation hub for centuries. Travellers can actually witness the two rivers merging - the reddish waters of the Ping meeting the greenish Nan - to form the Chao Phraya, a sight unique to this city.

Nakhon Sawan also holds a proud place in Thai history as the birthplace of King Taksin the Great (1734-1782), the revered monarch who reunified Thailand after the fall of Ayutthaya. Today, it is celebrated for Bueng Boraphet - Thailand's largest natural freshwater lake and wetland, a vast sanctuary for birds and freshwater fish - as well as a vibrant Chinese New Year festival ranked among the most spectacular in Thailand. With its photogenic hilltop temples, riverside markets, and authentic provincial atmosphere, Nakhon Sawan is a rewarding off-the-beaten-track destination for travellers exploring central Thailand.