Visit Phutthamonthon (Nakhon Pathom)

Phutthamonthon is a Buddhist park in Nakhon Pathom province halfway between the capital of the province and Bangkok which is thirty kilometers away. It is best known for its 15.8 meters high Walking Buddha which is reportedly tallest of this kind in the world. The statue is located at the center of a landscaped park of 400 hectares which contains sculptures representing major stages of the Buddha's life : His birth symbolized by seven lotus flowers, his first sermon to His disciples , His enlightenment under the tree Bodhi and His death. The park also contains the temple of marble Canon Pali which houses the founding texts of Theravada Buddhism in Thai carved on 1418 marbre panels. The construction of Phuttha Monthon park began July 29, 1955 for an inauguration on Vaisakh Bucha Day, May 13, 1957. The Walking Buddha statue dates from 1981.
Phutthamonthon often presents itself as the world center of Buddhism, however that is an unofficial name. Note that you may find the name Bhuddha Monthon or Bhuddhamonthon to designate the park but it signs indicate Phutthamonthon. For every Buddhist holiday, there is a ceremony here, the most notable are probably those of Asanha Bucha and Loy Krathong.

Free admission

Phutthamonthon is a temple and when you visit a temple in Thailand there are some rules to know and follow:

• Dress properly (knees and shoulders should be covered)
• Take off your shoes when entering the buildings
• Be quiet
• Don't hug or kiss
• Don't point your feet to Buddha's image
• Don't smoke