🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you're after a town where Chinese and Thai life blend together seamlessly, Nakhon Sawan is one of them. Overseas Chinese settled at Paknampho, the point where the Ping and Nan rivers meet to form the headwaters of the Chao Phraya, generations ago, and they left their mark everywhere: shrines, an old market, the food, and the deity processions that are now listed as part of the country's intangible cultural heritage. On this trip we string Thai temples and Chinese shrines into a single route, walked at an easy pace over 2 days with no rush.
The 2-day route at a glance
Day one covers the town and the riverside, focusing on the Chinese shrines and the in-town temples that are easy to walk between. Day two heads up the hills to pray and take in the views, finishing at the source of the Chao Phraya River. Everything sits in and around the Mueang district, just a few minutes' drive or ride between stops, which makes it work whether you've come specifically for this or you're just breaking up a trip heading north.
Chinese shrines, in-town temples & Paknampho market
What to wear
Both temples and shrines are sacred places, so a sleeved top and trousers or a skirt that covers the knees is more respectful and more comfortable. Chinese shrines usually sell incense and offerings out front, so keep some small cash notes on you.
Hilltop temples, city views & the Chao Phraya headwaters
Book the activities in your Nakhon Sawan trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Why it's called the "Chinese town"
Paknampho is where overseas Chinese came ashore and settled along the river long ago, so Chinese culture runs deeper here than the shop signs suggest. The Chao Pho Thepharak-Chao Mae Thapthim shrine is the spiritual heart of the town's Chinese community, and the event that put Nakhon Sawan on the national map is the Paknampho deity procession during Chinese New Year, with its golden dragon, lion, and Eng Gor parades that have run continuously for more than a hundred years.
- The riverside shrine — the Chao Pho Thepharak-Chao Mae Thapthim shrine is the heart of the Chinese quarter, set right across from the old market.
- Paknampho market — an old trading quarter that still sells dried goods, Chinese medicine, and Chinese-style food every day.
- Chinese New Year tradition — the Paknampho deity procession, held every Chinese New Year, is now listed as intangible cultural heritage.
- Original Chinese food — pak mo noodles and Paknampho mochi are the town's signature dishes, rooted in the Chinese community.
Key temples & shrines not to skip
Chao Pho Thepharak-Chao Mae Thapthim shrine
A Chinese shrine on the Chao Phraya River, more than 130 years old and across from Paknampho market. It enshrines Pung Thao Kong, the deity Guan Yu, and Chao Mae Thapthim, and is the main shrine of the town's Chinese community and the starting point of the Chinese New Year deity procession.
Wat Khiri Wong
A temple on Dao Dueng hill with the golden Chulamani Chedi on the summit. Climb up to pray and you get a view over the whole of Nakhon Sawan, taking in Khao Kop, Bueng Boraphet, and the source of the Chao Phraya. Inside are statues of several famous monks.
Wat Woranat Banphot (Khao Kop)
An old temple on Khao Kop hill in the middle of town, with a chedi and a Buddha footprint. Head up to pray for a different view of the town, and nearby there's a cliffside goddess shrine to visit next.
Wat Nakhon Sawan, a royal temple
An old royal temple in the town centre on Kosi Road, with a story that an Ayutthaya-era king once stopped to pay his respects. It's a paired "two siblings" temple and an easy walk on from Paknampho market.
Wat Chom Khiri Nak Phrot
A temple on a rise within the town with an old ordination hall and views over the town, open 06:00-18:00. It's a quieter praying spot, good for an afternoon stop.
If you come during Chinese New Year
Late January to early February is the Paknampho deity procession, when the town gets very lively with golden dragon and lion parades and the whole quarter is decorated. If you're set on coming then, book your accommodation several weeks ahead, because rooms fill fast and prices rise. Confirm the exact dates with the municipality's page or the TAT Nakhon Sawan office before you travel.
Getting around between stops
Most stops are in and around the Mueang district, close together. Driving yourself is the most convenient, since hilltop temples like Khiri Wong and Khao Kop need you to drive up the slope. If you don't have a car, you can call a ride through an app or use a motorbike taxi in town. The shrine and Paknampho market are an easy walk apart, and Pasan is also riverside in the town centre.
Drive yourself
The most flexible option, easy for getting up to the hilltop temples, with enough parking at the temples and shrines.
Ride-hail / motorbike taxi
Good if you're only touring in town. Short distances and not pricey.
Walk
The shrine, Paknampho market and the riverside all link up within comfortable walking distance.
Want a well-located place to stay near the Paknampho quarter?
See the Top 10 Nakhon Sawan hotels →