We started our day with a morning drive from Bangkok, heading to the Phutthamonthon district of Nakhon Pathom city, located west of Bangkok and less than an hour from the city center. After parking at Wat Suwannaram temple, we boarded a longtail boat for a peaceful canal tour. This area is part of the Khlong Maha Sawat Cruise, an agrotourism activity that offers a chance to admire the traditional ways of life along the canal.
Our tour took us to a lotus field, an orchid farm, and a local rice and fruit farm, showcasing the diverse agricultural practices in the region. The gardeners here practice a mixed cultivation system, growing fruits such as pomelos and jackfruits alongside rice and other crops. It’s a fascinating way to experience local agriculture while enjoying the canal’s serene atmosphere.
At the lotus field, we switched to a paddleboat, surrounded by rice fields and fruit plantations—a wonderfully relaxing setting. After this, we returned to the longtail boat to visit the Maha Sawat Agriculturists’ Housewives Group, where we saw the production of local processed agricultural goods like iodized salted eggs and jasmine rice crisps. We also visited a small community factory, sampling local treats like dried bananas and rice biscuits before touring an orchid plantation.
This tour is a cruise in longtail boat that departs from Wat Suwannaram in Tambon Salaya, and visitors can take a boat accommodating up to six people. The trip typically lasts 2 to 4 hours, and costs 350 Baht per boat, with an admission fee of 70 Baht per person. The tour operates from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and for more information, you can contact the Phutthamonthon District Office at Tel: 08 1743 5850 or Khun Manun Narasotsai at Tel: 0 3429 7152, 08 1495 9091, 08 9551 4623.
Khlong Maha Sawat
Khlong Maha Sawat is one of the oldest canals in Thailand, originally canalized during the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) as a shortcut for travelers heading to worship Phra Pathom Chedi, the famous temple of Nakhon Pathom. Today, it’s a popular agritourism destination where villagers still maintain a traditional lifestyle, relying on the canal for bathing, drinking, and transportation.
A cruise along the canal by longtail boat reveals beautiful agricultural landscapes and offers visitors the chance to participate in activities like lotus harvesting or visiting fruit orchards, including those that practice mixed cultivation farming.
Lotus Field
Lotus flowers are essential in Buddhist worship, and the temples in the greater Bangkok area depend on local growers for their supply. The lotus pond here covers five acres and features a government-sponsored sala, designed to promote tourism in the area.
About 3,000 lotus flowers are harvested every other day using flat-bottomed aluminum boats, while the leaves are harvested on alternate days to wrap the flowers for market. The stalks are broken by hand, not cut, and gloves are recommended due to their prickly texture.
Orchid Farm
Orchids are known for their beauty but can be challenging to grow. At the orchid farm, visitors can talk to the owner (with the help of a guide if needed) to get expert tips on how to care for and keep orchids blooming. Orchids are also available for purchase, often at lower prices than elsewhere.
The tour ended with a visit to a local rice field, where we learned about the stages of rice production. Afterward, we enjoyed some fresh fruit and relaxed, soaking in the peaceful surroundings of the local homes.
