Klongs, or known in English as canals, are an essential part of Thai way-of-life. In Nakhon Pathom province, one canal was built under the instruction of King Rama 4 for the purpose of travelling to one of the province’s temples once each year. The 150 year old canal is connected to the Chao Phraya River and the Tha Jeen River, which stretches for 28 kilometers. Its name is Klong Mahasawat.  

Along Klong Mahasawat are several attractions that you can visit. Simply rent a boat, and you’ll be taken on a cruise along the canal to the attractions. Your first stop is a visit to an orchid farm. The orchid farm, owned by Mr. Choup, has quite a collection. If you’ve never been to an orchid farm, here is your chance to view the magnificent colors and shapes of orchids. The farm not only grows orchids, but sells them as well. Mr. Choups orchids are also exported to Japan. He says that unlike Thais, the Japanese prefer light colored orchids. 

Second stop on the klong is at Nabua plant farm. Unlike orchids, the plants grown here are aquatic plants. The English translation for Nabua is ‘lotus farm’. This is no understatement because the lotuses grown cover up the entire surface of canal. It is an impressive sight to see. The best time to view the lotus farm is mid-afternoon when almost all the lotuses are in bloom. Nabua also has lotuses for sale at the farm if you would like to take a few back home.

The third attraction along the canal is to a snack shop that specializes in making crispy rice cakes. The rice cakes made here are part of the OTOP (One Tambon One Product) program initiated to promote local products across the country. Here, you are allowed to try making your own rice cakes as well with two toppings to choose from; sesame seeds or shredded pork. Also available here are banana chips and a mango sheets for you to try and buy.

The final destination on the canal cruise is to Mr. Boonlert’s Orchard. The fruits on the orchard are organically grown and free from pesticides and other chemicals. To visit the orchard, Mr. Boonlert will take you for a joy ride in his tractor/truck; it’s quite a thrill. You’ll be surprised by how fast his tractor can go, and his maneuverability skills.

The quiet cruise on Klong Mahasawat is a popular activity in the area as you’ll get to see fruits, flora, and a bit of food along the way. You’ll learn more about plant life, you’ll get to try out Thai snacks, and you’ll get a joyride on a tractor. If you have an afternoon to spare, make your way to this canal in Nakhon Pathom province.

Address : Klong Mahasawat, Mahasawat Sub-district, Phuttamonthon District, Nakhon Pathom

GPS : 13.806650, 100.284800

Contact no. : For Cruise 081-495-9091 (Mr. Manoon)

Opening Hours : 08.00 – 16.00

Entrance Fee : 350 Baht for renting a boat, 70 Baht per person to participate in activities.

Best Time : Anytime

Highlight : Visit 4 attractions during the cruise.

Activities : Sight-seeing/ Eating/ Shopping

Drive on Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisri road then take Phuttamonthon Sai 4 road. Continue to Mahidol University Salaya Campus then turn left into Thammasop Road. Keep driving past Route 4006 for 5 kilometers then turn right into Soi Sup Somboon. This soi is the same as the entrance to Wat Suwannaram. The office is the first wooden house near the canal.