“A historic railway hub linking rail and water transport at Pak Nam Pho, featuring a distinctive station building and the nostalgic atmosphere of an old railway district.”
Pak Nam Pho Railway Station was established in 1899 (B.E. 2442) during the reign of King Rama V, originally constructed as a two-story wooden building with a gabled roof. In the past, it served as the provincial railway station of Nakhon Sawan and was one of the most important transportation centers in the lower northern region of Thailand.
Its strategic location near the confluence of the Ping and Nan Rivers, forming the Chao Phraya River, allowed the station to function as a key transfer point between railway transport and water routes. Goods such as rice and teak logs were transported by boat along the rivers and then transferred to trains for delivery to Bangkok. Historical photographs clearly show numerous houseboats and cargo rafts docked along the Kwae Yai River near the station, reflecting its role as a vital commercial gateway.
Architecturally, the station once stood out for its traditional wooden structure, symbolizing the early era of Thai railway development. Today, the original building has been replaced by a single-story concrete-and-wood structure with a hipped roof, following the standard design of the State Railway of Thailand. While the importance of river transportation has declined over time, the station has retained its status as a first-class railway station.
Located 250.56 kilometers from Bangkok Railway Station, Pak Nam Pho Railway Station remains a significant stop on the Northern Line. It continues to play an important role in freight transportation, featuring a locomotive depot, maintenance division, and a branch line to Kamnan Song Rice Pier, which historically supported large-scale rice transportation to the northern region.
How to Get There
Private Car:
- The station is located on the eastern bank of the Nan River, opposite the main Pak Nam Pho market area. Visitors can cross the Phitsanulok Bridge (Nan River Bridge) and drive directly into the railway station zone. Parking is available and convenient.
Public Transport:
- Local songthaew (shared pickup trucks) operate city routes connecting the Pak Nam Pho market area with the railway station.
Travel Tips
- Activities: Ideal for travelers who enjoy street photography or retro-style photography, with old railcars, tracks, and classic station scenery.
- Food: Traditional breakfast shops and local coffee stalls can be found near the station, offering authentic local flavors.
- Traveler Review: A station filled with old-world charm and a peaceful atmosphere. Quieter than the main Nakhon Sawan station and perfect for those who truly appreciate classic Thai railway culture.
Admission Fee:
- Free admission (excluding train fares if traveling by train)
Opening Hours:
- Open according to train schedules (24 hours a day)