Ancient House By The River

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Ancient House By The River

A few months ago, we were out doing what we love to do, which is driving around exploring random side roads, to see what we could find.

This time we were on some narrow dusty trails in the wilds of Nakhon Nayok province when we spotted a broken wooden sign partly covered in weeds; “Ban Kong Yee Homestay”.

This seemed a very unlikely place to find a homestay, a few ramshackle houses, a barn or two, and unkempt rice fields. But we followed the sign along a tree lined track until we found the entrance.

At first it felt like it might be abandoned, as there was a large open sided barn as we drove in, filled with what looked like piles of old junk. But looking back we guessed that there must have been some very intriguing items there. Sad to say that we didn’t have the time to take a look.

But it soon became obvious that this was still an active place, with several traditional Thai buildings of varying ages and styles, and a rustic cafe next to the Nakhon Nayok River.

Take a look at our video which vividly shows you the whole place, and there’s a surprise which was fascinating, and a bit creepy too.

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The Kong Yee (ถ๋งยี่) house was opened in 1931 and is at 44 Tambon Thasai, Amphur Muang Nakhonnayok district, and is listed on Google Maps.

It’s very much off the beaten track so you will need your own transport to get there. There’s plenty of parking, a cafe open 09.00 to 18.00, and some pretty gardens next to the Nakhon Nayok River.

The 50 Baht admission into the main house is great value as you could spend a couple of hours or more looking around at the thousands of antique and unusual items collected over the years.


Getting from Bangkok to Nakhon Nayok

27

Wat Don Yo

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Wat Don Yo

Wat Don Yo (pronounced Wat Don Yor) is the community temple and school for the Don Yo village area in Nakhon Nayok province.

Last time we visited, a new Ubosot was under construction and even then it looked amazing.

We went back on 13th April 2026 to make merit with the whole family as part of the traditional annual Songkran celebrations.

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This consisted of donating food to the monks and novices, along with hundreds of other villagers and visitors, taking part in prayers, listening to some sermons, and paying respects to departed relatives.

After that, we went to see the progress in finishing the work on the new Ubosot, which we estimated that the exterior is about 90% complete, but we could not yet see the inside.

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It’s stunning, built in pure white with lovely gold embellishments, and in the 40c temperature of the day the sun made it shimmer. It’s a far grander and more beautiful building than the existing older, but very practical, buildings that have served the community for many long years.

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Wat Don Yo holds a number of festivals during the year which attract big crowds, especially when boat races are held on the adjacent Klong (canal)

Nakhon Nayok has a lot of hidden but interesting fun places to visit, and it’s also right on the edge of Khao Yai National Park.

It’s a popular recreational area for Thais, but the number of foreigners visiting is much lower, which is surprising considering how close it is to Bangkok.

Location:
Wat Don Yo (วัดดอนยอ) is next to Klong Don Yo about 300 meters from Highway 4035 in Don Yo Subdistrict of Nakhon Nayok. On Google maps it’s marked with it’s Thai name.

10

Dong Lakhon Ancient City

Dong Lakhon Ancient City

Step Back in Time: The Enchanted Secrets of Dong Lakhon!

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Tired of the Bangkok crowds and looking for a real-life hidden gem?

Just an hour or so from the big city lies a breathtaking secret: a massive ancient metropolis nestled in the heart of a lush, emerald forest.

Welcome to Dong Lakhon Ancient City – Nakhon Nayok’s best-kept historical secret!

Why You’ll Love It

While famous ruins like Ayutthaya get all the lime-light, Dong Lakhon is actually the “cool older sibling.” This was a powerhouse regional capital of the Dvaravati Empire back in the 6th century—long before many of Thailand’s other famous sites even existed!

What makes it truly special isn’t just the history; it’s the vibe. Forget manicured lawns and ticket lines. This is history in its raw, wild beauty.

It hasn’t been “tidied up” or over-excavated. You get to walk along original laterite paths and discover ancient stone foundations peeking through the forest floor. It’s perfect for a casual hike, cycling, and strolling to see all the nooks and crannies of the hidden slice of Thai history.

Immersive Nature:

Stretching across 2 square kilometers of semi hidden ruins, the site is framed by massive 30-meter-high earth ramparts, ancient moats, and sacred holy ponds. There aren’t any off-limit areas so climb and explore all you like, while respecting the historical significance of Dong Lakhon.

Don’t damage any tree or structure, don’t take anything away except photos, videos, and memories!

Serene Solitude:

It’s incredibly peaceful. Most of the time, it’s just you, the rustle of the canopy, the occasional animal noise, and the cheerful chirping of forest birds. Barely another human in sight.

The Legend of the “Hidden City”:

There’s a reason locals call this a “magical lost city.” Dong Lakhon is whispered to be the site of the mythical Lap Lair – a city hidden by thick forests and inhabited by beautiful women with enchanting voices.

Legend says that local men would see flickering lights and hear alluring songs at night. Those brave enough to enter were said to stay for 100 years, unable to escape being completely enraptured by the city’s magic!

When you feel the light breeze blowing through the trees and see the shadows dancing on the ancient embankments, you’ll understand exactly why those legends started. It’s a place where history and mystery truly breathe together.

Plan Your Escape:

If you’re craving a day trip that feels like a scene from an Indiana Jones movie, Dong Lakhon is waiting for you. Come for the history, stay for the magic, and enjoy having an entire ancient empire all to yourself!

How To Get There:

Dong Lakhon Ancient City in located off Highway 4034 in Nakhon Nayok city district (Amphur Muang) but is a bit remote. You can get directions from Google Maps by typing in “Muang Boran Dong Lakhon Nakhon Nayok”.

There are plenty of regular public buses and vans from Bangkok, and Rangsit in Pathumthani to Nakhon Nayok city, but from there you’d need to hire a Songtaew to get to the site. You could of course hire a car, it’s an easy drive from Bangkok, and there are many other interesting things to see and do in Nakhon Nayok province.