Pathum Thani is a neighboring province of Bangkok. It is situated on the Chao Phraya basin and contains many canals and orange plantations. Its original name is Mueang Sam Khok, and was founded during the Ayutthaya era. The area was originally a settlement for the Mon people who migrated from Mohtama (in Myanmar) over 350 years ago. In the year 1815 when King Rama II made a royal visit to this area, the inhabitants offered him many lotus flowers, an act that lent itself to the origin of the present name, Pathum Thani or “lotus flower town”. Because of its historical importance, Pathum Thani features a number of important Buddhist temples, and as Pathum Thani is close to Bangkok it is also the location of a number of entertainment venues, including museums and an amusement park.