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City of Delight
About twenty kilometres from Bangkok on the Chao Phraya, Nonthaburi is Central Thailand’s orchard neighbour — canal villages, riverside temples, and the quiet island rhythm of Koh Kret just beyond the capital’s edge.
01
Geography & Climate
Nonthaburi sits in Central Thailand on the Chao Phraya — one of five Bangkok metropolitan provinces, with Samut Prakan, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Pathum Thani. It covers about 622 square kilometres, the second-smallest province in the central region after Samut Songkhram, and lies only about twenty kilometres from the capital.
The river splits the land into east and west banks. Six districts share the plain: Mueang Nonthaburi, Pak Kret, Bang Bua Thong, Bang Yai, Bang Kruai, and Sai Noi. Most ground is low floodplain — once famous Ayutthaya-era fruit orchards, rice fields, and canal gardens. Today the east bank, pressed against Bangkok, has grown into dense housing and industry, while canal pockets and riverside orchards still hold the older green character that made Nonthaburi a City of Delight.
The climate is tropical monsoon. Cooler, drier air settles from about November to February; March to May is the hot stretch; southwest rains green the orchards and raise the river from roughly May through October.
Best time: November – February for cool, clear days along the Chao Phraya and on Koh Kret; May – October for lush canal green and quieter riverside travel — pack for afternoon showers.
02
History & Heritage
Nonthaburi is more than four centuries old. It began as Ban Talat Khwan — a crowded riverside settlement on the Chao Phraya whose orchards were already famous under Ayutthaya. In 1549 (B.E. 2092), King Maha Chakkraphat raised the village to a full town named Nonthaburi. The first seat stood in what is now Bang Kraso: Wat Hua Mueang marked the northern edge (today a ruined precinct used for Phraya Nangklao Hospital), and Wat Thai Mueang marked the south.
In 1636 (B.E. 2179), King Prasat Thong ordered a shortcut canal dug south of Wat Thai Mueang through to the front of Wat Khema. The Chao Phraya had long looped west through Mae Nam Om, past Bang Yai and the Bang Kruai canal by Wat Chalo, before rejoining near Wat Khema. Once the new cut took the current, it became today’s main Chao Phraya; the old bend silted into the Om Canal. Under King Narai in 1665 (B.E. 2208), that shift was judged a defence risk — enemies could approach the capital more easily — so a fort rose at the mouth of Mae Nam Om and the town moved there. Nonthaburi stayed at that Om mouth through the early Rattanakosin age.
In the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III), the fort and parts of the town were dismantled; brick and stone went to build Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, and river scour took more of the old walls. What remains of that fortified seat is chiefly the City Pillar Shrine. The modern province was proclaimed on 9 May 1946 (B.E. 2489) — still a Chao Phraya neighbour of Bangkok, still carrying the orchard name of Ban Talat Khwan into a metropolitan present.
03
Top Attractions
Koh Kret pottery shores, Chinese-temple dragons, Chao Phraya parks, floating markets, and riverside faith — places that define a Nonthaburi day trip, listed A to Z.
A riverside green beside Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat and the Maha Chesadabodin Bridge — lawns, shade trees, and Chao Phraya breezes for morning jogs or evening fish-feeding. Come at dawn or dusk when the air is softest; a calm Nonthaburi pause between temple and pier.
At EGAT’s Bang Kruai headquarters near Rama VII Bridge, an interactive energy museum for families — Thailand’s power story, global energy themes, and an award-winning green building to explore. Typically about 09:00–16:00; closed Mondays. Book ahead when schools fill the halls.
A Chao Phraya island of Mon heritage — pottery workshops, weekend food lanes, rented bikes, and wooden piers only a short ferry hop from the Pak Kret shore. Markets peak on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; the leaning Mutao chedi at Wat Paramaiyikawat is the postcard stop. Cross by local boat for a few baht.
Nonthaburi’s central fitness park on Rattanathibet Road near Sanambin Nam — twin running loops, aerobics courts, fish ponds, and deep shade for early or late workouts. Roughly 04:00–21:00; locals treat it as the city’s green living room.
Inside the old provincial hall by Nonthaburi Pier — a riverside learning house tracing Ban Talat Khwan orchards, canal life, and the city’s shift into Bangkok’s neighbour. Weekdays about 09:00–17:00; weekends and holidays often 10:00–18:00. Pair it with a Chao Phraya boat ride from the pier.
The province’s river gateway in Suan Yai — Chao Phraya Express boats, local ferries, food stalls, and the old hall museum a few steps away. Start or end a Nonthaburi day here; Purple Line and buses link the pier district into Bangkok’s network.
A Nonthaburi ring-road night market of apparel, second-hand finds, street food, and free parking — local shopping after dark rather than a tourist bazaar. Stalls typically wake from about 16:00; come hungry and browse at an easy pace.
Across the water from Koh Kret, a riverside temple crowned by a large golden Mara-Vijaya Buddha. Under the pedestal, a walk-through blessing path with dragon and tiger gates (traditionally separate for men and women) draws merit-makers. Founded in the early Rattanakosin era; dress politely for the ubosot.
A second-class royal temple on the east Chao Phraya bank — Ayutthaya-era roots, renamed under King Rama IV. Behind the ubosot rises a relic chedi about 30 metres high; the principal Buddha came from Chan Kasem Palace. Quiet riverside faith a short hop from Nonthaburi Pier.
Nonthaburi’s grand Chinese Mahayana complex — also Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn — under the Chinese Sangha of Thailand. Dragons, halls, and busy ‘solve misfortune’ (gae chong) rites fill the courtyards. Roughly 08:00–16:30; one of the Central Plain’s most photographed Chinese temples.
Koh Kret’s landmark Mon temple — late Ayutthaya roots, restored under Rama V and named for his royal grandmother. The riverside Mutao (leaning) chedi is the island icon; marble Buddhas, Mon-style halls, and a small museum fill the grounds. Pair with pottery lanes on a weekend loop.
A family-friendly Bang Kruai canal market beside Wat Takian — paddle-boat snacks, fruit, Thai sweets, and shore stalls after a temple visit. Typically about 07:00–17:00; come early for cooler air and fuller boats on weekends.
04
Local Flavours & Food
Nonthaburi eats along the Chao Phraya and quiet khlongs — river prawns facing Maha Chesadabodin Bridge, Koh Kret mill cafés, Mon island snacks, Muang Thong lakeside decks, and bamboo Isan rooms in Bang Kruai. Orchard-province flavours still shape the plate; the twenty atmosphere tables below are listed A to Z.
Where to Eat
River prawns under Maha Chesadabodin Bridge, Koh Kret mill cafés, Muang Thong lakeside decks, and canal garden rooms — Nonthaburi’s atmosphere tables, listed A to Z. Hours can change; tap Location for the latest pin.
A classic Irish pub inside IMPACT Challenger 3 — dark wood, leather, big screens, and live music with Braised Lamb Shank, Beef & Guinness Pie, Irish stew, and Bangers & Mash.
Watch Premier League or F1 with a pint; close to Novotel Bangkok Impact for an easy meet-up.
A secret-garden café behind Muang Thong — waterfront outdoor decks, cool indoor rooms, and fusion plates from scrambled-egg shrimp rice to tender steaks.
Pair dinner with butterfly-pea rosé; a hangout spot when you want garden quiet near the lake.
Location · Pak Kret District · Muang Thong Thani back entrance
A romantic riverside room near Wat Bang Chak — soft lights on the water like fireflies, wood tones, and Thai-fusion plates such as shrimp-oil fried rice and glass-noodle baked prawns.
Come for a calm evening meal; indoor and breeze-catching outdoor seats.
Cantonese dining styled after Victoria Harbour inside IMPACT — 200-plus à la carte dishes, 50 dim sum, Hong Kong chefs, and signature wood-fired Peking duck.
Book for family celebrations; Chinese teas and fresh sweets round out the table.
Lakeside dining at Muang Thong Thani — sunset breezes, giant river prawns, house steamed egg packed with seafood, Thai heat, and Western steaks and pizza.
Friday–Saturday live music; boat rides and IMPACT SpeedPark sit next door for a full weekend out.
Design-led Isan in a bamboo compound beside a bamboo factory — open-air pet-friendly show kitchen and a private air-con hall for events.
Order signature fried chicken wings, yum khanom chin pla duk fu, tom saep, and jaew hon; lemongrass-pandan cooler or wine for the table.
A wooden house in a Sai Noi water garden — local Thai plates like snakehead luy suan, tom yum pla khang, and sour curry with cha-om prawns.
Quiet enough for a family lunch; locals treat it as a hometown table.
Riverside shabu with a panoramic Chao Phraya deck — rich house broth, sharp dipping sauces, snacks, jelly beer, fruit, and ice cream at friendly prices.
Arrive before sunset for the best light; weekdays open later in the afternoon.
Chao Phraya fusion with live music — signature soft-coconut seafood hor mok, grilled prawns, deep-fried sea bass with fish sauce, and baked pork ribs with kale tops.
Book a waterside table for evening breeze and a shareable Thai-fusion spread.
A canal-side café of timber, glasshouses, green lawns, and old wooden boats — English-country feel with Thai-Southern and Western plates.
Signature cream spaghetti with shrimp roe, Kunohbuta BBQ ribs, and chocolate ganache cake; paddle a boat between photos.
A century-old rice mill on Koh Kret turned industrial café — indoor halls, riverside nets, Thai plates, sweets, coffee, and evening drinks.
Stay for lunch after pottery lanes or linger through sunset on the water deck.
Warm-wood Thai dining with careful plating — classic gaeng ranjuan, pomelo salad, and house fried rice from local ingredients.
A polished yet easy room for family meals or a quieter Bang Yai dinner.
A two-rai lakeside café and co-working yard near IMPACT — koi ponds, waterfall corners, private meeting rooms, and art workshops.
Ideal before a concert: coffee, light meals, and laptop hours with lake air.
Chao Phraya dining at Buddy Oriental Riverside — indoor and outdoor decks with grilled prawns, crab curry powder, shredded-prawn miang, and tom saep pork tendon.
Family-friendly river views; book a waterside table for weekend evenings.
A quiet Chao Phraya garden restaurant in Bang Phut — meticulous Thai plating, grilled prawns with neem and sweet fish sauce, lotus-petal miang, gaeng bon, and nam prik Nakhon Ban.
Come for calm green shade and dishes finished with old-school care.
A photo-led café-restaurant in Sala Klang — green trees, a wooden bridge over the pond, Thai plates, bakery, and drinks.
Eat, sip coffee, and shoot the garden; a Bang Kruai favourite for weekend atmosphere.
Chao Phraya tables facing Maha Chesadabodin Bridge — river prawns, grandma’s gaeng ranjuan pork, and stir-fried belly with chilli-salt.
Best from late afternoon into evening when the bridge lights and breeze settle in.
A shady Thai canal house — pet-friendly, family tables, yen ta fo hot pot, garlic fried squid, and ham-cheese spring rolls.
Feels like visiting relatives by the khlong; come for a long, easy meal.
A contemporary garden house on Ratchaphruek — indoor rooms, karaoke, outdoor live-music decks, and bold Thai plates like lime-sauce prawns and fish-sauce fried pork belly.
Come after mid-afternoon for the full evening atmosphere.
A two-storey wooden house on Koh Kret dressed in vintage finds — Chantrara-noodle pad Thai with giant river prawns and kalamae shoots, old-style pomelo salad, and salted-egg fries.
Finish with rose-tea soft tofu and fresh fruit; afternoon hours only.
05
Souvenirs from Nonthaburi
Nonthaburi packs into boxes of cream-flooded eclairs by the pier, Mon khao chae in the hot season, Koh Kret herb fish cakes and pottery, and orchard fruit when the trees allow — plus gift-house jars and Chinese pastries for festival tables. The eleven keepsakes below are listed A to Z.
06
Local Culture & Vibe
Nonthaburi’s year still turns on Chao Phraya water and Mon memory — monks paddling for alms on Bang Kruai canals, Koh Kret Songkran processions, orchard contests on the old hall embankment, and heritage nights that dress the river in Ayutthaya-to-Rattanakosin colour. Between festivals, the island keeps pottery wheels spinning and Pua Ha Poen dancers ready for guests. The six living traditions below are listed A to Z.
07
Travel Info & Getting There
How to reach Nonthaburi from Bangkok, and how to move around once you arrive.
Nonthaburi sits on Bangkok’s northern doorstep — often 30–60 minutes by car depending on traffic and which bank you need. East-bank corridors include Tiwanon Road toward Pak Kret and Chaeng Watthana toward IMPACT Muang Thong Thani; Rattanathibet Road is the Purple Line spine into the civic centre and Phra Nang Klao Bridge. For Bang Kruai canals and Koh Kret approaches, use Rama 5 / Pracharat and the river roads, or swing west on Kanchanaphisek (the Outer Ring Road) toward Bang Yai and Bang Bua Thong. Parking is easiest at malls, piers, and IMPACT; weekend Koh Kret days fill early.
The MRT Purple Line (Chalong Ratchadham) is the cleanest rail arrival — 16 elevated stations from Tao Poon (Blue Line interchange) to Khlong Bang Phai in Bang Bua Thong, about 40 minutes end to end. Alight at Nonthaburi Civic Centre for the Pink Line monorail toward Chaeng Watthana and Min Buri; Bang Krasor, Yaek Nonthaburi 1, and Phra Nang Klao Bridge serve the city core and river. Phra Nang Klao Bridge Station links by walkway to Phra Nang Klao Pier for Chao Phraya boats. Bang Son also meets the SRT Light Red Line toward Taling Chan. From Suvarnabhumi, Airport Rail Link to Makkasan → MRT Blue → Tao Poon → Purple Line is the usual no-traffic stack.
BMTA air-conditioned buses thread Nonthaburi all day from Bangkok — classic corridors along Tiwanon, Rattanathibet, Chaeng Watthana, and Pracharat toward the pier. Frequencies are high; use Moovit or Google Maps for the live number that matches your hotel. For a scenic Bangkok–Nonthaburi hop, ride the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Nonthaburi Pier (N30) or Phra Nang Klao — orange, yellow, and green-yellow flag lines link the river spine on weekdays (check chaophrayaexpressboat.com for the current flag and fare). Pak Kret Pier feeds Koh Kret ferries a few baht across the water.
Once you are in Nonthaburi, Grab and taxis cover most districts; the Purple and Pink Lines stitch the east and north. Chao Phraya Express boats and local ferries are the graceful way between Nonthaburi Pier, Phra Nang Klao, and Pak Kret — then a short hop to Koh Kret. Songthaews and motorcycle taxis fill last-mile gaps near markets and sois. Bang Kruai canal temples and Sai Noi garden restaurants reward a private car or hired driver; weekend orchard and pottery days are easiest if you start early and leave the scooter to confident riders only.
November – February for cool, clear river walks, Koh Kret weekends, and canal alms mornings. March – early April brings Two Banks heritage nights and the run-up to Mon Songkran (13–15 April on Koh Kret). Mid-April into early June is fruit-festival season on the old hall embankment — hot, but the orchards are loud with durian and mangosteen. May – October is green and quieter; pack for afternoon showers on the open pier decks.
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