🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The nice thing about Nonthaburi is how close it is. Hop on the MRT Purple Line or take a Chao Phraya express boat and you're there, which makes it perfect for Bangkok folks who want to slip out for the day without a long drive. What the province does best is its riverside way of life: a Mon community that still throws clay pottery by hand, and old temples with real artwork worth a look. We've split the attractions into three groups so it's easy to put a trip together.
Culture — Koh Kret, the Mon community and old temples
If you only have one day, this is the group you can't skip. Koh Kret and the temples around it are really the heart of Nonthaburi, pulling food, crafts and history together in one place.
Koh Kret
An island in the middle of the Chao Phraya with not a single car on it, so you can walk or cycle the whole loop. The Mon community here has lived on the island for more than 400 years, still throwing clay pottery by hand and selling hard-to-find Thai sweets. It's busiest on Saturdays and Sundays, with far more shops open than on weekdays.
Wat Poramai Yikawat (Koh Kret)
An old Mon temple on Koh Kret, once known as Wat Pak Ao. Its leaning Mon-style riverside chedi is the island's landmark. Inside there's a small museum holding antiques and palm-leaf scriptures. It makes an easy first stop the moment your ferry lands on the island.
Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Worawihan
A Chao Phraya riverside temple built in the reign of Rama III that blends Chinese art with Thai craftsmanship beautifully. There's a large bronze Buddha image in the ordination hall, and since it doesn't get crowded the mood stays calm, a good spot to rest and look out over the river.
Nonthaburi Provincial Museum (old city hall)
An old wooden building from 1910 that once served as the provincial city hall, now a museum telling the story of Nonthaburi. The upper floor displays the locally famous pottery. It's only 160 m from Tha Nam Non, so you can easily walk over.
Wat Bua Khwan (royal temple)
An old temple dating to the reign of Rama V, in the city centre of Nonthaburi. Locals come here to make merit regularly. It has an ordination hall and a shady, peaceful feel, worth a stop if you want a temple on the town side that's easy to reach by car.
Which day to visit Koh Kret
The shops and market on Koh Kret are only fully open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Go on a weekday and it's quiet, with a lot of shops shut. Aim to arrive a bit early, around 10–11 am, while it's still uncrowded and the sun isn't too harsh.
Want more out of Nonthaburi? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
City — riverside, markets and local life
The Nonthaburi town side is fun to wander, especially the Tha Nam Non area where food, market and ferry pier all sit together. It suits anyone who likes an old riverside town that's still very much alive.
Tha Nam Non (old town market)
A riverside district that's part market, part Chao Phraya express boat pier and the starting point for a walk through the old town. Tasty food stalls line up one after another, so you can graze your way along the river for ages. Easy to reach by boat or the MRT Purple Line.
Wat Takhian floating market
A small canalside floating market selling Thai sweets and home-style local food. A relaxed place to stroll and snack, and nowhere near as crowded as the famous floating markets.
Sai Noi floating market
A floating market out in Sai Noi district, focused on home-style local food and an old-fashioned canalside garden setting. Good if you want to get a little further from the city.
The easiest way to get around
The town side and Tha Nam Non are reachable on the MRT Purple Line (several stations across Nonthaburi), then a short hop by boat or motorcycle taxi. For Koh Kret, the easiest route is to drive or take a taxi to Wat Sanam Nuea in Pak Kret, then catch the cross-river ferry for a few baht.
Nature — green parks and the riverside
If you want an open spot to unwind, Nonthaburi has riverside parks along the Chao Phraya for walking, running or cycling, good for bringing the family or just sitting and chilling in the evening.
Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park, Nonthaburi
A riverside park on the Chao Phraya in the city centre, with a botanical garden, a lake, a Thai pavilion and shady paths. It's near Tha Nam Non, ideal for an evening walk catching the river breeze or letting the kids run around.
Cycling around Koh Kret
The loop around Koh Kret is flat and car-free, so you can ride past gardens, wooden houses and Mon temples the whole way around. There are bike rental shops near the pier, and it's a better way to see the island than walking alone.
A river cruise along the Chao Phraya
Take an express boat or cross-river ferry to take in the views on both banks: temples, riverside houses and the life of the boat people. It's a side of Nonthaburi you'd never see from the road, and the ticket is only a few baht.
How to plan your trip
With half a day, just focusing on Koh Kret is plenty: wander the market, pay respects at Wat Poramai Yikawat and try the Mon sweets. With a full day, add the town side, Tha Nam Non, the museum and Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park in the evening. If you want to round out the temples, add Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat too, so you mix culture, city and nature in one day.
- Half day — Koh Kret: take the cross-river ferry, pay respects at Wat Poramai Yikawat, wander the market, try the Mon sweets and cycle around the island
- Full day — morning on Koh Kret · afternoon over to the town side, Tha Nam Non and the provincial museum · evening stroll in Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park by the river
- Temple route — Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat (riverside Chinese art) + Wat Poramai Yikawat (Mon chedi) + Wat Bua Khwan in town
Plan a full Nonthaburi trip — where to stay, eat and explore
See the Nonthaburi guide →