First Time in Nonthaburi
What to Know + a 2-Day Plan

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

If you're based in Bangkok, Nonthaburi is an easy day trip you can do round-trip in a single day. But stay a night and you'll catch the town at a slower pace, especially along the river, where there's still an old market, quiet temples, and a Mon community that has handed down its pottery craft for generations. We've gathered the things that trip up first-timers, then followed up with a plan you can walk for real.

Nonthaburi in one minute

Nonthaburi is a small province that borders Bangkok to the north, with the Chao Phraya River running through the middle and splitting the town into two banks. The real charm is along the river: Tha Nam Non, an old market by the pier, and Pak Kret district, where Ko Kret island is the highlight. The side that the MRT Purple Line runs through is more modern, lined with malls, markets, and condos.

• The main draw — Ko Kret, an island in the middle of the Chao Phraya with a Mon community and traditional pottery.
• Best season — good year-round; late rainy season into cool season (Nov–Feb) is most comfortable for walking. In the rains, some spots on Ko Kret flood, so check before you go.
• When it's busy — on weekends every shop on Ko Kret is open but the crowds are thick; weekdays are quieter and only some shops open.

Getting here — the right way in

Nonthaburi is easier to reach than you'd think, with the metro, boats, and taxis all on the table. Each spot suits a different mode, so picking the right one saves a lot of time.

Ko Kret — the heart of the trip

Ko Kret is an island in the middle of the river, created when a shortcut canal was dug back in the Ayutthaya era and the land became an island. A community of Mon people who migrated here settled down and still keep their culture alive — the language, the food, and the intricately patterned pottery that's their signature. There are no cars on the island; you walk or cycle around it, and it takes anywhere from half a day to a full day.

• Wat Poramai Yikawat — the island's main temple, marked by a leaning Mon-style chedi at the water's edge, with beautiful murals and a principal Buddha image. Open from morning to evening.
• Walk-and-eat market around the temple — tod man no kala (fish cakes with cockleshell shoots), khao chae, Mon sweets, and a long row of snacks. Liveliest on weekends.
• Pottery village (Kwan Aman) — watch potters shape water jars with Mon patterns; pick up a small piece to take home.
• Cycle around the island — bikes for rent near the pier, on a route past orchards, wooden houses, and small temples in a quiet setting.

Riverside temples you shouldn't skip

Beyond Ko Kret, the town-side riverbank has old temples worth seeing for their architecture, especially Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Worawihan, built in the reign of Rama III and blending Thai, Chinese, and Western styles. It sits quietly by the water, open roughly 08:00–17:00, and it's not far on from Tha Nam Non — an easy stop to fit into your day.

Food you have to try

Nonthaburi's food is tied to the river and the Mon community, from island eats that are hard to find in the city to old-school shops around Tha Nam Non. Here's the shortlist first-timers should keep in their sights.

2-day, 1-night plan

This plan is set up for people coming from Bangkok, focused on the river and Ko Kret. It's walkable for real, and you can shift the timing to your own pace.

Good to know before you go

• Carry cash — many shops on Ko Kret and at the old market take cash / PromptPay, so small bills are handier.
• Dress for temples — Wat Poramai Yikawat and Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat are important temples, so dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees.
• Plan for sun and rain — there's a lot of open-air walking on the island, so pack an umbrella or hat; in the rainy season check the water level first, as some spots flood up to the walkways.
• Weekdays are fine but quiet — to avoid the crowds come on a weekday, but accept that not all shops will be open.