🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The charm of Nonthaburi is that you can visit on a day trip from Bangkok without staying overnight. But a lot of people get tripped up by how many options there are — two MRT lines, boats on the Chao Phraya, and several small cross-river ferries. This article sorts everything by where you want to go and whether you'd rather not drive.
MRT Purple Line — the local main artery
The MRT Purple Line (officially the Chalong Ratchadham Line) is the backbone of the Nonthaburi side. It runs from Tao Poon station in Bangkok all the way to Khlong Bang Phai — 16 stations, about 23 kilometres — and most of it sits inside Nonthaburi, covering Bang Yai, Bang Bua Thong and the city centre. The stations travellers use most are Ministry of Public Health (near the provincial hall and market) and Phra Nang Klao Bridge, which is the jumping-off point for Koh Kret and the riverside piers.
- Fare — roughly 14–42 THB by distance, with a flat daily cap of about 40 THB/day if you ride several times
- Hours — opens around 05:30 and runs until midnight, with trains just a few minutes apart at peak times
- Connections — at Tao Poon you switch straight onto the MRT Blue Line into central Bangkok without leaving the system
- Best for — people coming from Bangkok who'd rather not drive; get off and take a short bus or motorbike-taxi hop from there
Which station for Koh Kret
If you take the Purple Line, get off at Phra Nang Klao Bridge station and continue to Wat Sanam Nuea pier to cross over to Koh Kret. It's one of the most popular routes.
MRT Pink Line — the newer shortcut to Pak Kret
The Pink Line is a monorail that opened later, running through the Chaeng Watthana–Pak Kret–Ram Inthra area — about 34.5 kilometres with 30 stations. The advantage is that it gets you into the Pak Kret zone more directly. If you're heading to Koh Kret, the closest station is Liang Mueang Pak Kret: take the exit toward the pier, then a short hop to the ferry landing. A lot of people now use this instead of driving because there's no parking to hunt for.
Coming from northern Bangkok / Ram Inthra
The Pink Line is handier, since it takes you straight into Pak Kret without a detour.
Coming from central Bangkok / Bang Sue
The Purple Line via Tao Poon is easier — get off at Phra Nang Klao Bridge and continue to the pier.
Chao Phraya Express boats — riding along the river
If you want atmosphere, riding a Chao Phraya Express boat along the river is more fun than the MRT. The northernmost starting pier is Nonthaburi Pier (Phibun Songkhram 3). From here the boats head down toward Bangkok, passing several major piers on the way to the old town and Sathorn. It's a great choice if you want to continue into the Phra Nakhon side — Wat Arun, Tha Tien or Asiatique — on the same trip.
Orange Flag boat
The main line and the one most people use. It runs daily from Nonthaburi down to the Wat Rajsingkorn area, stopping at almost every major pier. It's the easiest and best value for travellers.
Yellow Flag boat
An express that stops at fewer piers, running from Nonthaburi to Sathorn on weekdays. It's aimed at commuters in the morning and evening — faster, but it doesn't stop everywhere.
No-Flag (local) boat
Stops at every pier — a bit slower, but the cheapest fare. Good if you're not in a rush and want to hop off at several spots. It runs only during certain hours.
Check the flag before you board
Chao Phraya Express boats are told apart by the flag colour on the bow — different colours stop at different piers. If you're not sure, ask the staff at the pier before you board so you don't sail past your stop.
How to reach Koh Kret — every route
Koh Kret is an island in the middle of the Chao Phraya with no car bridge across, so everyone has to take a small cross-river ferry — the crossing is only 2–5 minutes. The key is picking the right mainland pier. The most popular, with the most frequent ferries, is Wat Sanam Nuea pier, which lands you right by Wat Poramai Yikawat on the island.
- MRT Purple Line — get off at Phra Nang Klao Bridge, continue to Wat Sanam Nuea pier, then take the ferry across
- MRT Pink Line — get off at Liang Mueang Pak Kret, a short hop to the pier, no parking to find
- Driving yourself — park at Wat Sanam Nuea, around 30 THB/car, then walk straight onto the ferry
- The ferry — very cheap, around 3 THB per trip, running roughly 05:00–21:30; some boats can take bicycles or motorbikes across too
Besides Wat Sanam Nuea pier, the island itself has several landing points — Wat Poramai Yikawat pier, Pa Fai pier, Wat Sao Thong Thong pier and Wat Phai Lom pier. Most travellers cross to the Wat Poramai Yikawat side first, then walk or rent a bike around the island. If you'd like a longer boat tour around the island, some piers also run scheduled round-island boats.
Weekdays are quieter
Koh Kret is busiest on Saturdays and Sundays — the market is in full swing, but it's crowded and you'll queue for the ferry. For an easier walk, try a weekday, but check first whether the market shops are all open, since some open only on weekends.
Buses, motorbike taxis and taxis in town
In Nonthaburi town there are several BMTA bus routes linking to Bangkok — for example, those running along Ngamwongwan, Chaeng Watthana and Tiwanon. Fares are cheap, but they're slow in the fairly heavy peak-hour traffic. For short hops from an MRT station to a pier or market, motorbike taxis are quick and easy to find, while regular taxis and ride-hailing apps work fine across the whole province.
- Bus — cheapest but slow; fine if you're not in a hurry and know the route
- Motorbike taxi — quick, good for short hops from a station to a pier; agree the price before you get on
- Ride-hailing / taxi — easiest if you're a group or have luggage; price depends on distance and time of day
Which route should you pick
Just visiting Koh Kret
Pink Line to Liang Mueang Pak Kret, or Purple Line to Phra Nang Klao Bridge, then continue to Wat Sanam Nuea pier.
Want the riverside atmosphere
Take a Chao Phraya Express boat from Nonthaburi Pier and continue into the Phra Nakhon side on the same trip.
Want convenient and on time
The MRT Purple Line is the workhorse — no traffic, frequent trains, and it connects to the MRT into the city.
Plan a full Nonthaburi and Koh Kret trip
See the Nonthaburi travel guide →