🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Most Bangkokians drive through Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani rather than stop to explore them. But follow the Chao Phraya River in and you find Koh Kret, old piers, community markets and riverside temples with an atmosphere that feels a world away from the city. The two provinces sit right next to each other, so they pair neatly into a 2-day, 1-night trip — relaxed, no rushing, and easy on the budget.
This plan is built around places that are genuinely open and that locals actually go to, with a lean toward weekends — because several of Pathum Thani's riverside markets only open on days off. A car gives you the most freedom, but public transport reaches almost every stop too.
Trip overview and getting around
- Day 1 — Nonthaburi side Tha Nam Non pier · Koh Kret · Wat Poramai Yikawat · overnight around Pak Kret / Mueang Nonthaburi
- Day 2 — Pathum Thani side Sam Khok floating market · Wat Phai Lom · Wat San Chao riverside market · finish at the Lotus Museum, RMUTT
- By car Bangkok to central Nonthaburi is about 30–45 min; crossing to Sam Khok, Pathum Thani adds another 30–40 min
- Public transport The MRT Purple Line (Tao Poon–Khlong Bang Phai) gets you into Nonthaburi easily; for Pathum Thani's riverside spots you'll need a local bus or a ride-hail
Pick the right day
Sam Khok floating market opens only on Friday–Sunday and public holidays, roughly 9am–4pm, while Wat San Chao riverside market opens almost daily, roughly 9am–3pm. To catch both in one day, plan your trip for a Saturday or Sunday.
Book the activities in your Nonthaburi trip ahead
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.
Day 1 — Nonthaburi: old piers and Koh Kret
Day one starts at Tha Nam Non, the old heart of Mueang Nonthaburi — both a Chao Phraya express-boat pier and a neighbourhood of budget-friendly food. Then head north to Pak Kret to take the ferry across to Koh Kret, a river island that's an old Mon community with temples, pottery and food stalls all along the walkways.
Nonthaburi · riverside and Koh Kret
About the Koh Kret ferry
The popular ferry to Koh Kret runs from Wat Sanam Nuea pier in Pak Kret. On weekdays it's quieter and some shops on the island close. If you want a lively market atmosphere, go Saturday or Sunday — but if you want peace and quiet, a weekday has its own charm.
Day 2 — Pathum Thani: riverside markets and old temples
Day two crosses over to Sam Khok, Pathum Thani. Start at Sam Khok floating market, an old riverside community market that opens only on weekends, with Mon home cooking like khao chae (rice in chilled jasmine water) and Thai sweets served in coconut shells. Then stop at Wat Phai Lom, an open-billed stork sanctuary, followed by the Wat San Chao riverside market with its well-known food, and finish at the Lotus Museum at RMUTT.
Pathum Thani · old markets and riverside temples
Food you shouldn't miss in both provinces
Both provinces are rooted in Mon culture and riverside communities, so the food carries a blended Thai-Mon flavour. Here's what you can actually find at the stops on this plan.
Tod man no kala, Koh Kret
Fish cakes made with no kala, a taro stem native to Koh Kret — crisp outside, soft inside. It's the first thing people think of when they think of Koh Kret.
Khao chae and Thai sweets in coconut shells
Rice in flower-scented chilled water with its side dishes, plus Thai sweets served in coconut shells. You'll find these at Sam Khok floating market — old-community home cooking.
Kuychai and ho mok at Wat San Chao market
Wat San Chao riverside market has chive-dumpling and steamed-fish-curry shops people stop to buy from all day — homey flavours at easy prices.
Pork tom yum noodles, Wat San Chao
Boldly seasoned tom yum noodles that are a signature of Wat San Chao market — rich broth, generous toppings.
Boat noodles at Tha Nam Non
The Tha Nam Non area has boat-noodle and noodle shops that open early at friendly prices — an easy, satisfying first meal of the day.
Thai-Mon sweets, Koh Kret
The markets on Koh Kret have plenty of Thai and Mon sweets — thong yip, khanom kong and other local treats to snack on or take home.
Buying souvenirs
Mon pottery from Koh Kret is a souvenir that's hard to find anywhere else. As for food like tod man no kala and Thai sweets, buy them on the way back since they don't keep long.
Where to stay and overnight
On this trip, staying on the Nonthaburi side makes the most sense — it's central and easy to get back into Bangkok. On day two you move over to Pathum Thani in the morning.
Pak Kret area
Near the Koh Kret ferry, with riverside hotels and stays at various price points. Good if you want to carry on to Pathum Thani in the morning.
Mueang Nonthaburi–Purple Line area
Near the MRT Purple Line, convenient if you don't have a car, with budget stays to choose from.
Rangsit–Thanyaburi area
An option if you'd rather stay on the Pathum Thani side — close to malls and cafes, but farther from Koh Kret.
Want a riverside hotel or one near the train in Nonthaburi?
See the Top 10 Nonthaburi hotels →Tips for a smooth trip
- Always check market opening days first — many of Pathum Thani's riverside markets open only on days off, so call or check their page before you set out
- Go early to dodge the heat and crowds — the markets and Koh Kret get busy mid-morning; arrive before 10am and walking is far more comfortable
- Bring cash — many shops in the markets and on the island take cash or bank transfer only
- A car makes it easier — Pathum Thani's stops are spread out, so without a car you'll want to ride-hail between them
- Dress modestly for temples — this trip has several temples, so bring sleeved tops and knee-covering trousers or skirts
See the full rundown of things to do, eat and how to get around in Nonthaburi
Open the Nonthaburi travel guide →