10 Best Things to Do
in Nonthaburi

Koh Kret is a river island in the Chao Phraya, in Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi, formed when a canal was dug to cut across a river bend during the Ayutthaya period, turning this stretch of land into a separate island. What stands out is that it's an old Mon community that has kept its riverside way of life, culture, and craftsmanship intact. The whole island has no roads for cars, so residents and visitors alike walk or cycle along the concrete path that loops around the island for roughly 6 kilometers. Getting to Koh Kret is easier than it sounds: just drive or ride to Wat Sanam Neua pier on the Pak Kret side, then take a few-minute ferry crossing to the island. The ferry costs only a few dozen baht, and the island itself is free to enter.

What visitors to Koh Kret tend to love most is the riverside walking market, where nearly every stall sells Mon sweets and local food — things like fried taro-heart fritters, chilled rice (khao chae), colorful sweets, and seasonal fruit. Another highlight is the handmade Mon pottery that's been made here for generations, with old kilns and home-decor shops to browse along the way. Along the path you'll also pass old temples like Wat Poramaiyikawat, whose leaning riverside pagoda is the island's signature landmark. If you enjoy cycling, you can rent a bike at the pier for just a few dozen baht and ride around the island past gardens, wooden houses, and quiet riverside fields, getting an up-close look at the real daily life of islanders.

One thing to know honestly before you go: Koh Kret is only lively and at its fullest on Saturdays, Sundays, and long weekends, because most shops, the riverside market, and the sweet stalls only open on days off. Visit on a weekday and many shops will be closed or very quiet, giving more the feel of a sleepy village than a tourist market. So plan to go on a Saturday or Sunday, and aim for the morning through early afternoon before it gets crowded and hot. Some stretches of the walking path are narrow with both pedestrians and cyclists sharing the space, so stay alert and patient. In the rainy season the path can get slippery and some spots may flood, so wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. Bring cash, since most small shops are cash-only, and carry an umbrella or hat so you can enjoy the whole day comfortably.

Wat Poramaiyikawat Worawihan is the main temple and usually the first stop for anyone taking the ferry to Koh Kret, since the landing sits right in front of it — walk up from the pier and you're at the temple. The spot most people photograph is the Mutao pagoda, a white Mon-style pagoda leaning by the water that has become the island's symbol. The lean happened over time as the riverbank eroded — it wasn't built that way on purpose — but it's become the image everyone recognizes as Koh Kret. Further into the temple grounds is an ordination hall restored during the reign of Rama V, decorated with Italian-influenced ornamentation, with archways and window designs unlike typical Thai temples, plus a large reclining Buddha to pay respects to. For anyone interested in local craft, there's also a Mon pottery museum that tells the story of Koh Kret's pottery, a signature product of the Mon community here.

This temple is closely tied to the Mon community life of Koh Kret. Around the temple and all along the path that circles the island there's a market selling food and souvenirs — old-style Thai sweets, fried taro-heart fritters, and intricately patterned pottery unique to this area. A visit here is usually folded into a half-day-to-full-day walking tour of the island: visit the temple, stop for good food, then loop the island on foot or by bike. On weekdays the temple opens only in the afternoon (Monday-Friday, 1pm-4pm), while on Saturdays and Sundays it opens longer, from morning to evening (9am-5pm) — which coincides with when the Koh Kret market is at its liveliest. Most people choose to visit on a day off so they can combine the temple visit with the market in a single trip. There's no entry fee, only the cross-river ferry costing a few baht each way, making this an affordable spot near Bangkok that's easy to visit and return from the same day.

A few honest things to know before you go: on days off Koh Kret gets crowded and hot, and the path around the island is narrow in places with strong sun, so bring a hat, umbrella, and water. This is a sacred place, so dress modestly — avoid tank tops and very short shorts — and remove your shoes before entering the halls. The limited weekday afternoon hours mean some visitors who arrive on a weekday morning miss the opening, so check the schedule before you set out. The ferry queue can get long on Saturday and Sunday afternoons when it's busy, so leave extra time. If you want a photo of the Mutao pagoda without the crowds, try going on a weekend morning when the sun is still gentle and fewer people have arrived.

Koh Kret is a river island in the Chao Phraya in Nonthaburi, settled by Mon people who migrated here in the late Ayutthaya period and brought their pottery craft with them, which has since become the island's signature product. Walk from the pier into the market and you'll soon reach kilns and pottery shops lined up along the riverside path. The pieces here are unglazed terracotta with finely cut openwork patterns, a Mon signature — water jars, urns, pots, vases, and small decorative pieces that are easy to carry home. Some kilns let you stand and watch a craftsperson working the hand-turned wheel right in front of the shop, real craftsmanship still practiced in the community, not just goods on display.

One of the most talked-about workshops is the long-running Pa Tum's pottery house, still hand-throwing pots in the traditional way. Some periods offer the chance to try the wheel yourself with a craftsperson's help; prices for trying it or joining a workshop vary by kiln and season, so ask on site, since there's no fixed rate like a tour ticket. Souvenirs range from small pieces costing a few dozen baht up to large works worth several hundred or even a few thousand baht, depending on size and pattern detail. Koh Kret is liveliest on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, when the kilns and shops are all open and the market is busy with visitors. On weekdays many shops are closed or only partly open, so if you're set on seeing the pottery-making, aim for a day off to catch the fuller atmosphere.

A few honest things to keep in mind before visiting: first, getting there means taking the cross-river ferry from Wat Sanam Neua pier, and on days off it gets crowded with a queue both ways. Second, the path around the island is narrow and riverside, so when it's busy — especially in the late afternoon — walking can be slow and a bit tight. Third, pottery is heavy and fragile, so if you buy a large piece, think about how it will be wrapped and carried home. Fourth, the pottery-wheel or workshop experience isn't offered at every kiln or every day — sometimes you need to ask or book ahead. Plan extra time and ask clearly beforehand so you're not disappointed if you're set on trying it yourself. The midday riverside heat can be intense, so bring a hat and water to stay comfortable.

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Worawihan is an old royal temple on the Chao Phraya riverbank in Bang Si Mueang, directly across from Tha Nam Non. The temple was built during the reign of Rama III to honor his maternal grandparents (the family of Somdet Phra Sri Sulalai, the Queen Mother), and is considered the last temple he had built. What visitors remember most is the roofline and gateway blending Thai and Chinese art styles, clearly reflecting the popularity of Chinese aesthetics in that era. The ordination hall is surrounded by crystal walls and small white corner forts resembling a miniature fortress. The main Buddha image inside is cast entirely in bronze, a rare feature, while a large white central pagoda stands behind it with a Chinese-style entrance gate. Viewed from the river, it presents a peaceful, photogenic riverside temple scene.

The charm here is the quiet, uncrowded atmosphere, unlike the famous temples in the city center. Many visitors agree it's ideal for a leisurely walk, taking in the stucco work, tile patterns, and riverside setting without rushing. The popular way to get here is to arrive at Tha Nam Non (the terminus of the Purple Line, connecting by taxi or the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Nonthaburi pier), then take the cross-river ferry to the other bank. The fare is just a few baht and takes only a few minutes; once you land, you can walk straight into the temple. This part of the journey adds to the fun, letting you see the everyday riverside life along the Chao Phraya and the ferries locals actually use. Anyone already visiting the Tha Nam Non area can easily add this temple to their trip.

A few things to know before you go: admission is free, but this is a sacred site, so dress modestly, cover shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering the buildings. The ordination hall may sometimes be closed or open only at certain hours; if you want to pay respects to the main Buddha image, go during the day and allow time to check with staff. Being right on the river, the temple grounds get hot and sun-exposed at midday, so bring a hat or umbrella and water. Morning and evening have softer light and are better for photographing the pagoda and Chinese gateway. There aren't many shops or restaurants right around the temple, so if you want a proper meal, head back to the Tha Nam Non side, which has more market and dining options. Ferries run continuously during the day, but check the last crossing time so you don't miss the evening boat.

Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn, commonly known as Wat Leng Noei Yi 2, is a large Mahayana Chinese temple in Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi, built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the King's reign. Designed in the style of a grand Chinese royal temple from the Ming-Qing era, the halls feature tiered, vividly colored roofs, dragon stucco work, red-and-gold gateways, and a series of broad courtyards stacked one after another. Many visitors compare walking through it to a miniature Forbidden City tucked near Bangkok. What stands out is how peaceful and orderly it is compared with the original Wat Leng Noei Yi in Yaowarat, which is always packed, making this a popular alternative for anyone who wants an authentic Chinese temple atmosphere without the crowds.

Most people come here to pray for good fortune and perform luck-reversal rituals, which peak during Chinese New Year and the Chinese lunar new year period. Inside are various Buddha images, Chinese deities, Guanyin, and spots for lighting incense according to tradition. You can visit every hall in one round, with plenty of scenic photo spots along the way — red lantern displays, dragon staircases, and finely carved ceiling patterns. Admission is free with no ticket; just bring cash for incense, candles, luck-reversal offerings, and merit donations. The temple is open daily from around 9am to 6pm; if you want an uncrowded atmosphere with good light, go in the morning before the sun gets strong, since the courtyard is open and exposed with little shade in the afternoon heat.

A few honest things to know before visiting: the temple is fairly far from central Nonthaburi and Bangkok, with no direct rail access, so you'll need to drive or take a taxi. It's best to have navigation ready, since the sois in Bang Bua Thong can be confusing with unclear signage. During Chinese New Year and long holidays it gets very crowded, parking fills up quickly, and offering prices run higher than usual — avoid these times if you don't like crowds. Dress modestly since this is a sacred site — avoid tank tops or very short shorts — and keep your voice down while others are praying or performing rituals. Around the temple there are vegetarian food stalls and offering shops, but options for coffee or seating are still limited, so plan ahead for water and sun protection.

Tha Nam Nonthaburi, known locally as Tha Nam Non, is the northernmost Chao Phraya Express Boat pier, located at the end of Prachanaraj Road in central Nonthaburi, next to the clock tower and the century-plus-old former provincial hall building that still stands proudly by the river. This spot serves as a cross-river ferry point to Bang Si Mueang, an express boat pier running into Bangkok as far as Sathorn, and the usual departure point for boats to Koh Kret. Its charm is the genuine daily life of Nonthaburi residents — not staged for tourists — with commuters boarding boats for work, street vendors, and long-running riverside food stalls. You can stroll, watch the boats and the river, photograph the clock tower, and sit down for riverside food, all without paying an entry fee.

The food around Tha Nam Non is known for being cheap and local, from boat noodles and rice-and-curry dishes to old-style Thai sweets and seasonal fruit like Nonthaburi's famous durian. Mornings and evenings are especially lively, being peak commuting hours. If you're in a food-touring mood, you can just wander and sample as you go. If you plan to use this pier as your departure point, check the Chao Phraya Express Boat schedule first, since each flag color (orange, yellow, green) stops at different piers and runs at different times. The cross-river ferry runs all day and is very cheap, while boats to Koh Kret usually require a transfer at Pak Kret pier or a scheduled tour boat — ask locals or pier staff to be sure before boarding.

A few honest things to keep in mind: first, this is a working pier, so it gets crowded during rush hour, and the pontoon can be narrow and slippery in the rain — be careful stepping on and off, especially with children or elderly family members. Second, the atmosphere is that of a local, working pier rather than a polished landmark — some corners look old and a bit worn, so if you're expecting a picture-perfect photo spot you may be underwhelmed. Third, parking around the pier is limited and fills up on days off, so if you're driving, allow extra time to find a spot, or public transport may be more convenient. Since it's an open riverside area, midday sun and heat can be intense, so go in the morning or evening for more comfortable weather and the liveliest pier atmosphere.

The Museum of Nonthaburi occupies the old provincial hall building on the Chao Phraya riverbank right at Tha Nam Non — a building over a hundred years old, constructed in 1910. It originally served as a school, then as the provincial hall for several decades, before government offices moved out and part of it reopened as a museum telling the story of Nonthaburi. The building is a two-story Thai-Western wooden and brick structure with a long wrap-around balcony, louvered wooden windows, a tall ventilated roof, and railing patterns from the Rama VI era. The Fine Arts Department registered it as a historic monument in 1981. What visitors like most is the old, characterful wood and the Chao Phraya view from the second-floor balcony, watching boats pass by for an old-town riverside atmosphere.

Inside, the exhibits cover Nonthaburi's local history in a compact way — the city's origins, riverside life, Koh Kret pottery, the province's famous durian orchards, and old photographs. It doesn't take long to see it all, making it more of a brief stop than a full-day highlight. The real appeal is the Chao Phraya-side location, which lets you continue on to several nearby spots: Tha Nam Non with its food and market, a cross-river ferry to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Worawihan directly opposite, or simply strolling and photographing the old building as a backdrop. Many reviewers like that admission is free and that it sits right by the pier, making it easy to stop by on the way to somewhere else.

A few honest things to keep in mind before visiting: this is a small local museum, not a large museum with extensive exhibits or modern interactive displays. Some parts of the building and the descriptive signage look worn and dated, a point echoed in several real reviews. Most signage is in Thai only, so foreign visitors may not get the full picture. Always check opening hours beforehand, since the museum often closes on Mondays and sometimes closes for renovation or government events. Parking around Tha Nam Non is fairly limited and busy on days off, so arriving by Chao Phraya Express Boat to Nonthaburi pier and walking over is more convenient than driving. It gets hot at midday, so go in the morning or late afternoon for a more comfortable riverside stroll.

Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park, Nonthaburi, is a large public park in Pak Kret District, in the Muang Thong Thani area, covering roughly 109 rai. What makes it special is that most of the park is a wide lake, ringed by green space and riverside walking paths. The main draw is the running and cycling path that loops around the lake for about 2.5 kilometers, making it a popular spot for exercise among Nonthaburi residents and northern Bangkok residents alike, since it's a short drive from central Nonthaburi, has parking within the park, and is free to enter. For anyone tired of an air-conditioned gym and wanting a change of scenery to run outdoors by the water, this is a rare option this close to the city.

The park offers more than just the running path — there's an outdoor exercise area with equipment, a lawn for sitting or picnicking, a royal monument by the lake, and a riverside pavilion for a relaxed rest in the breeze. The most popular times are early morning and evening before sunset, when the air is cooler, the sun isn't harsh, and the lake view at dusk is especially beautiful. Many visitors bring family or pets for a stroll, while others come to read or feed the fish in the lake. It's an open green space for everyone to enjoy, free of charge, unlike a café or amusement park that requires payment to enter.

A few honest things to know before visiting: midday sun is fairly strong and shade isn't available along the whole lakeside path, so it's best to avoid visiting then — go in the morning or evening instead, and bring a hat, sunglasses, and water. During the rainy season, parts of the path may flood or get slippery, so watch your footwear. Mosquitoes can be an issue near the lake at certain times, especially at dusk, so bring repellent. There aren't many shops in the park, mostly food carts near the entrance, so if you plan to stay a while, bring your own snacks. Since it's a free public park with no booking required, you can just show up and go in — ideal for anyone wanting a light, spontaneous outdoor activity near the city.

Sai Noi Floating Market, often called Wat Sai Yai Floating Market after the temple next to it, is a community market along a canal in Sai Noi District, on the western side of Nonthaburi province. What sets this market apart from the big-name floating markets is that it's a genuine local market — most visitors are Thai people from the surrounding area and families driving out for a weekend morning outing, with hardly any foreign tourists yet. The atmosphere is that of an old riverside village, relaxed and uncrowded. The market opens only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, from around 8am to 3pm, with mid-morning being when the food is fully out and the stalls are liveliest.

The highlight here is affordable local food and Thai sweets. Walking through, you'll find boat noodles, duck rice, stewed duck, yentafo, and on to Thai crepes, khanom khrok, and fruits and vegetables from local farmers. Most prices run just a few dozen baht per plate or wrap, so a budget of a few hundred baht per person goes a long way and lets you try several things. The market is laid out in fairly organized color-coded zones by food type, making it easy to find what you're craving, with options for both eating on the spot and buying souvenirs to take home. Many visitors like sitting to eat by the canal, taking in riverside life as they go. There's no entry fee — you only pay for what you buy.

Another draw is its location next to Wat Sai Yai, an old district temple with a golden Buddha image to pay respects to, so many families make merit in the morning and then walk into the market as part of the same trip. It's not far from Bangkok — about an hour's drive from central Nonthaburi — making it ideal for a morning-out, back-by-afternoon weekend trip. One thing to know before going: the market only opens on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, so there won't be any stalls open on a weekday — check the day carefully. Midday sun can be fairly strong and part of the market is an open-air walkway, so bring a hat or umbrella. As a mid-sized community market, it's smaller in scale than the big tourist floating markets, taking only about one to two hours to see in full — ideal for anyone wanting an authentic local feel over grandeur.

Wat Chonlaprathan Rangsarit is a royal temple in Pak Kret District, on Tiwanon Road, easy to reach from both central Nonthaburi and northern Bangkok. The temple's name is tied to Luang Pu Panyananda Bhikkhu, a preaching monk well known to earlier generations of Thais; he once served as abbot and set the temple's direction toward teaching dharma in an easy-to-understand, practical way for everyday life. What people talk about most is the curved stone courtyard, an open-air space used for regular Sunday-morning dharma talks, where devotees gather to listen under the shade of trees. The atmosphere differs from typical tourist temples in that it doesn't emphasize grand architecture but rather peace and takeaway substance. Admission is free, making it ideal for anyone wanting a place to find calm in the city without traveling far.

Inside the temple grounds there's a lot to explore: the main worship area for paying respects, a meditation courtyard where people sit in practice, a dharma bookshop stocking Luang Pu Panyananda's writings and teachings to take home, and a small museum recounting the temple's and his history. Large trees throughout the grounds keep it cool even on hot days. Many people working in the Nonthaburi area stop by in the morning to make merit, rest under the trees, and then move on. If you plan to attend the Sunday-morning dharma talk, arrive before it starts around 9am to find a comfortable seat; weekdays are quieter, suited to an unhurried visit. This temple pairs well with other Pak Kret sights, like the floating market or Koh Kret, for a well-rounded half-day morning trip.

A few honest things to keep in mind: Sunday mornings and Buddhist holy days get busy, with the parking lot filling quickly and some walking required from parking. If driving yourself, come early or use public transport instead. This is a genuine meditation site, not a photo-op destination, so dress modestly, keep your voice low, and stay respectful around people meditating or listening to dharma talks. The grounds are large with several zones, so first-time visitors may need to ask staff or check signage to find their way. Midday sun can still be fairly strong despite the many trees, so bring an umbrella or hat and water. Since admission is free, the temple's income comes from merit donations and book sales — anyone who feels moved can contribute as they wish.