Nonthaburi Travel Guide
City Thai city known for its vibrant markets
Across the Chao Phraya from Bangkok, Nonthaburi tempts with Koh Kret’s Mon pottery, riverside markets and temple murals. Food stalls along the river serve grilled fish and noodle soups, perfect for a day trip away from the capital’s rush.
Why Visit Nonthaburi? #
Nonthaburi offers an easy riverside contrast to central Bangkok with its markets, temples and island communities on the Chao Phraya. Koh Kret, a pottery island in the province, showcases Mon‑Thai ceramics and weekend craft markets, while riverside eateries and floating stalls provide classic Thai street food. Temple visits and relaxed river cruises make Nonthaburi an accessible cultural detour from the capital.
Who's Nonthaburi For?
Nonthaburi’s street-food scene and riverside markets-especially Koh Kret island-are great for Thai snacks, pottery-market dining and fresh desserts. Local riverside restaurants and boat-food vendors offer excellent meals at very reasonable prices.
Nonthaburi is a practical base outside central Bangkok with fast internet, lower rents and easy MRT/BTS or ferry commutes to the city. Cafés and a few coworking spaces around Pak Kret and the river are friendly to remote workers.
Families find Nonthaburi convenient: quiet riverside parks, kid-friendly museums and the pottery island of Koh Kret are easy day trips. Family-oriented hotels near the river provide roomy, affordable stays close to Bangkok’s services.
Riverside promenades, sunset boat rides and intimate cafés on Koh Kret make Nonthaburi a pleasant short escape for couples. Small boutique hotels and riverside restaurants offer relaxed evening options without Bangkok’s bustle.
Top Things to Do in Nonthaburi
All Attractions ›
- Koh Kret - Small island in the Chao Phraya with Mon pottery, weekend market, and riverside walking.
- Wat Paramaiyikawat (on Koh Kret) - Historic temple on Koh Kret famous for its leaning chedi and riverfront views.
- Nonthaburi Old Market (Talat Nonthaburi) - Lively riverside market serving Thai street food, fresh produce, and traditional shops.
- Nonthaburi Pier - Main river pier that links Nonthaburi to Bangkok by Chao Phraya boat services.
- Central Plaza Rattanathibet - Large shopping mall with cinemas, restaurants, and useful services for visitors and families.
- Pottery workshops on Koh Kret - Hands-on pottery demonstrations and small studios where Mon artisans throw and fire earthenware.
- Nonthaburi Old Town riverside - Quiet lanes, colonial buildings and local cafés along the river away from crowds.
- Weekend market stalls around Pak Kret - Cluster of small vendors selling snacks, handicrafts and local sweets favored by residents.
- Ayutthaya Historical Park - Former Siamese capital with temple ruins clustered around the city, reachable by train.
- Phra Pathom Chedi (Nakhon Pathom) - Massive golden stupa and local market, less than two hours by car from Nonthaburi.
- Bridge over the River Kwai (Kanchanaburi) - Historic WWII site with railway museum and riverfront eateries about two to three hours away.
- Khao Yai National Park - Thailand's oldest national park offering waterfalls and wildlife, reachable in roughly three hours.
Where to Go in Nonthaburi #
Old Riverside
The riverside stretch around Nonthaburi’s old centre feels lived-in and relaxed: old wooden shops, boat landings and small food stalls. It’s a good area for a morning or late-afternoon wander and for sampling regional snacks while watching river traffic drift by.
Top Spots
- Nonthaburi Pier (Tha Nam Nonthaburi) - Main riverside pier with ferry connections and riverfront views.
- Old Market - Local market rows selling snacks, fruit and daily goods.
- Riverside Cafés - Small cafés lining the river that are good for a slow drink.
Pak Kret
Pak Kret is the suburban, quieter side of Nonthaburi anchored by Koh Kret - a tiny island that’s a favourite for pottery, slow walks and weekend markets. It’s an easy half-day trip from central Bangkok and gives a good contrast to the city’s hustle.
Top Spots
- Koh Kret - The nearby pottery island famous for handmade ceramics and weekend craft markets.
- Wat Poramai Yikawat - The distinctive temple on Koh Kret with scenic river views.
- Pak Kret Market - A daily market selling food and household goods to locals.
Central Plaza
If you need a practical base, the Central Plaza area gives modern shopping, food courts and predictable comforts. It’s not atmospheric, but it’s useful for catching buses, shopping or meeting people - the kind of place locals go for convenience rather than sightseeing.
Top Spots
- Central Plaza Rattanathibet - Large mall with shops, restaurants and a cinema.
- Chain Restaurants - Korean and Thai chains common around the mall area.
- Practical Services - Banks, pharmacies and convenience stores for travelers.
Plan Your Visit to Nonthaburi #
Best Time to Visit Nonthaburi #
Nonthaburi shares Bangkok's tropical climate - the best time to visit is November-February when days are drier and noticeably cooler, great for riverfront strolls and markets. March-May brings intense heat and haze, while June-October is the monsoon with frequent heavy downpours and higher flood risk.
Best Time to Visit Nonthaburi #
Nonthaburi's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1158 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 29°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 32°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 35°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 36°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (259 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (220 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.
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How to Get to Nonthaburi
Nonthaburi sits just northwest of central Bangkok and is easily reached from Bangkok's two airports (Suvarnabhumi - BKK, Don Mueang - DMK) and by Bangkok's rail network. The MRT Purple Line and river services provide convenient options for getting into the heart of Nonthaburi.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK): Suvarnabhumi is the main international gateway for Bangkok and is about 30-40 km from central Nonthaburi. Options into Nonthaburi include the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai (about 30-40 minutes to Phaya Thai; 45 THB) then a transfer by BTS/MRT/taxi into Nonthaburi, or a metered taxi from the airport directly to Nonthaburi (typical fare about 300-500 THB plus a 50 THB airport surcharge and tolls; travel time 35-70 minutes depending on traffic).
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK): Don Mueang handles many low‑cost carriers and is the closest airport to Nonthaburi. You can take the airport shuttle bus A1/A2 to Mo Chit (about 30 minutes; ~30-50 THB) and then transfer to BTS/MRT or taxi, or take a direct taxi to Nonthaburi (approximately 200-400 THB; 20-45 minutes depending on traffic).
Train: Nonthaburi is served by the MRT Purple Line (for example Nonthaburi Civic Center station) with direct connections toward Tao Poon where you can interchange to other metro/BTS services; fares on the Purple Line typically run from about 15-40 THB and short trips across Nonthaburi take roughly 10-25 minutes. The SRT (commuter) network and the new Bangsue/Krung Thep Aphiwat terminal provide regional rail links into greater Bangkok; fares vary by distance (roughly 15-40 THB on most commuter runs).
Bus: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMTA) buses and private shuttles connect Nonthaburi to Bangkok and surrounding districts; local city bus fares are usually in the 8-30 THB range (air‑con routes toward the higher end). Long‑distance buses depart from Mo Chit (Chatuchak) bus terminal - reachable by short transfer - and numerous local songthaews and community minibuses operate short routes inside Nonthaburi (fares typically single digits to a few tens of baht).
How to Get Around Nonthaburi
Getting around Nonthaburi is easiest using the MRT Purple Line for cross‑district trips, supplemented by river boats and taxis for destinations the metro doesn't serve. For short local journeys, buses and songthaews are cheap but slower; use taxis or Grab when you need speed, luggage space, or late‑night transport.
- MRT Purple Line (15-40 THB) - The MRT Purple Line is the most convenient rapid transit spine through central Nonthaburi (stations include Nonthaburi Civic Center). Trains are frequent, air‑conditioned and link to Tao Poon for further interchanges into Bangkok. Use the Purple Line for reliable, traffic‑free journeys - it's faster than buses for most cross‑district trips.
- SRT / Commuter Rail (Dark Red Line) (15-40 THB) - The SRT commuter services and the Dark Red Line connect Don Mueang, Bangsue (Krung Thep Aphiwat) and suburban districts; these trains are good for reaching regional hubs and for connections to long‑distance services. Schedules are improving with new infrastructure, but station access may still require a short taxi or bus transfer for some parts of Nonthaburi.
- Chao Phraya River Boat (15-40 THB) - The Chao Phraya Express and local commuter boats stop at Nonthaburi piers (for example Nonthaburi Pier N30), offering a pleasant, traffic‑free route into Bangkok's riverside districts. Fares are low (typically around 15-40 THB depending on boat type) and boats are excellent during peak road congestion - check the boat flag/route before boarding as services and stops vary.
- Bus & Songthaew (8-30 THB) - BMTA buses cover the main roads through Nonthaburi and link to Bangkok; fares are inexpensive (about 8-30 THB) but journeys can be slow in traffic. Songthaews and local minibuses fill gaps on shorter, inner‑district runs; they're cheap and frequent but can be crowded and have variable signage - ask the driver or a local for your stop.
- Taxi & Ride‑hailing (Grab) (60-500 THB) - Metered taxis and Grab are convenient for door‑to‑door trips, luggage, or late‑night journeys when trains and boats aren't running. Expect fares within Nonthaburi to be modest (short rides ~60-150 THB); trips into central Bangkok or from airports will be higher and include tolls and airport surcharges. Use Grab for upfront pricing and easier language handling if you're unfamiliar with local taxi practices.
- Walking - Nonthaburi's town centres and riverside areas are compact enough for walking between local shops, markets and a transit station. Pavements can be narrow or interrupted in places, so allow extra time and watch for scooters and uneven surfaces. Walking is often the fastest way to link between short hops on public transport.
Where to Stay in Nonthaburi #
Where to Eat in Nonthaburi #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Nonthaburi's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Nonthaburi #
Nonthaburi sits just northwest of Bangkok and offers a quieter riverside nightlife - think local bars, riverside restaurants, and the lively Koh Kret island market on weekend evenings. The riverfront areas and major malls are the main after-dark draws. Practical tips: riverside places often stay open late on weekends, dress is casual, and use public transport or river taxis to avoid traffic jams.
Best Bets
- Koh Kret (Pottery Island) - Weekend night market and riverside food stalls, very local.
- Nonthaburi riverside restaurants - Chill riverside dining with Thai seafood and river views.
- The Mall Ngamwongwan - Late-night dining, cinemas, and casual bars near the mall.
- Shopping-centre dining hubs - Good for safe evening outings and chain restaurants.
- Local night markets - Street-food stalls and market shopping on select nights.
- Scattered bars & riverside lounges - Small bars serving cocktails and Thai-style bar food.
Shopping in Nonthaburi #
Nonthaburi is where Bangkok’s suburbs meet riverside traditions - bring cash for market stalls and expect fixed prices in malls. The must-see is Koh Kret (Ko Kret), a nearby Mon-heritage island known for hand-thrown pottery and a lively weekend market of snacks and ceramics. Major shopping corridors run along Chaeng Watthana and Rattanathibet roads (malls, supermarkets and electronics chains). Bargain hard at riverfront markets and small stalls; in department stores and central plazas prices are set and cards are fine.
Best Bets
- Ko Kret (Koh Kret) - Small Mon island with pottery workshops and a weekend craft market.
- Central Plaza Rattanathibet - Local mall with fashion, food court and practical shopping options.
- Central Plaza WestGate - Large regional mall - entertainment, big-brand stores and restaurants.
- Nonthaburi Pier/Old Market (Tha Nam) - Riverside market for fresh produce, snacks and local street food.
- The Mall Ngamwongwan - Well-known mall on Ngamwongwan with clothing and household shops.
- Tesco Lotus Chaeng Watthana - Supermarket and home goods - useful for groceries and local brands.
