Wat Chalo, Nonthaburi Established in the reign of King Barommagot of Ayutthaya period in the form of argosy, the temple is famous for its notably world’s biggest sworn-boat chapel. For more details, please contact 0 2447 5121, 0 2883 9277
Wat Ku, Nonthaburi This Mon style temple located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River in Tambon Bang Pud was constructed in the Thonburi period. Inside the old chapel, the walls are finely decorated with paintings in Mon style. The temple is known as the area where the shipwreck of King Rama V’s queen took place. Therefore, a palace has been built to commemorate her death. Her body was temporarily placed in the monastery before Lying-in-State in Bangkok. The ship was salvaged later and kept in the dock near Wiharn’s edifice enshrining a big reclining buddha. There is also a pavilion constructed as another remembrance to her death imitating Phra Thi Nang Aisawanthippaya Asna. in Bang Pa In Palace. How to get there; By car-From Pak Kret Pier, turn left into Soi Wat Ku on Sukhaprachasan Road. Pass Wat Bang Pud Nok and Suan Thip around 3 kms., the temple will be on the left.
By boat-Rent a boat at Pak Kret Pier and head towards north around 3 kms. It will take 10 minutes to see Wat Ku Pier on the right.
Sri Nakarin’s Park, Nonthaburi Sri Nakarin’s Park A park named after his majesty King Rama IX’s mother. With an area of about 41 acres, it is a huge public park where an enormous pond is surrounded by various plants making the place shady and peaceful for relaxation. Opened daily to public.
How to get there; From Pak Kret Pier, take Tiwanon Road, turn right at the first intersection and carry on around 2 kms.
Wat Tamnak Tai, Nonthaburi Another ancient temple is situated in Tambon Tha Sai on Sanam Bin Nam Road. According to the history, prior to the construction of this monastery, this area used to serve as King Krung Thonburi’s temporary royal pavilion. It is assumed that the Wiharn and the belfry were constructed in 1824 in the period of King Rama III.
Wat Chompuwek, Nonthaburi This monastery is located in Tambon Tha Sai, on Sanam Bin Nam-Nonthaburi Road. The temple’s old name was Chompuwiweg because of its location on a tranquil hill. Built in the late Ayutthaya era by Mon in 1757, Wat Chompuweg still has the beautiful mural paintings in the Wiharn and Ubosot, as well as the Mon style pagodas constructed by Mon monks in 1917.
How to get there; By bus Take the bus number 69 or take a minibus from Phra Nang Klao Bridge. For more information, call 184.
Wat Chotikaram, Nonthaburi Wat Chotikaram Constructed in 1807 in Tambon Bang Phai, Wat Chotikaram’s old name was Wat Sam Chin. The most beautiful spot of this monastery is Viharn Song Rong where not only the walls, but also floor and ceiling are covered with splendid mural paintings.
How to get there; Use the same direction of Wat Sangkhatan. It is easy to go there by following the signs of direction.
Wat Sangkhathan, Nonthaburi This monastery in Tambon Bang Phai possibly named Wat Sarikho in the late Ayutthaya period was built in Ceylonese Style by skillful craftsmen. The most notable spots of this temple are the glass Ubosot and the boat-shaped monk cells in a pleasantly shady area that tranquility is absolutely accessible. For more information, please call 0 2447 0799.
How to get there; By car-Go along Rattanathibet road and cross Rama V Bridge. Then keep left, there will be a sign of direction to Wat Sangkhatan. Turn left at this sign and carry on around 2 kms.
By ferry-Take the ferry boat at Nonthaburi Pier to Bang Sri Mueang Pier, then get on the minibus heading to the temple.
Wat Poramaiyikawat Museum, Nonthaburi
The museum displays various interesting items such as votive tablets, crystal ware , porcelains including " hem " , a master piece of art made by Colonel Chatwat Ngamniyom.Some say that Hem must be created by Mon who had an inspiration from the coffin but the hem of monks is different with a tiny window where the body can be seen from outside. Opening time is Monday to Friday from 1 pm.- 4 pm. and 9 am.- 5 pm. on weekend.For more information, please call 0 2584 5120
Wat Chonprathan Rangsarit, Nonthaburi Wat Chonprathan Rangsarit is a peaceful temple located in the vicinity of Tambon Bang Talat, Amphoe Pak Kret on the Nonthaburi-Ha Yaek Pak Kret Road. Its multi-purpose bamboo shade compound is always popular with Buddhists who come to offer food to the monks and listen to the sermons given by the abbot, Phra Thep Wisutthi Methi (Panya Nandha Bhikku).
Ko Kret, Nonthaburi
Ko Kret or Kret island in the Chao Phraya River was created from the digging of a canal around a cape of the Chao Phraya River. In 1722, during the reign of King Thaisa of Ayutthaya, the island was called Khlong Lat Kret Noi which means a shortcut to Kret canal. Later, the current diverted, making the canal larger and turning the cape there into an island.
Ko Kret has prospered since the Ayutthaya period as evident from the many temples on the island that are from that period. However, it may have been deserted when the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya. When Ayutthaya was reclaimed, King Taksin the Great relocated the Mon people who found religion here. The Mon people on the island came during the Thon Buri period and during the reign of King Rama II.
Chao Phraya Express Boat Co., Ltd. organises one day trip cruising to Koh Kred from Sathorn Pier every Saturdan and Sunday. Prices: Adult 300 baht, Child 250 baht. For more information call 0 2623 6143 or 0 2623 6001-3, 0 2225 3003, 0 2222 5330 ext. 106 or visit http://www.chaophrayaboat.co.th
A bicycle is the best transportation mode on the island.
Attractions on Ko Kret :
Wat Poramai Yikawat or Wat Pak Ao has many interesting things to see. There is a small castle with a five-tiered roof at the temples landing. It used to house a Mon coffin of a former abbot.
The fascinating convocation hall is decorated with items imported from Italy, a style that was popular during the reign of King Rama V. The king wished to preserve some of the traditional ways and commanded that this temple have prayers in the Mon language. Nowadays this temple is the only one that keeps the Buddhist scripture in this language. The main Buddha image here is in the Man Wichai posture, the work of Prince Praditsathanworakan who also made the Siam Thewathirat Buddha image. King Rama V praised this images beauty because its face seems alive. Another Mon characteristic here is the Mon-style pagoda that is a replica of Phra That Chedi Mutao in Hongsawadi that is highly revered by all Mons and houses the holy relics of Lord Buddha.
The chapel enshrines a reclining Buddha of the late Ayutthaya period that is decorated with striking mural paintings of royal insignias drawn by Prince Prawit Xumsai. Behind the building is a Buddha image of the province called Phra Nonthamunin from the late Ayutthaya period in the meditation posture on a Mon pedestal (Chong Phara) made by local artisans. In front of the building is a marble Buddha image that Sang Sew Sun, a Burmese, presented to King Rama V. The building is open daily during 08.30-16.30 hrs.
The museum exhibits artifacts that include earthen Buddha image, glassware, porcelain, and the Hem in particular. The Hem, a Mon-style coffin, which was made by Colonal Chatwat Ngamniyom, is considered a masterpiece of art. Its superb design and aluminum plate carving have been delicately done. It is believed that the Mons had copied the coffin style of Lord Buddha, which had a straight base, wide top, and narrow sides. The drawing of this coffin is shown in the museum. The Hem usually contains a dry corpse. A monks Hem has a window for onlookers to see the corpse inside.
Wat Prasat, Nonthaburi Wat Prasatwas built in the reign of King Narai the Great (of the late Ayutthaya period). The ubosot possesses sophisticated craftsmanship: the upper part features a divine god riding garuda, the finial is decorated in Mon style while a royal lion is depicted beside the finial. The sampan-shaped ubosot base used no drilling during the construction. The reason behind the unusual shape of the building is that the shape would easily allow cool air to replace heat when it rises.
The mural paintings here from the late Ayutthaya period are the works of advanced artists of the province. They are currently the oldest paintings of Nonthaburi. This temple has correctly preserved buildings and art. It is, therefore, a place of study for both Thais and foreigners. On the education building is a pulpit that is as old as the chapel.
Getting there: It is located on the Bang Kruai-Sai Noi Road, Tambon Bang Krang.
If taking a boat, the temple is accessible by walking through fruit orchards for 2 kilometres or if taking a car (more convenient), from Nonthaburi Pier get a ferry then a Song Thaeo of the Bang Yai-Tha Nam line. The stop is near Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat.
Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, Nonthaburi This temple is a royal monastery located to the west of the Chao Phraya River. It was constructed under the royal command of King Rama III to dedicate to his mother and grandparents who resided in this area. The construction was completed in the reign of King Rama IV. The combination of Thai and Chinese-style ubosot (chapel) can be seen in an attractively peaceful temple compound. This unique architectural ubosot possesses an earthen mosaics roof of natural colors, which had been laid in a Chinese style and beautiful Chinese mosaics crafted into a striking flower on its upper part.
The chapel consists of a colorful mural painting of falling flowers, door and window panels have lacquered gold leaf designs, gables have raised plaster flower designs, the floor is decorated with mirrors, and the inside part of the door and window panels has drawings of lotuses, birds and aquatic animals.
The main Buddha image enshrined in this chapel is in the Sadung Man posture. It is made entirely of copper. According to legend, King Rama III commanded that copper be mined in Amphoe Chanthuk in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. A sizable quantity of high-grade copper was subsequently obtained. The king wished for the copper to be used in religious affairs and ordered the molding of Buddha images to be housed as main images within 2 new temples that were Wat Ratchanadda and Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat. He also ordered the molding of images in 34 other postures. The image at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat was completed in 1846. However, misfortune accompanied the transfer of the main image to Wat Ratchanadda when the carriage carrying the image rolled over and killed Chao Phraya Yommarat (Bunnak) and 2 other officials. In the reign of King Rama IV, he named the image Phra Phutthamaha Lokaphinanthapatima to mark the tragedy.
In 1858, King Rama IV placed the main Buddha image in the royal chapel here. It is in the Man Wichai posture flanked by servants. It sits on a pedestal and is the only one of its kind.
Other interesting historical artifacts include a Lanka pagoda and Phra Si Maha Pho Phan Phothikhaya dating from the reign of King Rama IV can be seen in the temple.
Kanchanaphisek Park, Nonthaburi This public park is located beyond Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat. It covers an area of 40 acres. The park was built by the Treasury Department to mark the 50th anniversary of the accession to the throne of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and as a recreation spot for the public. The park has a fine collection of water plants, garden plants and underwater animals. The park is open daily from 06.00 to 18.00 hrs. Admission is free. The royal landing is near the reception pavilion. This is a walk-through pavilion with a four-corner tiered roof and surrounded by three traditional carved wooden pavilions.
The attractive three pavilions that are made of teak are primed with genuine gold leaves and decorated with colorful glass. They were used to hold many royal functions. Nearby, a group of teak Thai houses built in noble Thai style can be seen.
At the corner near the river is a former residence of Nonthaburi's governor and is the entry to the delightful ambience fruit farms include during, mangosteen, jackfruit, and sweet coconut. Getting There
By Car Drive along Bang Kruai-Sai Noi route, and turn to Nonthaburi Pier, road signs will be seen all the way. From Bangkok, cross over Phra Nangklao Bridge to Bang Phlu junction, turn left to Suan Kaeo temple, and then follow the road signs to Kanchanaphisek Park.
By Boat Take a regular long tail boat from Nonthaburi Pier along Bang Yai Canal. The boat departs every 20 minutes from Nonthaburi Pier. The trip takes around 5 minutes. The fare is 7 baht.
Wat Amphawan, Nonthaburi Wat Amphawan from the late Ayutthaya period was formerly called Wat Bang Muang. The most striking feature is a wooden scripture hall in the middle of a pond. This most complete example of Thai architecture has 2 rooms. Some of the features of the hall are wooden bars, a two-tiered roof covered with earthen tiles and woodcarving with exquisite designs.
The entrance door is primed with gold leaves, the mullion is crafted into flowers and gourds, above the doors are birds on each side, and beyond them the radiant sun and moon are depicted. At the rear, a tray on a pedestal and wooden Buddha images are housed.
Getting There:
- The 5-minute ride on a long tail boat from Bang Yai District Office can make the journey.
By Car Driving on Bang Bua Thong-Taling Chan outer ring road, turn left at Tambon Bang Muang.
Wat Suan Kaeo, Nonthaburi Wat Suan Kaeo is a Buddhism diffusion centre. An innovative monk named Phra Phisal Dhamma Phati or Phra Phayom Kanlayano has initiated several projects for the Suan Kaeo Foundation. The Foundation aims to upgrade living standards of the poor and to develop society. Successful projects include the Rom Pho Kaeo, the shelter for the elderly, the supermarket for the poor, and the Suan Kaeo nursery projects. For donation and tours, contact tel. 0 2595 1444.
Getting there: The temple is reached by driving over Phra Nang Klao Bridge, turn left at the second intersection for 2 kilometres. Taking no.63 bus from Victory Monument is also another way to the peaceful temple.
Wat Pho Bang O, Nonthaburi
Wat Pho Bang O is a charming old temple dating from the Ayutthaya period that is accessible via a 200-metre walk from the temples pier. It is in a dilapidated condition, but is being renovated by the Fine Arts Department. During the reign of King Rama III, Prince Seni Borirak (the founder of the Seniwong family) renovated the temple. The chapel that shares a similar style with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha has pillars which point to the same direction in order to maintain the balance. The upper part of the chapel has woodcarving with Chinese patterns. The sandstone temple boundary markers are located around the chapel and every corner of the chapel is surrounded by pagodas. The door frames are decorated with beautiful sculptures that are made from sugarcane cement.
Getting There :
By Boat Take a Tha Chang-Bangkok Noi-Bang Yai ferry line from Chang Pier. It operates from 06.30 to 23.00 hrs. and leaves from the pier every 30 minutes. The best time for the visitors to ride a ferry is from 08.30 to 15.30 hrs.
By Car From Phra Nang Klao Bridge turn left to Bang Kruai for 17 kilometres at Bang Bua Thong junction, turn right to Nonthaburi District Office at Wat Chalo, continue driving for 500 metres. Wat Bang O will be found on the right.
Kwan Aman, Nonthaburi Considered as the Mon Cultural Centre, this pottery museum is notable for its large collection of the distinctive ancient Mon design ceramics. Mon people have always been skillful in pottery since their settlement in the delta of Irawadi River. Later, at the time of Mon’s installation to Thailand during the Thonburi era, pottery has become since then Nonthaburi’s oldest handicraft and symbol with the notably beautiful characteristic Mon design. Opened every day from 9 am. to 5 pm. For more information, please call 0 2584 5086.
The Dessert Canal (Khlong khanom wan), Nonthaburi The local people living in the compound of the dessert canal as well as other canals around Ko Kret earn their living by selling several traditional Thai home-made desserts and sweets. Tourists can also enjoy the show on how to make Thai desserts and shopping all the sweetmeats as souvenirs from Khlong Khanom Wan.
How to get there; Take the ferry at Wat Sanam Nua (not far from Pak Kret Pier)or Wat Klang Kret Pier where the boat will be on service from 5 am. to 9.30 pm.
Wat Amphawan from the late Ayutthaya period was formerly called Wat Bang Muang. The most striking feature is a wooden scripture hall in the middle of a pond. This most complete example of Thai architecture has 2 rooms. Some of the features of the hall are wooden bars, a two-tiered roof covered with earthen tiles and woodcarving with exquisite designs. 
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