NONTHABURI 1. Take the ferry from Wat Sanam Nua to Wat Poramaiyikawat Pier to worship Nonthaburi’s Buddha image then take a look around Rama V Museum. 2. Walk from Wat Poramaiyikawat to Mu 6 and Mu 7, enjoy the walking tour and the shopping of various style of pottery then visit the museum of Kwan Aman Pottery 3. Drifting along the river from Wat Sao Thong Thong Pier to Ko Wat Yai Sawang Arom in Tambon Om Kret. Feed the fish in front of the temple. In addition, various kinds of aquatic animals are reserved in this area. Before leaving, don’t forget to taste the Sweet-Scented Coconuts which are on sale here. 4. Go downstream to the south then turn right to Khlong Bang Bua Thong or Khlong Khanom Wan admiring the beautiful scenery of the Dessert Village and shopping sweetmeats as souvenirs 5. Drifting back to the mouth of the canal where the chimney of the first brick kiln of Thailand can been seen. Pass Ban Kret Trakan then head north for Wat Chim Phli Pier and shop for agricultural products. Carry on with the walking tour starting from Wat Chim Phli to the Assembly of Pottery Craft. Take a look at the demonstration of how to make a pottery and end the tour with shopping for porcelains before getting back to Wat Klang Kret by ferry.
The boat will be leaving the pier every single hour from 9 am. to 5 pm. for the tour of Ko Kret. The ticket fare is 100 Baht per person. There is also the possibility of renting a boat at the price of 350-3,000 Baht depending on the distance and the size of the boat. It will take around 1 hour and a half for the whole trip. For more information, please contact Wat Poramaiyikawat Pier at 0 2584 5012.
Cooking Classes at BAN ING NAM Health Resort & Spa, Nonthaburi 14 Mu 3 Khlong Phra Udom, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, 11120 Tel: (66) 2 9627750-2 Fax: (66) 2 9627753 Email: sales@baningnam.com or info@baningnam.com Website : http://www.baningnam.com
Ban Ing Nam Health Resort and Spa offers Special Cooking classes for people who are ready for a little more of a challenge there are specialty classes which deal with just about every topic under the sun: vegetarian cooking, diabetic cooking, and almost any other style of cooking a person can think of. Besides, food tastes better when you make it yourself…what a great sense of accomplishment to take various ingredients and fashion them into something delectable.
[ Nonthaburi Fruits Fair ] This annual fair is held during April-June to celebrate the abundance of such local fruits as durian, mangosteen and mangoes, then at their peak of succulent pipeness. Besides stalls selling the produce of surrounding orchards and local products, there are colourful processions of floats decorated with fruits and flowers, beauty pageants friuts contests, cultural shows, exhibitions of provincial handicrafts and agricultural produce, and local entertainment.
[ Giving Offerings to 108 Monks Festival ] Is held to make merit and has been practiced for decades. The attractive festival is held along the Bangkok Noi Canal at many temples including Wat Thai Charoen, Wat Bang Krai Nok, Wat Utthayan, and Wat Bang Krai Nai. This festival is annually held on the 8th day of the waning moon in the twelfth month of the lunar calendar.
[ Mon Dance Festival ] Is one of the oldest Mon dramatic arts. The current Mons have managed to retain the skills of their forefathers. In Pak Kret, Phra Pradaeng and Pathum Thani, many people can still perform the Mon dance and the Mon alto oboe.
[ The Mon Songkran ] Is held for one week after April 13th. The event features the Mon procession and entertainment. It is held around Pak Kret district office, Koh Kret.
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.
There are also daily express boats or Chao Phraya express boats between Wat Ratcha Singh Khon Pier,Amphoe Yanawa and Wat Toei Pier, Amphoe Pak Kret District from 6 am. to 6 pm., leaving the pier every 20 minutes For more information, please contact Chao Phraya Express Boat Co.Ltd. Tel : 0 2222 5330 or 0 2623 6001-3 or www.chaophrayaboat.co.th
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.
[ Ko Kret ] This is a tiny island in the Chao Phraya River, accessible by boat from Wat Sanam Nua, not far from the Pak Rrer District Office. On it live a community of craftsmen famous for their distinctive style of pottery which dates back many centuries. Ko Kret pots are known for their fine, red-black glazed surface and intricate design. These landers are the descendants of the Mon people,and they have managed to retain the skills of their forefathers.
[ Plant Market] Nonthaburi is one of Thailand's major producer for flower and fruit plants. On a journey along the Taling Chan-Suphan Buri route via Bang Kruai and Bang Yai Districts, a vast variety of plants, both flower and fruit, are available for gardeners. [ Wat Prasat ] This monastery is on Bang Kruai-Bua Thong Road in the area of Tambon Bang Krang, Amphoe Muang. The Ubosot is of Ayutthaya art having sophisticated craftsmanship. The designs on the gable of the niche entering the Ubosot and the mural paintings maintain special characteristics of the Nonthaburi school of arts which have always been visited by archaeological students. [ Wat Paramaiyikawat ] This old monastery located in the vicinity of Tambon Ko Kret, Amphoe Pak Kret is constructed in Mon style architecture. The main attractions are a large reclining Buddha, mural paintings, a Mon style marble carved pagoda and the principal image in the Ubosot. There is a village, on Lo Kret (Kret Island). where the villagers produce ancient Mon style pottery called "Kwan Aman". It is accessible by a ferry from Wat Sanam Nua which is located not far from the Amphoe Pak Kret Office. This monastery is located in the vicinity of Tabon Bang Talat, Amphoe Pak Kren and is in the area of the Royal Irrigation Department. Even though it is a newly constructed monastery it is of beautiful style architecture. Its compound in pleasantly shady and a remarkable place of studying the Lord Buddha's teachings.
[ Wat Khema Phirataram ] Also a royal monastery, it is on Phiboon Songkhram Road, Tambon Suan Yai, Amphoe Muang, two kilometers from the provincial township area. It was built in the Ayutthaya period and was renovated in the reigns of Kings rama II and IV of the Ratanakosin era. Buddha images of the Ayutthaya period are in the Ubosot, Tamnak Daeng Building, and Phra Thinang Monthian Hall.
[ Wat Chomphuwek ] This monastery is located in the vicinity of Tabon Tha Sai, Amphoe Munag, on Sanam Bin Nam-Nonthaburi Road. There are beautiful mural paintings in the Vihara and Ubosot, as well as the Mon style pagodas.
[ Wat Ku ] Located in the vicinity of Tambon Bang Phut, Amphoe Pak Kret, four kilometers from the district township area, this monastery was constructed at the time when the Mon people led by Phraya Cheng migrated into the Kingdom during the reign of King Taksin of the Thon Buri era. Construction is of Mon architecture having mural paintings in Mon style. There is a building constructed to commemorate King Rama V's Queen Suantha who was drowned by shipwreck; her body was temporarily placed in the monastery prior to transfer into Bangkok.
[ Palmyra ] A new flower garden located on the Cao Phraya River bank, amidst an orchard. Within lie typical Tahi houses and a Mon village. To reach Palmyra one proceeds over the Nonthaburi Bridge passing Wat Ko Kriang, Wat Bang Tanai, and Wat Tan, arriving at Palmyra. Another way to get there is to park the vehicle at Pak Kret Landing or at Wat Ku; then preceed on to Palmyra by a ferry. □It is open every day from 08.00 to 18.00 hours and the detailed information can be obtained by detailing □Tel: 5839278.
[ Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat ] This royal monastery in Tambon Bang Si Muang, Amphoe Muang, was commanded by King Rama III to be constructed of bricks from the demolition of a fortress built in the reign of King Narai the Great; it was dedication to King Rama III's grandparents and the Princess Mother. There are several religious buildings in the area. Inside the main shrine hall (Ubosot) are beautiful mural paintings while beautiful stucco designs decorated with porcelain on the gable and door and widow frames are seen outside.
[ King's Mother Park ] is a botanical park which doubles up as a public park in Muang district. Embracing a large pond inside, this park is home to various plants and offers tranquility. Take Highway 31 and Higway 305.
Pottery, available at Ko Kret. This tiny island in the Chao Phraya River is famous for its distinctive style of pottery which dates back many centuries. Ko Kret pots are known for their fine, red-black glazed surface and intricate design.
Fruits
Fruits, most importantly long-branched and Mon Thong durian. During April and June, the province holds fruit festivals in front of the old city hall.
Flowers
Flowers, notably orchids, are available on both side of the Taling Chan-Suphan Buri Road. This road is nicknamed the flower road and is a major plantation area of the province.
The Lame animals Aid Foundation The Lame animals Aid Foundation (fostered by Luangta Maha Bua) Being nowadays a home of 800 dogs and 150 cats, the foundation situated at 15/1 Mu 1, Soi Phramahakarun, Tiwanon Rd. is pleased to accept any kind of donations such as money, newspapers, rice and etc. Besides, there are also several projects, for example; ‘To extend the cats & dogs lives, it takes only one bath per day!’, ‘I want Daddy and Mommy Project’. What’s more, on every last Sunday of April, the annual fair where an auction of the stars’ belongings and the show of dog stars will be held. For more details, please contact 0 2584 4896, 0 2961 5625, 0 2961 3799 Fax. 0 2961 5305.
The Horn Museum A great collection of horns as well as antiques is displayed in this private museum located at 27/8 Mu 6, Pracharaj Rd., Tambon Talad Khwan. Inside the museum, there is an exhibition of horns and antiques dating back 100 years to 16 million years ago, particularly the horns of the herbivore and cannibal in Thailand. The most distinguished horn is the 2-metre-long mammoth’s ivory found in the northeastern part of Thailand. Opened on weekend from 9 am. to 4 pm. The admission fee for adult is 100 baht and 50 baht. for children. For more details, please call 0 2526 2681, 0 2968 5956 Fax. 0 2526 5741.
Montri Tramote’s house or Ban Som Song S... This house on Tiwanon 3 Road, Soi Phichayanan 2, Tambon Talad Khwan belongs to Kru Montri Tramote, notable Thai musician who lived during the reign of King Rama V until King Rama IX. Acclaimed as a national artist in 1985, he composed more than 200 songs including the most famous one called ‘Som Song Saeng’. The house is opened to the public for a study on a simple way of living of Kru Montri Tramote who had applied the buddhist virtues and non-materialism to his life. This warmly pleasant house is still lived by his descendants. But in the same compound, an area is served as an exhibition of Kru Montri Tramote’s biography, works and the whole original copies of his songs including the one firstly composed at the age of 20 and the last one written when he was 91 years old. Nowadays, the house is also opened as a Thai musical school every weekend. Besides, on second Sunday of February every year there will be a ceremony of showing respect to Thai musical teachers which is free of charge.
How to get there; By bus- number 32,33. For more information, please contact 0 2968 9498 press 0 or 0 2527 5257.
Museum and the Thai Traditional Medical ... This museum is located in the Ministry of Public Health on Tiwanon Road. The building of three storeys is remarkably built in traditional Thai style designed by a national artist. The second floor serves as an exhibition hall divided into 7 rooms of the history and evolution of Thai traditional medical profession, traditional medical philosophy as well as Thai traditional medicines.
Room 1. Phra Phaisachakuruwaitunyaprapha Hall : the link between buddhist believes and Thai traditional medical profession Room 2. Thai Traditional Medical Training Hall : the traditional ceremony of showing respect towards traditional medical teachers Room 3. Evolution of Thai Traditional Medical Profession (from the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Thonburi to Rattanakosin period) Room 4. Thai Intelligence in the 4 Regional Medical Profession Room 5. Thai Traditional Massage : history and equipments Room 6. Thai Traditional Cuisine : right food for right seasons Room 7. Medicines : traditional and herbal medicines
In the basement area, there are meeting rooms, library, and bookstore. The natural products and healthy food can be shopped on the first floor of the museum which is also the location of the Thai Medical Profession Healthy Centre, Thai Traditional Medical Remedy and Herbal Sauna and Thai Massage Service with the possibility of being member. Opened daily from 8.30 am. to 5 pm. Healthy and Treatment Massage for B.200., Feet Massage for B.150. For more details, please contact 0 2590 2606. What’s more, the museum, which is surrounded by a garden of thousand kinds of herbs, sells herbal food, clean and clear from toxic vegetables and herbal medicines. For those who are interested in taking courses in Thai traditional medical profession, body or feet massage can apply to the Institute of Thai Medical Profession Healthy Centre for a certification of the Ministry of Public Health. For more information, please call 0 2591 0598-9.
How to get there; By Bus number 97. Please note that the museum is opened daily from 8.30 am.-4.30 pm. The ticket fare for Thai people is 30 Baht for adults and 15 Baht for children. 150 Bath for foreigners. For more information, call 0 2591 1095.
The Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace The Prathom-Nonthaburi Palace Built in a mixture of Thai and European in 1919, this palace has belonged to Prince Juthathuttharadilok, a son of King Chulalongkorn. At the first place, this palace found its location in Bangkok till 1984 then was moved to Nonthaburi. Within the same compound, there is another palace where a gilded hall places a more than 100-year-old harp of Prince Juthathutharadilok. For more details, please call 0 2589 7173.
Wat Saeng Siritham Floating Market A floating market on Rattanathibet-tha It Marker Road, Tambon Tha It intends to promote the local products from the vicinity of the temple as well as from Ko Kret. This floating market is a wonderful place for relaxation not far from Bangkok. Opened on weekend and national holidays from 6 am. to 5 pm.
Wat Sao Thong Thong Wat Sao Thong Thong was formerly called Wat Suan Mak .The temple was the first elementary school in Pak Kret. Behind the chapel lies the highest pagoda in Pak Kret. It is surrounded by two smaller pagodas. Beside the chapel, there are 2 large pagodas; one is a bell-shaped Lankan-style pagoda; another is a square-based pagoda. The chapel has beautiful gold-colored ceiling murals. The main Buddha image is a plaster image in the Man Wichai posture. The Mon people call this temple Phia A Lat.Wat Chim Phli consists of a small attractive chapel, which is still in good condition. The upper part of the chapel has woodcarving depicting an angel riding a chariot surrounded by floral patterns. The doorway has a pyramid (Mondop) shape). The windows are still lovely and the building base is in the shape of a junks hull. Wat Phai Lom was built in the late Ayutthaya period. A magnificent chapel features wood flower patterns. In front of the building are 2 small pagodas in the shape of a carambola fruit with a square base and plaster designs. Mons call this temple Phia To.
Khlong Khanom Wan Khlong Khanom Wan and other canals have homes that specialize in making sweets for sale and demonstrations to tourists.
Getting there: Take a ferry from either Wat Sanam Nua or Wat Klang Kret. Boats operate between 05.00-21.30 hrs.
Wat Khemaphirataram
Wat Khema Phirataram Ratchaworawihan is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in Tambon Suan Yai, 2 kms. south of the town centre. The temple covers an area of 10.4 acres, its back facing Phibun Songkhram Road. The lovely temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and later in the reign of King Rama II, it was given the name Khema. Under Queen Srisuriyenthramats patronage, the temple was renovated.
In the reign of King Rama IV, it was renamed Wat Khema Phirataram as well as was refurbished.
Behind the ubosot lies the main 30-metre tall pagoda called Phra Maha Chedi containing Lord Buddhas relics and Ayutthaya-style Buddha images that were brought from Chan Kasem Palace. The Monthian Throne Hall and the Daeng Royal Residence can be seen in the temple compound.
Getting there: The temple is accessible by various buses. For more information on buses contact tel. 184. Alternatively, take a Rewadi-Pak Nam local truck (Song Thaeo) line or the Chao Phraya Express Boat, get off at Nonthaburi Pier, and then ride no. 203 bus or take a ferry from Bang Si Muang pier to Nonthaburi Pier, and then connect with another no. 203 bus.
The Institute of Thai Traditional Medici... The Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine (ITTM) was legally in the Office of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health located in Tiwanont Road, Amphoe Muang, Nonthaburi. ITTM bringing to develop and promote Thai traditional medicine and herbs more quality, standard, integrating into the national health care service system and alternative health for people taking care their health.
ITTM is open everyday 08.30 a.m. - 04.30 p.m. (please place the ticket before noon). Admission is 30 baht for Thai (adult), 15 baht for children and 150 baht for foreigner. Further more information, please contact 66 2591 1095 or www.ittm.or.th
Anthropology Museum is the first natural history museum of Thailand and was built in 1961. It is located behind the former City Hall and features exhibits on the evolution of plants, animals, human beings, and the earth. Artifacts include Buddha images as well as antique porcelains. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 08.30 to 16.30. It is closed on Sunday, Monday, and public holidays. Admission is free.
Getting there: Take non air-conditioned buses no. 63, 97, and 203 and air-conditioned buses no. 9 and 126. Contact tel. 184 for more information on buses. Boat passengers can get off at Nonthaburi Pier.
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.
This monastery is located in the vicinity of Tabon Tha Sai, Amphoe Munag, on Sanam Bin Nam-Nonthaburi Road. There are beautiful mural paintings in the Vihara and Ubosot, as well as the Mon style pagodas.
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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