About Nonthaburi

Nonthaburi, Thailand's second smallest province, offers a delightful escape just northwest of Bangkok's chaos while maintaining excellent accessibility. This charming riverside region is famous for its lush orchards, earning it the nickname 'Land of the Sweetest Fruits'—particularly renowned for its succulent pomelos and mangosteens. Travelers can explore traditional floating markets like Ko Kret, an artificial island in the Chao Phraya River inhabited by Mon communities known for their distinctive handcrafted pottery. The province blends urban convenience with rural tranquility, featuring beautiful temples such as Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat with its striking golden chedi, and Wat Prasat with its ancient Khmer-style architecture. Nonthaburi's riverfront communities offer authentic Thai lifestyle experiences, where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood restaurants along the water, take scenic boat tours past stilt houses, and witness traditional ways of life that have persisted for generations. The province serves as both a peaceful retreat and a cultural gateway, with vibrant local festivals celebrating agricultural heritage and Buddhist traditions.

Travel Tips for Nonthaburi

Getting Around

River ferries provide scenic transportation along Chao Phraya River connecting to Bangkok. Orange public buses serve major routes. Motorcycle taxis are common for short distances. Taxis are available but less frequent than Bangkok—use Grab or Bolt apps. Songthaews (converted pickup trucks) operate on fixed routes. Car rentals available but not recommended due to traffic. Bicycles are excellent for exploring Ko Kret island. Boat tours available for river exploration.

Best Time To Visit

November to February offers cooler, drier weather (25-30°C) perfect for exploring outdoor markets and temples. Avoid March to May when temperatures exceed 35°C with high humidity. June to October brings monsoon rains that can flood some areas but make landscapes lush green. Visit during Loy Krathong (November) for beautiful river festivals or during fruit seasons (May-August) for agricultural experiences.

Local Customs

Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering homes and some shops. The wai (pressing palms together) is the traditional greeting. Tipping isn't expected but appreciated in restaurants (10% if service charge not included). Avoid touching people's heads or pointing feet at people/Buddha images. Speak softly in public. On Ko Kret, be respectful of Mon community traditions and ask permission before photographing people.

Safety Information

Nonthaburi is generally safe with low violent crime. Exercise normal precautions in crowded areas against pickpocketing. Be cautious when crossing streets as traffic can be chaotic. Avoid political demonstrations. Common scams include tuk-tuk drivers taking tourists to overpriced shops. Ko Kret island is very safe day and night. Some industrial areas north of the province have less tourist infrastructure. Use registered taxis with meters or ride-hailing apps.

Health Information

Nonthaburi has excellent medical facilities including Bangkok Hospital Nonthaburi and Nonthaburi Hospital. Travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are current and consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid due to potential food/water exposure. Dengue fever is present—use mosquito repellent. Tap water is not drinkable; use bottled or filtered water. Air pollution can be significant during dry season (Jan-Apr). Pharmacies are widely available, and most doctors speak English in private hospitals.

Languages Spoken

ThaiEnglish

Quick Facts

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)
฿

Timezone

Asia/Bangkok +07:00 (GMT)

Calling Code

+66

Electricity

Type A, B, C, O; 220V, 50Hz
Socket types →

Driving Side

Left

Population

1.3 million

Area

622.3 km²

Government

Provincial Administration with Governor appointed by Ministry of Interior

ISO Code

TH-12

Frequently Asked Questions