Where am I again?
Region: Bangkok And Surrounds> Province: Nonthaburi>Location: Nonthaburi

Nonthaburi sights and attractions

Khlong Prem Prison - Bangkok's less fortunate

Walking distance from the pier

Description
Nonthaburi is home to both the maximum security men's and women's prisons for Bangkok. Quite a few foreign prisoners are inmates of the Nonthaburi Prison, many of whom are serving life sentences for narcotics offences and many of whom would appreciate a visit and a fresh conversation to take them away from the atrocious conditions for a couple of hours.

The maximum security prison is located on the first street on the left after exiting the pier, and is easily recognizable by its high concrete walls and barbed wire. The prison is home to inmates serving sentences ranging from thirty years to one hundred years (which is to be replaced soon by a maximum sentence of forty years). Others spend their time here waiting on death row.

For those wanting to brighten an inmates otherwise fairly dull day, the embassies are a good place to start to get a list of those who would like to be visited, as the guards won't let you in without names and proper visiting documents. Visiting times are from 09:30 to 11:30 and 13:00 to 14:00 daily. Gifts are allowed to be given to the prisoners and are greatly appreciated.

Nonthaburi Central Market - An authentic wet market

300m from the pier

Description
It is well worth taking a trip to Nonthaburi to explore the authentic and very colorful central market. Well spaced and not nearly as chaotic as some of the larger markets in downtown Bangkok, Nonthaburi market has a wide range of fresh produce and is certainly worth visiting in if you want to see a traditional Thai market. At least an hour can be spent wandering and taking in the sights, colours and smells of the new, interesting and tasty foods you're bound to discover. To reach the market walk about 300 m up Pratcharat Rd and the market is on your right. At the rear of the market there is a group of food stalls. The market is also adjoined by a couple of street markets.

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Worawihan - A great spot to relax

West bank of the river

Description
Quite a mouthful, so the locals call it Wat Chaloem. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The area was once home to a fortress known as Pom Thamthim which was built by King Narai in 1665. The fort was mostly demolished in order for the wat, which was ordered by King Rama III in honour of his mother and grandparents, to be built. The wat is certainly worth visiting as the setting is comfortable and the wat lacks the glitz that is laid on so heavy at some of Bangkok's other wats.

The main temple comes complete with welcoming red carpet and photos of the King who visited in January 1993 and the seated Buddha proudly wears a sash which was a gift from the King. The detailed designs on the walls were hand-painted by Chinese artists and the exterior doors and window shutters display cheerful rabbits. There are a few other Chinese influenced temples on the premises within the peaceful grounds. To the north of the main compound is the monk's residential section. The compound sports a somewhat surreal artificial garden and the real treat is the adjacent park. Tranquil, clean and well maintained with lakes, trees and lots of green, this is your spot to relax.


How to get there: To reach Wat Chaloem, catch a barge across the river from the Nonthaburi pier for 2B, then jump on one of the many waiting motorbikes for 6B. Despite how it may look from Nonthaburi town, you cannot walk to the temple along the river bank.

Ko Kret - Cycle away a day

North of Nonthaburi town

Description
This large island sits to the north of Nonthaburi and is famed both for its inhabitents and their handicrafts. The island is almost uniformally inhabited by the Mon ethnic group. Their ancestors either fled or were forcibly taken as slaves from what is modern day Burma during the Ayutthaya period some 200 years ago and have lived on Ko Kret ever since. They are best known for their Mon style pottery which is known as Kwan Aman, all of which is made from clay from Pathum Thani province. Although the pottery side of the island does have a tourist feel to it, some of the wares are particularly nice and so cheap it's not funny. Even if you don't plan on buying, its still worth visiting as many of the potters workshops are open to the laneways and it's interesting to see the pottery being made.

What is also good on Ko Kret is the lack of traffic-other than the occasional motorbike, nearly everyone else is on bicycle. If you happen to be staying at a homestay on Ko Kret, be sure to get your hands on a couple of bicycles as they are the best way to explore the island.


How to get there: To reach Ko Kret, take buses 32, 51 or 104 from Nonthaburi (or directly to/from Bangkok). The trip takes about 30-40 minutes. Once you get to Pak Kret, hop on a motorbike to get to the pier or walk about 10 minutes, then take a cross river boat for 2B to get to the island.

Wat Paramaiyikaat - Great murals

Ko Kret

Description
This old monastery on Ko Kret was built by Mon immigrants over 200 years ago and was originally known as Wat Pak Aom. Over time the wat was allowed to deteriorate until King Rama V stepped in, had it restored and dedicated to his grandmother and in 1884 King Chulalongkorn visited and deposited a holy relic. Although the wat is best known for its reclining Buddha and its Mon style architecture, it's the mural painings of the daily life for a monk that are really special and are definitely worth seeing.