Koh Kret is a small river island accessible by short ferry ride from Pak Kret pier. It was settled by Mon people (from Burma) in the 17th century and has maintained a distinct ceramic tradition. The island has no cars, several old temples, pottery workshops you can watch and buy from, and riverside food stalls. The best day to visit is Saturday or Sunday.

Can I combine Nonthaburi with a Bangkok day?

Yes — Koh Kret makes an excellent half-day excursion from Bangkok, especially combined with a river boat journey up the Chao Phraya. Take the express boat northbound, stop at Nonthaburi, continue to Pak Kret by songthaew, and return the same way.

When is durian season in Nonthaburi?

Nonthaburi durian season runs roughly May to July. The province's Monthong variety is considered the gold standard. Nonthaburi pier market and the Pak Kret area are the best places to buy direct from producers. Expect to pay premium prices for genuinely superior fruit.

Nonthaburi Province Guide — Koh Kret Island, Pottery & Durian Season

About Nonthaburi Province

Nonthaburi is Bangkok's immediate northern neighbour, connected by the Chao Phraya River and the MRT Purple Line which links Nonthaburi to Bang Sue Grand Station. The province is primarily residential and commercial — home to Thailand's parliament building and several government ministries — but contains some genuine attractions for those making the short trip from Bangkok. Koh Kret island, a former Mon settlement in the middle of the Chao Phraya, offers handmade pottery workshops, traditional riverside temples, and a car-free village atmosphere that feels entirely different from the city 40 minutes away. Nonthaburi's durian orchards produce some of Thailand's most prized fruit.

Key facts

Population: 1,295,916 (2022)
Area: 622 km²
Density: 2,083 / km²
Districts: 6
Capital: Nonthaburi
ISO code: TH-12

All 6 districts

Bang Bua Thong · Bang Kruai · Bang Yai · Mueang Nonthaburi · Pak Kret · Sai Noi

Top Highlights

Koh Kret
Mon island in the Chao Phraya with pottery workshops and ancient temples
National Parliament
contemporary landmark building open for guided tours
Nonthaburi Durian Market
seasonal (May to July) durian buying direct from growers
Chao Phraya river view restaurants
elevated dining with Bangkok skyline views

Getting There

MRT Purple Line from Bang Sue Grand Station to Nonthaburi Civic Centre takes 15–20 minutes. The Chao Phraya Express Boat runs from Sathorn Pier to Nonthaburi pier in about 1 hour. Koh Kret is accessible by ferry from Pak Kret pier, 30 minutes north of Nonthaburi by taxi or bus.

Inside Nonthaburi

Districts (6)

Bang Bua Thong ·Bang Kruai ·Bang Yai ·Mueang Nonthaburi ·Pak Kret ·Sai Noi

Mapped in Nonthaburi

192 places of interest recorded in OpenStreetMap. Coverage is contributed by volunteers and varies by area, so treat these as a guide to what is mapped rather than a complete inventory.

137Temples
31Markets
12Historic sites
6Museums
6Attractions

Named examples

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources

Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.

1.Q242932 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026

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