Nonthaburi: Mon Culture, Temples and Pottery

Nonthaburi Province is located along the Chao Phraya in Thailand’s central region. The province’s highlights range from Thai-Mon culture and pottery to temples, markets and agricultural insights. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on cultural sites, architecture, local food or activities around Ko Kret.

Mon Culture and Pottery on Ko Kret

Ko Kret is a well-known center of Thai-Mon culture. Wat Paramaiyikawat is an ancient temple restored in the Mon style, and it became the center of the Mon community on Ko Kret. The island’s cultural heritage and the history and role of a particular temple are both in focus here.

Pottery is another interesting subject. The Nonthaburi Museum is housed in the former provincial administrative headquarters, a teakwood building with remarkable architecture. The museum displays pottery from Ko Kret and Ban Bang Tanao Si and explains in detail how it is made. So the focus is not only on finished pieces: the methods used to make them are also part of the exhibition. If you are planning a museum visit, check current visitor information in advance, as access arrangements may change.

Temples and Different Architectural Styles

Wat Sa Thong Thong is associated with art from the Ayutthaya period. Visitors can see the intricately decorated ceiling and a large central Buddha statue in the ubosot. Wat Chimplisuthawas has two architectural features associated with Ayutthaya: the temple has an ubosot and a chedi in the style of that period. This offers a chance to compare a specific work of art inside a temple with the stylistic design of two religious structures.

Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Memorial, also known as Wat Leng Nei Yi 2, reflects a different architectural tradition. Its halls feature architectural forms that follow the principles of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism. Suan Kret Buddha, meanwhile, is a kind of open-air museum that illustrates traditional Thai life and local knowledge from the past. These examples offer different points of focus, from Ayutthaya art and temple architecture to depictions of earlier ways of life.

Markets, Food and Farming

Sai Noi Floating Market is located on Khlong Phra Phimol. Its offerings include a variety of foods as well as vegetables and fruit sold by local residents. Wat Saeng Siritham Floating Market is laid out on floating rafts and offers a wide range of savory and sweet dishes. The two markets therefore differ both in their described layouts and in the offerings mentioned. As market offerings can change, it is worth checking the latest information before visiting; operating days and hours at Wat Saeng Siritham may also change.

Ko Kret by Boat and from the Fields

Boat trips around Ko Kret are available. Visitors can also learn about agricultural cultivation methods and visit a cantaloupe farm. The farm explains how the crops are grown, cared for and harvested. A boat trip and a farm visit therefore offer different experiences: one is a boat ride around Ko Kret, while the other focuses on specific stages of cultivation. As operational details may change, check current visitor information before visiting the farm.

Whether you are more interested in Thai-Mon culture, pottery-making, religious architecture, market offerings or agriculture, Nonthaburi offers a range of topics to consider when planning your trip. These examples can help you shape your stay around the places and activities that appeal to you most.

Discover more destinations: Bang Krang, Bang Phai, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Bang Phlap, Pak Kret, Ban Mai, Pak Kret District, Nong Kai.

See the main travel guide: Thailand.