Nonthaburi

Nonthaburi

General Information

Nonthaburi is over 400 years old, dating back to when Ayutthaya was the capital. The town was originally located at Tambon Ban Talat Khwan, a famous fruit orchard where the Chao Phraya River and various canals pass through.
King Prasat Thong ordered the digging of a canal as a shortcut from the south of Wat Thai Muang to Wat Khema because the old waterway flowed into Om River to Bang Yai then to Bang Kruai Canal next to Wat Chalo before ending in front of Wat Khema.
After the new shortcut was completed, the Chao Phraya River changed its flow into the new route that remains today. In 1665, King Narai the Great noticed that the new route gave enemies too much proximity to the capital. Therefore, he ordered that a fortress be built at the mouth of Om River and relocated Nonthaburi to this area. A city shrine still stands there.
Later during the reign of King Rama IV of the Rattanakosin period, he ordered the town moved to the mouth of Bang Su Canal in Ban Talat Khwan. King Rama V then had the provincial hall built there on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River. In 1928, the hall was moved to Ratchawitthayalai, Ban Bang Khwan, Tambon Bang Tanao Si. It is now the Training Division of the Ministry of Interior on Pracha Rat 1 Road, Amphoe Muang, on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. The building is of European architecture decorated with patterned woodwork. The Fine Arts Department has registered it as an historical site. The provincial hall is now on Rattanathibet Road.

Symbol

The provincial seal shows earthenware, a traditional product from Nonthaburi.
Provincial flower and tree is the Yellow Flame Tree (Peltophorum pterocarpum).
The provincial slogan translates to “Grand Royal Mansion, renowned Suan Somdet, Ko Kret's pottery, famous ancient temples, tasty durians, and the beautiful government office”. The royal mansion refers to Patumnuk Nonthaburi in Mueang district, the residence of Prince Boromaorasatirad; Suan Somdet is a water garden in Ko Kret district. The provincial administration building once have received an award as the most beautiful such building by the Ministry of Interior.

Getting there

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.

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.

Festivals

Giving Offerings to 108 Monks Festival

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

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.

Nonthaburi Fruits Fair

Nonthaburi Fruits Fair is an annual fair held during April-June to celebrate the abundance of such local fruits as durian, mangosteen, mango, and star fruit. It is held beside the dam in front of the old city hall in Muang district. Ornamental flowers are also available.

The Mon Songkran

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, Ko Kret.

Interesting Products

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.

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.

Pottery

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.