Nonthaburi Province Guide: History, Towns and Local Products
Nonthaburi lies just north of Bangkok on the Chao Phraya, and for many people it is simply where the city continues. Yet a boat ride away from its pier lies Ko Kret, an island of Mon villages and potters, and its old orchards are still famous for durian.
This guide looks at how Ko Kret became an island, visits a royal temple on the river, tours the six districts and lists the pottery, durian and sweets Nonthaburi sells.
Nonthaburi
A Pottery Island and Royal Durians
Bangkok's riverside neighbour, where a Mon island still turns clay on the wheel and orchards grow some of the most prized durians in Thailand.
By the SnapSellGo Thailand Desk · Updated September 2026 · 8 min read
Made in Nonthaburi
A taste of Nonthaburi: its best-known goods, ahead of the first listings.
Editorial cards for now: real listings from Nonthaburi will appear in their place.
Why Nonthaburi still has an island of potters
In 1722, during the Ayutthaya period, a short canal was dug across a bend of the Chao Phraya at Pak Kret to speed up river traffic. The river followed the new channel, and the land inside the bend became an island: Ko Kret. Mon people settled there and brought their pottery tradition, which still continues in the island's workshops.
On the river bank, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat was built by King Rama III in the 19th century in honour of his mother's family. Nonthaburi's orchards along the river grew durians long considered among the finest in the country. Today the province is also home to several government ministries, and the MRT Purple Line links it to central Bangkok.
Ko Kret pottery
Mon potters on an island made by a canal.
Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat
A royal temple built by King Rama III.
Nonthaburi durian
Among the most prized durians in Thailand.
Next to Bangkok
Linked to the capital by river and the Purple Line.
Nonthaburi through the centuries
Nonthaburi's history is a river story: a canal, an island and a royal temple.
- 1722A canal is cut at Pak Kret, turning the land in the bend into Ko Kret island.
- 18th centuryMon settlers bring their pottery tradition to Ko Kret.
- 19th centuryKing Rama III builds Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat on the river.
- 2016The MRT Purple Line opens through Nonthaburi.
Six districts on Bangkok's riverside edge
Nonthaburi has 6 districts and about 1.3 million residents. These are the most interesting for visitors.
| District | What you find there |
|---|---|
| Mueang Nonthaburi | The river pier, the old provincial hall and the ministries. |
| Pak Kret | Ko Kret island and its potteries. |
| Bang Kruai | Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat and riverside orchards. |
| Bang Yai | Suburbs and markets along the Purple Line. |
| Sai Noi | Rice fields and canals in the west. |
When to go: festivals and seasons
Nonthaburi's best days are weekends and durian season. Here are the dates.
Made in Nonthaburi: OTOP and local specialities
Under OTOP, every product is linked to the sub-district where it is made, and on Ko Kret that means Mon pottery: unglazed red clay pots with fine carved patterns, made and sold in the island's workshops.
Nonthaburi's orchards are known for durian, sold at high prices in season, and Ko Kret's markets sell Mon sweets and snacks.
Real products from Nonthaburi makers appear in the carousel at the top of this page as soon as they are listed. Sellers pay no commission on SnapSellGo, only a yearly shop fee.
Short on time? A boat to Ko Kret and a walk round the island. Into temples? Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat on the river. Visiting in May? Durian season. Buying local? A small carved pot from Ko Kret.
Questions people ask about Nonthaburi
How did Ko Kret become an island?
In 1722 a canal was cut across a bend of the Chao Phraya at Pak Kret. The river took the shortcut, and the land inside the bend became an island.
Who lives on Ko Kret?
Many residents are descendants of Mon settlers, who brought their pottery tradition to the island.
Why is Nonthaburi durian famous?
The orchards along the river have long grown durians considered among the finest in Thailand, sold at high prices in season.
How do you get to Nonthaburi from Bangkok?
By Chao Phraya Express boat to Nonthaburi pier, or by the MRT Purple Line.
Sources: Wikipedia entries for Nonthaburi province, Ko Kret, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Worawihan, Pak Kret and the MRT Purple Line. Festival dates here are approximate: the lunar calendar moves them each year. Cover photo: Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat by Preecha.MJ, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.