Nonthaburi Province

The province of Nonthaburi is located only 20 km to the northwest of Bangkok and covers an area of only 622 sq km. It is easily accessible by road or by water transport. The town came into prominence during the Ayutthaya period when King Prasat Thong had a canal dug as a shortcut from Ban Talat Khwan to the mouth of the Bang Kruai Canal. The improvement of the canal network thus increased trading prospects and the area became more prosperous, especially after the capital was moved to Thonburi.

Places of Attraction

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat
This royal monastery was built during the reign of King Rama III. The king demanded that it should be constructed from the brick remains of a fortress that was built during the time of King Narai the Great.
The bot (main shrine hall) interior walls are lined with beautiful murals while the doors, gable and window frames are stucco designs decorated with porcelain.

Wat Khema Phirataram
This royal monastery is situated on Phiboon Songkhram Rd., about 2 km from the centre of town. It was built during the Ayutthaya period and extensively renovated during the reigns of kings Rama II and Rama IV.

Wat Prasat
The temple is situated on Bang Kruai-Bua Thong Rd. The gable of the niche that leads into the bot and the murals on the interior walls have designs characteristic of the Nonthaburi school of art.

Wat Ku
This temple is located in Amphoe Pak Kret, about 4 k m from the township area. It was constructed during the reign of King Taksin, when the Mons, led by Phraya Cheng, migrated into the area. The Mon influence can be noted in the architecture and the murals. There is also a building to commemorate King Rama V's Queen Suantha, who tragically died in a boating incident. Her body was temporarily placed at the temple, before been transferred to Bangkok.