7 Things To Do In Nonthaburi Including Places To Eat, Shop And Explore
Let’s be honest… Aren’t you out of ideas for things to do in Bangkok (especially if this isn’t your first time in the city)? In fact, at this point, you’ve probably completed the shopping, eating and temple and mall-hopping part of the trip.
Thankfully, Bangkok has changed so much over these past few years that its neighbouring provinces have become fun must-see destinations – including Nonthaburi.
Originally a residential area for Bangkokians, Nonthaburi has now become a hidden traveller’s spot with so many interesting places.
Here, you’ll find:
– A huge night market with a variety of items sold at affordable prices
– A garden with giant lily pads you can stand on
– Restaurants with Royal Thai cuisines
– And more!!
It’s approximately 1 hour via boat from downtown Bangkok (30 baht round-trip boat fare per person), so stop by and enjoy these 17 things to do at Nonthaburi!
Getting Around
Due to its proximity to Bangkok, Nonthaburi is accessible via the Chao Phraya River Express Boat, MRT (purple line) and car (taxi or Grab).
For the ultimate Nonthaburi experience, we recommend taking the boat to Nonthaburi to enjoy the sights along the Chao Phraya River. Otherwise, take a taxi or Grab to conveniently travel within the city.
Note that the boat last operates at around 7 to 8pm, so take the MRT, taxi or Grab to return to your hotel (if you’re leaving after this time).
1. Sit on giant lily pads – Victoria Water Lily Garden
“What? Are you serious?!” Yep, and no magic is involved. Just the power of nature. ?
What I love about this place is that so many lily pads cover the pond; it’s even hard to see the water! Better yet, you can take a picture on top of a lily pad, among the many lily pads (it looks great on photos)!
Don’t worry about falling though because the garden caretaker will choose the right lily pad for you (so don’t lie about your weight!!).
Scared? No worries. You can still enter the garden just to have a look or take a picture by the pond.
Note: Only those under 60 kilograms can sit or stand on the lily pad.
Victoria Water Lily Garden
Address: 66, Amphur Nontaburi, 1 ถนน บางบัวทอง – สุพรรณบุรี Lahan, Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi 11110, Thailand
Contact: +66 89 057 2289
Opening hours: Daily from 9am to 5pm
2. It’s water lilies everywhere! – Thammachadocha
If you’re looking for a “slow” meal, look no further than Thammachadocha. What’s great about this place is that it’s quite big, with majority of the space taken up by the lily pond. So eating here feels relaxing as you can eat while enjoying the view of the lily pads floating here and there.
You can even sit on the edge of the floor and dangle your legs (just like the locals do)!
The food is great too, serving Thai favourites like Hor Mok (in a coconut) to Crab Curry. However, the menu is all in Thai so it’s best to come with a local, ask for food recommendation from the staff or rely on the pictures to order food.
Thammachadocha
Address: DPT. Nonthaburi 3028 Rd, Sala Klang, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi 11130, Thailand
Contact: +66 87 026 0999
Opening hours: Sun-Thur from 11am to 10pm; Fri-Sat from 11am to 11pm (Closed Mondays)
3. It’s the 3 S’s: Splash, Smile and Squeeeal!! – Fantasia Lagoon
Can’t stand Nonthaburi’s heat? Go for a swim at this family-friendly waterpark located above The Mall Ngamwongwan.
From the lazy river to waterslides, have a blast as you cool down. Rent a raft or float rings (for 20 baht) if you want a “lazier” swim. ?
The place is all cute and colourful too! Remember to get food from the park or from the mall (you’re allowed to bring food from the mall inside the park).
Note: Wearing a swimming cap is mandatory.
Fantasia Lagoon
Address: L6, the Mall Ngamwongwan, 30/39-50 Moo 2 Ngamwongwan Road, Bang Khen, Nonthaburi, Thailand 11000
Contact: +66 2 363 3119
Opening hours: Mon-Fri from 10:30am to 8:30pm, Sat-Sun from 10am to 8:30pm
4. Eat and shop ‘til you drop – The Owl Market
We bet you haven’t heard of this market yet.
Food hunters, lo and behold! Whether you have a sweet tooth or enjoy savoury dishes, get ready to stuff your tummies with everything!
From lava-filled soft bread (in flavours like Strawberry Pocky and Thai Tea) to Thai favourites, such as giant meatballs and Khanom Chin. All you need to do is head over to the ‘Food Square’, where many of the food stalls are located.
Don’t forget to get some cute clothes, and one or two toys for your lil’ ones, before you leave the market too! Better yet, treat yourself to a few pairs of sturdy (but cheap) shoes and a bag full of accessories (earrings, phone cases, etc) before calling it a day.
The Owl Market
Address: 14/87 Thanon Liang Mueang, Tambon Bang Kraso, Amphoe Mueang Nonthaburi, Chang Wat Nonthaburi 11000
Contact: +6680 434 9999
Opening hours: Daily from 3pm to 12am
6. Lights, camera, and action! – Chomchei The Memory Gallery (ชมเฌย)
I might not like posing for pictures, but coming here made me immediately want to pose for one (the place is that Instagrammable!).
This place is designed like a miniature city from the late 1900s, with structures like telephone box and old-style cinemas adorning the place. In fact, many Thai production companies shoot their period movies here.
Note: Remember to call beforehand to ensure there’s no shoot on that day or you’ll be denied entrance.
Chomchei The Memory Gallery (ชมเฌย)
Entrance fee: free
Address: หมู่ที่ 4 68 ซอยกำนันทินกร ตำบล ศาลากลาง อำเภอบางกรวย นนทบุรี 11130 ไทย
Contact: +66 89 415 2038
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10am to 6pm. Sat-Sun 10am to 7pm (Closed Mondays)
7. Meet Bangkok’s (man-made) pottery island – Ko Kret
Nope, I’m not talking about reclaiming land from the sea (aka land reclamation). What I meant was that a canal was artificially made across the land hundreds of years ago, creating a man-made island now known as Ko Kret.
But because of this, Ko Kret now feels like a different place altogether – very peaceful with its own cultural identity.
The island is best known for its pottery, so visit the different stores if you enjoy seeing Thai-style pottery. You can also stroll around its riverside floating market and enjoy a riverside meal instead. It’s super relaxing and fun; I can even spend half a day here!
Ko Kret
Address: Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi, Thailand 11120