Here is my 2-minute overview of Nonthaburi after several years of living here:
Despite it being a neighbor to Bangkok, many people think that the province of Nonthaburi (“Non” pronounced like “known”) is some far off land. In some ways, it is and Bangkok taxi drivers will agree as they often attempt to play the “Nonthaburi is so far away” card.
But as you ride the MRT, bus, or river ferry to Nonthaburi, it is difficult to tell where Bangkok ends and Nonthaburi begins. You’ll still see giant shopping malls, sprouting luxury condos, and bumper to bumper traffic.
Now go a little bit further, out of the city center (Amphoe Mueang Nonthaburi) and soon the skyline levels off. You’ll be hit by garden cafes, open-bill storks hunting snails in rice fields, and a slower pace of suburban life.
Among Thai people, Nonthaburi is well known for its organic durian, the man-made island of Koh Kret along the Chao Phraya River, and the Nonthaburi pier. Plenty of locals will commute from their homes in Nonthaburi to Bangkok everyday and retreat to their homes (where land is considerably cheaper) on the weekends.
There are also local markets not yet overrun by tourists, important government offices (an immigration office with shorter queues than Bangkok’s!), tucked away riverside restaurants, and also an exclusive community of wealthy expats in Nitchada Thani.
I frequently update content related to Nonthaburi mostly aimed at people who live in the area or Bangkokians who want to stretch their legs and see what’s in their backyard.
