NONTHABURI

A suburban province located immediately to the north of Bangkok, Nonthaburi makes a nice day trip out of the city. Jump on any Chao Phraya Express ferry that is heading north, as they all terminate in Nonthaburi. The trip from the city takes about an hour and costs about 15 baht.

Next to the pier in Nonthaburi is a nice riverside restaurant, and down the road is a typical Thai market. Old bicycle rickshaws still ply the streets of Nonthaburi town and are a pleasant way to tour around. From Nonthaburi, long-tail boats depart regularly for Wat Chalerm Phra Kiat, located northwest of Nonthaburi town. King Mongkut ( Rama IV ) spent time here prior to becoming King (1851 - 1869). The temple grounds area good spot for a picnic, and some evidence of King Mongkut's time here can still be found.