Wat Khema Phirataram Ratchaworawihan is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in Tambon Suan Yai, 2 kms. south of the town centre. The temple covers an area of 10.4 acres, its back facing Phibun Songkhram Road. The lovely temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and later in the reign of King Rama II, it was given the name "Khema”. Under Queen Srisuriyenthramat's patronage, the temple was renovated.

In the reign of King Rama IV, it was renamed "Wat Khema Phirataram” as well as was refurbished.

Behind the ubosot lies the main 30-metre tall pagoda called "Phra Maha Chedi” containing Lord Buddha's relics and Ayutthaya-style Buddha images that were brought from Chan Kasem Palace. The Monthian Throne Hall and the Daeng Royal Residence can be seen in the temple compound.

Getting there: The temple is accessible by various buses. For more information on buses contact tel. 184. Alternatively, take a Rewadi-Pak Nam local truck (Song Thaeo) line or the Chao Phraya Express Boat, get off at Nonthaburi Pier, and then ride no. 203 bus or take a ferry from Bang Si Muang pier to Nonthaburi Pier, and then connect with another no. 203 bus.

Anthropology Museum is the first natural history museum of Thailand and was built in 1961. It is located behind the former City Hall and features exhibits on the evolution of plants, animals, human beings, and the earth. Artifacts include Buddha images as well as antique porcelains. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 08.30 to 16.30. It is closed on Sunday, Monday, and public holidays. Admission is free.

Getting there: Take non air-conditioned buses no. 63, 97,and 203 and air-conditioned buses no. 9 and 126. Contact tel. 184 for more information on buses. Boat passengers can get off at Nonthaburi Pier.

Joe Louis Theatre is a puppet theatre located behind the Ministry of Health office. Puppet shows are performed by puppeteers who have a background in performing Khon or Thai mask play as the puppeteers have to dance along with the puppets. Each puppet requires 3 persons to operate so that they appear to be alive. The story told is Ramayana. At present, the Sakhon Nattasin troupe is the only troupe that pursues this type of puppet show.

Joe Louis or Sakhon Yangkhiaosot who revived the art was named a National Artist in 1996.

The performance is shown daily to the public from 09.30 to 11.00. Admission fee is 600 baht. Traditional mask making is also exhibited in the area. For more information contact tel. 0-2527-7737-8.

Wat Sangkhathan was presumably called Wat Sarikho. It was built around the late Ayutthaya period to enshrine Luang Pho To, a Buddha image in the Sadung Man posture. Later the temple was abandoned, but villagers continued paying homage to the revered Luang Pho To, thus monks residing nearby the monastery were invited for Sangakhathan. The word "Sangkhathan” literally means to give offerings to monks. This activity has been continuously practiced by villagers, hence giving the temple the name. The temple offers peaceful ambience, which resembles a forested meditation centre. It is an ideal place for meditation amid a natural environment. Females who wish to practice the 8 precepts can join a special project of nunhood called "Nek Khamma.” For more information contact tel. 0-2447-0799.

Getting there: Drive along Rattanathibet road over Phra Nang Klao Bridge, turn left at the junction for 12 kilometres. Alternatively, take a ferry from Nonthaburi Pier to Bang Si Muang Pier and then take a local truck (Song Thaeo).

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is a royal monastery located to the west of the Chao Phraya River. It was constructed under the royal command of King Rama III to dedicate to his mother and grandparents who resided in this area. The construction was completed in the reign of King Rama IV. The combination of Thai and Chinese-style ubosot (chapel) can be seen in an attractively peaceful temple compound. This unique architectural ubosot possesses an earthen mosaics roof of natural colors, which had been laid in a Chinese style and beautiful Chinese mosaics crafted into a striking flower on its upper part.

The chapel consists of a colorful mural painting of falling flowers, door and window panels have lacquered gold leaf designs, gables have raised plaster flower designs, the floor is decorated with mirrors, and the inside part of the door and window panels has drawings of lotuses, birds and aquatic animals.

The main Buddha image enshrined in this chapel is in the Sadung Man posture. It is made entirely of copper. According to legend, King Rama III commanded that copper be mined in Amphoe Chanthuk in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. A sizable quantity of high-grade copper was subsequently obtained. The king wished for the copper to be used in religious affairs and ordered the molding of Buddha images to be housed as main images within 2 new temples that were Wat Ratchanadda and Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat. He also ordered the molding of images in 34 other postures. The image at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat was completed in 1846. However, misfortune accompanied the transfer of the main image to Wat Ratchanadda when the carriage carrying the image rolled over and killed Chao Phraya Yommarat (Bunnak) and 2 other officials. In the reign of King Rama IV, he named the image "Phra Phutthamaha Lokaphinanthapatima” to mark the tragedy.

In 1858, King Rama IV placed the main Buddha image in the royal chapel here. It is in the Man Wichai posture flanked by servants. It sits on a pedestal and is the only one of its kind.

Other interesting historical artifacts include a Lanka pagoda and Phra Si Maha Pho Phan Phothikhaya dating from the reign of King Rama IV can be seen in the temple.

Kanchanaphisek Park is located beyond Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat. It covers an area of 40 acres. The park was built by the Treasury Department to mark the 50th anniversary of the accession to the throne of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and as a recreation spot for the public. The park has a fine collection of water plants, garden plants and underwater animals. The park is open daily from 06.00 to 18.00 hrs. Admission is free.

Wiman Saran Nawamin is a remarkably beautiful building, built with concrete in the style of modern Thai architecture, having a hall with a pointed roof, four sloped arches and a pyramidal roof decorated with a three-tiered state umbrella, which indicates a royal building.

The royal landing is near the reception pavilion. This is a walk-through pavilion with a four-corner tiered roof and surrounded by three traditional carved wooden pavilions.

The attractive three pavilions that are made of teak are primed with genuine gold leaves and decorated with colorful glass. They were used to hold many royal functions. Nearby, a group of teak Thai houses built in noble Thai style can be seen.

At the corner near the river is a former residence of Nonthaburi's governor and is the entry to the delightful ambience fruit farms include during, mangosteen, jackfruit, and sweet coconut. Getting There

By Car  Drive along Bang Kruai-Sai Noi route, and turn to Nonthaburi Pier, road signs will be seen all the way. From Bangkok, cross over Phra Nangklao Bridge to Bang Phlu junction, turn left to Suan Kaeo temple, and then follow the road signs to Kanchanaphisek Park.

By Boat Take a regular long tail boat from Nonthaburi Pier along Bang Yai Canal. The boat departs every 20 minutes from Nonthaburi Pier. The trip takes around 5 minutes. The fare is 7 baht.