:: City attractions

Wat Chotikaram is a temple located in Tambon Bang Phai. It was formally called Wat Sam Chin and built in 1807. The beautiful sculptures that are made of Chinese porcelain have been added to the window frames of the chapel. The chapel doors have a Chinese style. Visiting this temple can be made on the route to Wat Sangkhathan.Road signs will be seen all the way.

Wat Prasat was built in the reign of King Narai the Great (of the late Ayutthaya period). The ubosot possesses sophisticated craftsmanship: the upper part features a divine god riding garuda, the finial is decorated in Mon style while a royal lion is depicted beside the finial. The sampan-shaped ubosot base used no drilling during the construction. The reason behind the unusual shape of the building is that the shape would easily allow cool air to replace heat when it rises.

The mural paintings here from the late Ayutthaya period are the works of advanced artists of the province. They are currently the oldest paintings of Nonthaburi. This temple has correctly preserved buildings and art. It is, therefore, a place of study for both Thais and foreigners. On the education building is a pulpit that is as old as the chapel.

Getting there: It is located on the Bang Kruai-Sai Noi Road, Tambon Bang Krang.If taking a boat, the temple is accessible by walking through fruit orchards for 2 kilometres or if taking a car (more convenient), from Nonthaburi Pier get a ferry then a Song Thaeo of the Bang Yai-Tha Nam line. The stop is near Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat.

 


Wat Chomphu Wek is in Tambon Tha Sai on Sanambin Nam-Nonthaburi road. The temple was built in 1757 in the late Ayutthaya period by the Mon. The attractively old chapel features mural paintings of Lord Buddha's life as well as two Sukhothai standing Buddha images. In addition, there is a Mon pagoda called "Phra Mutao” built by Mon monks in 1917 and is believed to house holy relics of Lord Buddha.

Getting there: Take a non air-conditioned bus no. 69 or a local truck (Song Thaeo) from Phra Nang Klao station. For more information on buses contact tel. 184.

:: Bang Kruai

Wat Pho Bang O is a charming old temple dating from the Ayutthaya period that is accessible via a 200-metre walk from the temple's pier. It is in a dilapidated condition, but is being renovated by the Fine Arts Department. During the reign of King Rama III, Prince Seni Borirak (the founder of the Seniwong family) renovated the temple. The chapel that shares a similar style with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha has pillars which point to the same direction in order to maintain the balance. The upper part of the chapel has woodcarving with Chinese patterns. The sandstone temple boundary markers are located around the chapel and every corner of the chapel is surrounded by pagodas. The door frames are decorated with beautiful sculptures that are made from sugarcane cement.

Getting There :
By Boat Take a Tha Chang-Bangkok Noi-Bang Yai ferry line from Chang Pier. It operates from 06.30 to 23.00 hrs. and leaves from the pier every 30 minutes. The best time for the visitors to ride a ferry is from 08.30 to 15.30 hrs.

By Car From Phra Nang Klao Bridge turn left to Bang Kruai for 17 kilometres at Bang Bua Thong junction, turn right to Nonthaburi District Office at Wat Chalo, continue driving for 500 metres. Wat Bang O will be found on the right.

Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market is at the mouth of Bang Khu Wiang Canal. The lively morning market is open from 06.00-08.00 hrs.Villagers would bring the seasonal fruits by boat to sell here, and consumer products and food can also be purchased. Monks would travel by boat to this area to receive offerings from villagers. This traditional way of life is rarely seen in Thailand nowadays.

Getting There:

  • A ferry from Wat Chalo Pier, Amphoe Bang Kruai would take 45 minutes to the floating market. The boat leaves every 15 minutes from 05.00-20.00 hrs.The fee is 5 baht.
  • Take a ferry from Nonthaburi Pier (Phibun Songkhram II) for 45 minutes. A chartered boat takes only half an hour at the cost of 300 baht.
  • Rent a boat from Chang Pier, Bangkok to Bangkok Noi-Khlong Om-Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market. The trip takes 1 hour at the cost of 300 baht.