Nonthaburi
นนทบุรี · Nonthaburi Province
Population
260K
Budget / Month
$415
Internet
100 Mbps
Best Season
November to February
About Nonthaburi
Nonthaburi is so tightly integrated with Bangkok that many residents and visitors do not notice where one ends and the other begins. The MRT Purple Line and Chao Phraya Express Boat connect it to central Bangkok in under 30 minutes, making it functionally part of the capital's metro area while maintaining its own distinct character. The old town along the Chao Phraya River retains a charm that much of Bangkok has lost, with traditional shophouses, a bustling pier market, a historic clock tower, and river views unobstructed by high-rises.
The province is famous across Thailand for its durian. Nonthaburi Kan Yao (long-stem) durian is considered the finest in the country and commands premium prices — individual fruits can sell for tens of thousands of baht at auction. The orchards along Klong Om Nont can be visited during the durian season (May to July), and the fruit's reputation gives Nonthaburi a culinary identity distinct from Bangkok.
For expats and digital nomads, Nonthaburi offers a compelling proposition: Bangkok-level infrastructure and connectivity at somewhat lower prices. Modern condominiums along the MRT Purple Line are significantly cheaper than equivalent units in central Bangkok while still providing quick access to the city. CentralPlaza WestGate and other large malls provide shopping and entertainment, and the food scene is excellent across all price levels.
Ko Kret, a small island in the Chao Phraya formed when a canal cut off a river bend in 1722, is Nonthaburi's most distinctive attraction. The island is home to a Mon community famous for hand-thrown pottery, and its car-free lanes make it one of the most peaceful day trips from Bangkok.
Historical Note
Nonthaburi was established in 1549 during the Ayutthaya period and served as an important river settlement upstream of the capital. Its durian orchards have been famous since at least the 19th century. The province was historically separate from Bangkok but has been gradually absorbed into the metropolitan area through urbanisation, particularly since the 2016 extension of the MRT Purple Line.
Best time to visit: November to February
At a Glance
Thai Name
นนทบุรี
Province
Nonthaburi
Region
Central
Population
260,000
Area
622 km²
Elevation
3 m
Postal Code
11000
Founded
1549
Local Language
Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month14,700 THB
~$415 USD
comfortable
/month24,500 THB
~$690 USD
luxury
/month46,500 THB
~$1,310 USD
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm per night | 300 | 500 |
| Budget hotel per night | 500 | 900 |
| Mid-range hotel per night | 900 | 2,000 |
| Monthly studio condo | 5,000 | 9,000 |
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 35 | 60 |
| Local restaurant meal | 60 | 120 |
| Western restaurant meal | 150 | 350 |
| Cafe coffee | 40 | 80 |
| Local beer | 45 | 80 |
| Water 1.5L | 10 | 18 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| MRT single ride | 16 | 42 |
| Chao Phraya boat | 15 | 30 |
| Grab ride (local) | 40 | 150 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity per month | 700 | 2,500 |
| Mobile internet per month | 300 | 700 |
| Internet fiber per month | 500 | 900 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Movie ticket | 160 | 280 |
| Gym per month | 800 | 2,500 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
50% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
5
Weather & Climate
Year-round, as it shares Bangkok's climate. November to February is the most pleasant and dry. May to July is durian season, the best time for fruit lovers. Ko Kret is most enjoyable on weekends when the Mon pottery market is active.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 22 | 15 | 70% |
| Feb | 33 | 23 | 20 | 72% |
| Mar | 34 | 25 | 40 | 73% |
| Apr | 35 | 26 | 80 | 74% |
| May | 34 | 26 | 195 | 78% |
| Jun | 33 | 26 | 170 | 78% |
| Jul | 33 | 25 | 175 | 79% |
| Aug | 32 | 25 | 200 | 80% |
| Sep | 32 | 25 | 335 | 82% |
| Oct | 32 | 25 | 290 | 82% |
| Nov | 31 | 23 | 55 | 76% |
| Dec | 31 | 22 | 10 | 70% |
Things to Do
Ko Kret Island
เกาะเกร็ด
Small island in the Chao Phraya home to a Mon community famous for pottery. Car-free with a walking path, weekend market, and several temples.
Nonthaburi Pier Market
Bustling market around the Nonthaburi pier with excellent street food, fresh fruit, and local products.
Klong Om Nont Durian Orchards
Canal-side orchards growing premium Nonthaburi durian varieties. Tours and tastings during season.
CentralPlaza WestGate
One of the largest shopping malls in Thailand with hundreds of shops, dining, cinema, and an IKEA.
Wat Chalerm Phra Kiat Worawihan
วัดเฉลิมพระเกียรติวรวิหาร
The province's most important temple, on the Chao Phraya riverbank with historic buildings and a peaceful atmosphere.
Nonthaburi Old Town Walk
Walking route through the old town past the clock tower, traditional shophouses, old provincial hall, and riverside views.
Chao Phraya River Cruise
Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat between Nonthaburi and central Bangkok — an affordable scenic river cruise.
Ko Kret Mon Pottery Workshop
Hands-on pottery-making at traditional Mon potters' homes on Ko Kret.
Food & Dining
ทุเรียนก้านยาว
Durian Kan Yao
Nonthaburi's legendary premium durian variety — sweet, creamy, and the most prized in Thailand.
500-2000/kg
Klong Om Nont orchards and Nonthaburi market (May to July)
ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเนื้อ
Kuay Tiew Neua
Rich beef noodle soup with slow-cooked brisket, a signature dish near the Nonthaburi pier.
40-70
Noodle shops near Nonthaburi pier
ขนมหม้อแกง
Khanom Mo Kaeng
Traditional Thai baked custard with mung bean or taro, rich and caramelised on top.
30-50
Market stalls at Nonthaburi pier
ปลาทอดกระเทียม
Pla Tod Kratiam
Whole fish fried with crispy garlic, a classic Chao Phraya riverside preparation.
60-120
Riverside restaurants
ข้าวแช่
Khao Chae
Jasmine-scented iced rice with elaborate side dishes — a Mon-Thai royal dish served in the hot season.
60-150
Ko Kret market stalls in hot season
Night Markets
- Nonthaburi Pier Market
- WestGate Night Market
Food Streets
- Nonthaburi old town riverside
- Rattanathibet Road stalls
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
300 - 500
THB / night
Budget Hotel
500 - 900
THB / night
Mid-Range
900 - 2,000
THB / night
Luxury
2,000 - 4,500
THB / night
Studio /mo
5,000 - 9,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
7,000 - 14,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Modern condos along the MRT Purple Line offer the best value. Richmond Stylish Convention Hotel and serviced apartments near WestGate are convenient.
Getting There from Bangkok
MRT Purple Line
20-35 minutes
16-42 THB
Chao Phraya Express Boat
30-45 minutes
15-30 THB
Bus
30-60 minutes
8-25 THB
Getting Around
MRT Purple Line
WidespreadMain backbone with 16 stations in Nonthaburi
16-42
Motorbike taxi
WidespreadUbiquitous at every MRT exit
15-50
Grab
WidespreadWidely available throughout the province
40-150
Songthaew
WidespreadFixed routes to residential areas
8-15
Neighborhoods
Nonthaburi Old Town / Pier Area
Lively, traditional, riversideHistoric riverside area with markets, temples, the old provincial hall, and clock tower. Retains old-Bangkok character.
Best for: Food, culture, atmosphere
MRT Purple Line Corridor
Urban condo-livingModern condominium developments along the MRT with malls and new commercial areas.
Best for: Modern living and Bangkok commuters
Bang Bua Thong / WestGate
Suburban and modernNewer suburban development around CentralPlaza WestGate with big-box retail and residential estates.
Best for: Families and shoppers
Pak Kret / Ko Kret
Semi-rural, culturalNorthern district including Ko Kret island, with riverside communities and cultural attractions.
Best for: Culture and weekend trips
Digital Nomad Guide
6
Nomad Score / 10
Coworking Spaces
Pros
- Cheaper than central Bangkok
- Excellent internet and 5G
- Easy MRT access to Bangkok coworking
- Modern condo supply
Cons
- Small dedicated nomad community
- Less English than central Bangkok
- Lacks nightlife and international scene
- Hot and humid year-round
Festivals & Events
Nonthaburi Durian Festival
เทศกาลทุเรียนนนทบุรี
Celebrating the province's famous durian harvest with tastings, competitions, and sales.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
River-based celebrations, especially atmospheric at the pier and on Ko Kret.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Water festival celebrations, particularly lively near the pier area.
Ko Kret Pottery Festival
Cultural events celebrating Mon pottery traditions on Ko Kret island.
Practical Info
Hospital
InternationalPhra Nang Klao Hospital (public), Nonthavej Hospital (private)
Best SIM Provider
AIS or TrueMove
ATM Availability
Everywhere
Language Tip
Thai primarily; more English than rural provinces due to Bangkok proximity, but less than central Bangkok.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water everywhere.
Tipping Culture
Service charge common at mid-range restaurants
7-Eleven Density
Everywhere
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191, Ambulance 1669
Day Trips
Central Bangkok
Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chinatown, shopping — all easily accessible by MRT and boat.
Ayutthaya
UNESCO World Heritage ruins of the former Siamese capital.
Nakhon Pathom
Home of the Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest stupa in Thailand, and famous food markets.
Pathum Thani
Adjacent province with science museums, Rangsit university area, and Future Park mall.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nonthaburi separate from Bangkok?
Administratively yes — it is its own province. Practically, it is seamlessly connected to Bangkok via the MRT and river boats. Most people cannot tell where Bangkok ends and Nonthaburi begins.
Why live in Nonthaburi instead of Bangkok?
Lower rent, newer condos, and less congestion while still being 20-30 minutes from central Bangkok by MRT.
Is there an airport?
No, but Don Mueang Airport is about 30 minutes away, and Suvarnabhumi about 45-60 minutes.
What is special about Nonthaburi durian?
The Kan Yao (long-stem) variety is considered the finest in Thailand. Individual fruits can sell for tens of thousands of baht at auction.
Is Ko Kret worth visiting?
Yes, especially on weekends when the market is active. It is a pleasant half-day trip with pottery, food, and a car-free riverside atmosphere.
How is the internet?
Excellent — same quality as Bangkok with fibre, 5G coverage, and multiple providers.