Nonthaburi

Nonthaburi is over 400 years old, dating back to when Ayutthaya was the capital. The town was originally located at Tambon Ban Talat Khwan, a famous fruit orchard where the Chao Phraya River and various canals pass through.

King Prasat Thong ordered the digging of a canal as a shortcut from the south of Wat Thai Muang to Wat Khema because the old waterway flowed into Om River to Bang Yai then to Bang Kruai Canal next to Wat Chalo before ending in front of Wat Khema.

After the new shortcut was completed, the Chao Phraya River changed its flow into the new route that remains today. In 1665, King Narai the Great noticed that the new route gave enemies too much proximity to the capital. Therefore, he ordered that a fortress be built at the mouth of Om River and relocated Nonthaburi to this area. A city shrine still stands there.

Later during the reign of King Rama IV of the Rattanakosin period, he ordered the town moved to the mouth of Bang Su Canal in Ban Talat Khwan. King Rama V then had the provincial hall built there on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River.

In 1928, the hall was moved to Ratchawitthayalai, Ban Bang Khwan, Tambon Bang Tanao Si. It is now the Training Division of the Ministry of Interior on Pracha Rat 1 Road, Amphoe Muang, on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. The building is of European architecture decorated with patterned woodwork. The Fine Arts Department has registered it as an historical site. The provincial hall is now on Rattanathibet Road.

Attractions
The tiny island of Koh Kret (Kret Island) in the Chao Phraya River was first inhabited by a community of Mon people towards the end of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The Mon craftsmen managed to retain the traditional skills of their forefathers passed down through generations in producing the famous, distinctive style of pottery that dates back many centuries. Koh Kret's pots are known for their fine, red-black glazed surface and intricate designs.

The royal temple of Wat Chalerm Phra Kiat , situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, was built on the site of a 17th century fortress by King Rama III in the 19 th century in honor of his mother, a native of that vicinity. Built with a mix of Thai and Chinese architectural designs, the most striking feature is the intricate detailing on the doors and window frames of the bot. King Rama IV later added a chedi to the attractive temple grounds.

The European-style Old City Hall was constructed during the reign of King Rama VI and decorated with fine carved teakwood. The front area facing the Chao Phraya River now serves as a public rest area.

The Humanity Museum located adjacent to the Old City Hall is the first museum of its kind in Thailand. Built in 1961, the top floor contains important historical artifacts, such as a collection of Buddha images from different eras and collection of antique potteries. The ground floor displays the evolution of earth, plant life, animal life, human life, artworks and tools and utensils dating from the past to the present.

Wat Ku was constructed during the period that Phra Cheng moved his entire Mon family into Thailand during the period of the Thonburi Kingdom. The temple contains oil-painted murals drawn by Mon artists. Later, a royal palace was built on the grounds to commemorate and temporarily house the ashes of King RamaV's Queen Sunantha Kumarirat who drowned in a capsized boating accident.The ethnic Mon-style temple of Wat Poramaiyikawat is situated on Koh Kret and features a large, marbled, Mon-style reclining Buddha, wall paintings, and marbled carvings within the bot. Originally called ‘Wat Pak Ow', King Rama V commissioned a restoration of the entire temple, the construction of a new Mon-style chedi, and bestowed upon it its present name. Since the temple displays many Mon artworks, the locals commonly refer to it as ‘Wat Mon'.

Located in Pakkred District, the popular compound of Wat Chonlaprathan Rangsarit is always crowded every Sundays and Buddhist religious holidays with worshippers offering food to monks and listening to sermons as part of their merit making activities.

The riverside Wat Khema Phirataram features a main pagoda, called ‘Phra Maha Chedi ', containing Lord Buddha's relics and Ayutthaya-style Buddha images enshrined in the ubosot.

Located by Klong (canal) Om, the late Ayutthaya-style Wat Amphawan houses an intricately designed, wooden ‘ Hor Trai Klang Nam' , a hall for keeping Buddhist Scriptures located in the middle of a pond.
A traditional floating market convenes at the mouth of the Klong Ban Khu Wiang every morning with farmers paddling boats laden with fruits and produce. It provides a glimpse of a rapidly disappearing traditional way of life.

City attractions

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.

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.

Wat Suan Kaeo

Wat Suan Kaeo is a Buddhism diffusion centre. An innovative monk named Phra Phisal Dhamma Phati or Phra Phayom Kanlayano has initiated several projects for the Suan Kaeo Foundation. The Foundation aims to upgrade living standards of the poor and to develop society. Successful projects include the Rom Pho Kaeo, the shelter for the elderly, the supermarket for the poor, and the Suan Kaeo nursery projects. For donation and tours, contact tel. 0-2595-1444.

Getting there: The temple is reached by driving over Phra Nang Klao Bridge, turn left at the second intersection for 2 kilometres. Taking no.63 bus from Victory Monument is also another way to the peaceful temple.

Pak Kret

Ko Kret island in the Chao Phraya River was created from the digging of a canal around a cape of the Chao Phraya River. In 1722, during the reign of King Thaisa of Ayutthaya, the island was called "Khlong Lat Kret Noi” which means a shortcut to Kret canal. Later, the current diverted, making the canal larger and turning the cape there into an island.

Ko Kret has prospered since the Ayutthaya period as evident from the many temples on the island that are from that period. However, it may have been deserted when the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya. When Ayutthaya was reclaimed, King Taksin the Great relocated the Mon people who found religion here. The Mon people on the island came during the Thon Buri period and during the reign of King Rama II.
A bicycle is the best transportation mode on the island.

Attractions on Ko Kret :
Wat Poramai Yikawat or Wat Pak Ao has many interesting things to see. There is a small castle with a five-tiered roof at the temple's landing. It used to house a Mon coffin of a former abbot.

The fascinating convocation hall is decorated with items imported from Italy, a style that was popular during the reign of King Rama V. The king wished to preserve some of the traditional ways and commanded that this temple have prayers in the Mon language. Nowadays this temple is the only one that keeps the Buddhist scripture in this language. The main Buddha image here is in the Man Wichai posture, the work of Prince Praditsathanworakan who also made the Siam Thewathirat Buddha image. King Rama V praised this image's beauty because its face seems alive. Another Mon characteristic here is the Mon-style pagoda that is a replica of Phra That Chedi Mutao in Hongsawadi that is highly revered by all Mons and houses the holy relics of Lord Buddha.

The chapel enshrines a reclining Buddha of the late Ayutthaya period that is decorated with striking mural paintings of royal insignias drawn by Prince Prawit Xumsai. Behind the building is a Buddha image of the province called "Phra Nonthamunin” from the late Ayutthaya period in the meditation posture on a Mon pedestal (Chong Phara) made by local artisans. In front of the building is a marble Buddha image that Sang Sew Sun, a Burmese, presented to King Rama V. The building is open daily during 08.30-16.30 hrs.

The museum exhibits artifacts that include earthen Buddha image, glassware, porcelain, and the "Hem” in particular. The Hem, a Mon-style coffin, which was made by Colonal Chatwat Ngamniyom, is considered a masterpiece of art. Its superb design and aluminum plate carving have been delicately done. It is believed that the Mons had copied the coffin style of Lord Buddha, which had a straight base, wide top, and narrow sides. The drawing of this coffin is shown in the museum. The Hem usually contains a dry corpse. A monk's Hem has a window for onlookers to see the corpse inside.

Wat Tamnak Tai is an old temple located on Sanambin Nam road, Mu 4, Tambon Tha Sai. At one time, the area was a temporary stopover of King Thonburi. The remains indicate that the vihara and the bell hall were constructed in 1824 during the reign of King Rama III. The Man Wichai Buddha image from the Sukhothai period is enshrined in the chapel.

Wat Ku is on the bank of the Chao Phraya in the vicinity of Tambon Bang Phut, 4 kms. from Amphoe Pak Kret. It was constructed by the Mon people during the reign of King Taksin the Great. There is a building constructed to commemorate King Rama V's Queen Sunantha who drowned in a shipwreck. The building had taken the model of a pavilion in the Bang Pa-In Palace.

The Mon mural paintings showing Lord Buddha's biography can be seen in the old chapel. A large reclining Buddha lies in front of Queen Sunantha's boat that was salvaged and brought here. Getting there: From Pak Kret Pier turn left to Soi Wat Ku, and drive along Sukha Prachasan Road, pass Bang Phut Nok temple, Suan Thip, Si Thai Doem Restaurant, and Wat Ku will be seen on the left. The route is 3 kilometres. Chartered boats from Pak Kret Pier to the north of Wat Ku take 10 minutes and Wat Ku Pier will be seen on the right.

Wat Chonprathan Rangsarit is a peaceful temple located in the vicinity of Tambon Bang Talat, Amphoe Pak Kret on the Nonthaburi-Ha Yaek Pak Kret Road. Its multi-purpose bamboo shade compound is always popular with Buddhists who come to offer food to the monks and listen to the sermons given by the abbot, Phra Thep Wisutthi Methi (Panya Nandha Bhikku).

Bang Kruai

Phra Sri Nakharin Park is a 40.8-acre park located in Nong Pru, Tambon Ban Mai. A large swamp situated amidst various kinds of trees creates a pleasant environment for all visitors. The lovely park has a mini-garden, a sundial, and a fountain in its center for visitors to enjoy. It is under the management of the Sanitary Zone of Amphoe Pak Kret. It is open daily. Admission is free.

Getting there: From Pak Kret Pier, drive on Tiwanon Road, then turn right at Ban Kon Toeng junction, and continue driving for 2 kilometres.

Wat Sao Thong Thong was formerly called Wat Suan Mak.The temple was the first elementary school in Pak Kret. Behind the chapel lies the highest pagoda in Pak Kret. It is surrounded by two smaller pagodas. Beside the chapel, there are 2 large pagodas; one is a bell-shaped Lankan-style pagoda; another is a square-based pagoda. The chapel has beautiful gold-coloured ceiling murals. The main Buddha image is a plaster image in the Man Wichai posture. The Mon people call this temple "Phia A Lat.”Wat Chim Phli consists of a small attractive chapel, which is still in good condition. The upper part of the chapel has woodcarving depicting an angel riding a chariot surrounded by floral patterns. The doorway has a pyramid (Mondop) shape). The windows are still lovely and the building base is in the shape of a junk's hull. Wat Phai Lom was built in the late Ayutthaya period. A magnificent chapel features wood flower patterns. In front of the building are 2 small pagodas in the shape of a carambola fruit with a square base and plaster designs. Mons call this temple "Phia To.”

Kwan A Man is a Mon cultural centre featuring traditional Mon earthen pottery. The art of making pottery of the Mon people dates back to the Thon Buri period. It is considered the oldest kind of handicraft in Nonthaburi. Its distinctive beauty is now part of the provincial emblem. Along the walkway on the island are some homes that make pottery items for daily use like flowerpots, mortars, jars, etc. Visitors can go inside and browse.

Khlong Khanom Wan and other canals have homes that specialize in making sweets for sale and demonstrations to tourists.

Getting there: Take a ferry from either Wat Sanam Nua or Wat Klang Kret. Boats operate between 05.00-21.30 hrs.

Suggested Itineraries on Ko Kret:
Take a ferry from Wat Sanam Nua Pier to Wat Poramai Yikawat, pay respect to the Buddha image that symbolises Nonthaburi and visit the Rama V Museum;

Walking tour from Wat Poramai Yikawat to Mu 6 and Mu 7 to purchase pottery or visit earthen pottery manufacturers and visit the earthen pottery museum;

Rent a boat from Wat Sao Thong Thong to the south of Ko Kret around Wat Yai Sawang Arom, Tambon Om Kret. One goodwill activity is feeding fish in front of the temple where fishing is prohibited. Donations are given to the temple. Afterwards, you can enjoy sweet coconut juice.

Rent a boat to the south of Ko Kret, turn right to Bang Bua Thong canal or Khlong Khanom Wan. Visit traditional Thai dessert villages along the canals. Lovely desserts can be sweet souvenirs.Travel upwards to the canal's mouth to see the first fire-resistant brick factory in Thailand, en route to Kret Trakan village to Wat Chim Phli Pier to see various agricultural produce. Continue walking to the local makers of earthenware in Mu 1 where there are pottery carving demonstrations. The unique style of pottery here make it great souvenirs. Round up the trip by taking a ferry to Wat Klang Kret on the return.

Renting a boat is a fine way to experience the lovely island. The price ranges from 350 baht to 3,000 baht depending on the distance and the boat size. For more information contact the Poramai Yikawat Pier and for advance reservation contact tel. 0-2584-5012.

Bang Yai

Wat Amphawan from the late Ayutthaya period was formerly called Wat Bang Muang. The most striking feature is a wooden scripture hall in the middle of a pond. This most complete example of Thai architecture has 2 rooms. Some of the features of the hall are wooden bars, a two-tiered roof covered with earthen tiles and woodcarving with exquisite designs.

The entrance door is primed with gold leaves, the mullion is crafted into flowers and gourds, above the doors are birds on each side, and beyond them the radiant sun and moon are depicted. At the rear, a tray on a pedestal and wooden Buddha images are housed.

Getting There: The 5-minute ride on a long tail boat from Bang Yai District Office can make the journey. By Car Driving on Bang Bua Thong-Taling Chan outer ring road, turn left at Tambon Bang Muang.

Activities : Festival

The Mon Songkran is held for one week after April 13 th. The event features the Mon procession and entertainment. It is held around Pak Kret district office, Ko Kret.

Nonthaburi Fruits Fair is an annual fair held during April-June to celebrate the abundance of such local fruits as durian, mangosteen, mango, and star fruit. It is held beside the dam in front of the old city hall in Muang district. Ornamental flowers are also available.

Giving Offerings to 108 Monks Festival is held to make merit and has been practiced for decades. The attractive festival is held along the Bangkok Noi Canal at many temples including Wat Thai Charoen, Wat Bang Krai Nok, Wat Utthayan, and Wat Bang Krai Nai. This festival is annually held on the 8 th day of the waning moon in the twelfth month of the lunar calendar.

Mon Dance Festival is one of the oldest Mon dramatic arts. The current Mons has managed to retain the skills of their forefathers. In Pak Kret, Phra Pradaeng and Pathum Thani, many people can still perform the Mon dance and the Mon alto oboe.

Hotels and accommodation

• Golden Dragon : 20/21 Ngam Wong Wan Road Amphoe Muang [0 2589 0130-41] : 600-700 baht
• P.S.P Apartment : 140 Mu 7 Soi Phibunsongkhram 9, Phibunsongkhram Road, Tambon Suan Yai Amphoe Muang [0 2966 6431-4 Fax: 0 2966 5414] : 500-600 baht
• Park Inn : 30/11 Rattanathibet Road Amphoe Muang [0 2589 9225-9] : 500-1,000 baht
• Richmond Hotel : 69/783-787 Rattanathibet Road Amphoe Muang [0 2591 7854] : 1,800-2,000 baht
• Eastern Lake Side : 50/492 Mueang Thong Thani, Chang Watthana Road Amphoe Pak Kret [0 2503 2062-3] : www.empresshotels.com :: 2,400-8,500 baht
• The Thai House : 32/4 Mu 8 Tambon Bang Muang Amphoe Bang Yai [0 2903 9611 Fax: 0 2903 9354 Bangkok Tel: 0 2280 0740-41]

Restaurants

• Krua Halel (Muslim) : Regent Ngamwongwan, 288/16 Ngamwonwan Soi 9, Bang Krasor, 0-2952-5500
• Ocha House : 21/1 Pracharad Rd., 0-2580-5870
• Tan Thong : 89/29-30 Chang Wattana Rd., Pakkred, 0-2583-7041
• Mali : 77/19 Chang Wattana Rd., Pakkred
• Raya : Foot of Phra Nang Klao Bridge, Rattanathibet Rd., 0-2525-0123, 0-1211-3228
• Dairy Queen : Foot of Phra Nang Klao Bridge, 0-2579-4090, 0-1211-3800
• Wattana Panich : 57/8-9 Tiwanon Rd.
• Suan Aharn Mae Prapa : Before reaching Bumrad Naradune Hospital, Tiwanon Rd.
• Kim Tiang : 115/25-26 Tiwanon Rd.
• Rim Fang : Pier across from the provincial hall

How to get 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.