Nonthaburi (or Muang Nonthaburi) is a capital of the same name province located on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, just 20 km North of Bangkok. Nonthaburi is the third largest city of Thailand In terms of population. It is part of Greater Bangkok - Bangkok Metropolitan area. A highlight of the city and its suburbs can be considered water channel (Khlongi), laid in the 19th century and currently remaining the main transport link in Nonthaburi. For visitors who preffer to travel by boat on the water channel or walking, the city of Nonthaburi will be a real discovery, as it is surrounded by beautiful orchards, and the branched khlong system allows you to admire the views of the city and its attractions from the outside. Fruit fairs are held annually in the city, where you can taste and contemplate the entire "fruit paradise" grown by local gardeners.
The city is interesting for tourists also because it is easy to get from there to the main attractions of Bangkok: a large palace complex built in the center of Bangkok by King Rama I in the 18th century. It includes the Royal Palace and the Wat Phra Kaew Temple (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), considered one of the most sacred sites in the Kingdom (entrance fee is 350 THB). With the same ticket, you have an opportunity to visit the Vimanmek Royal Mansion, the pavilion of coins and royal jewelry. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) monastery is located nearby Royal Palace, which houses a statue depicting the reclining Buddha awaiting the attainment of nirvana. The figure of the Reclining Buddha, covered with gold leaf, is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. It is the largest temple in Bangkok and can be found behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (entrance fee is 50 THB).
Nonthaburi is also popular with its European style town hall , decorated with ornate teak carvings. It was built during the reign of King Rama VII.
Nonthaburi was founded in the middle of the 16th century, at the height of the dynamically developing kingdom of Siam, with the capital of Ayutthaya (XIV-XVIII centuries). Twice the city of Nonthaburi changed its location: in the 17th century, the Siamese king Narai moved it to the Menam Om fortress, and closer to the middle of the 20th century, the city moved to the place where we now observe it (during the reign of King Rama VII). From 1943 to 1946, the city of Nonthaburi was part of Bangkok. On May 9, 1946, Nonthaburi became an independent unit with the official name Mueang Nonthaburi.
