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Wats of Nonthaburi
Old temples along the Chao Phraya and Koh Kret, a half-day trip from IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, but you'll need a car
- Map
- Nonthaburi, Bangkok
The Wats of Nonthaburi are a cluster of old temples strung along the Chao Phraya River and on Koh Kret island, in Nonthaburi province, an area with more than 400 years of history going back to the Ayutthaya period. The highlights are temples built and restored between the reign of Rama II and Rama V, including Wat Khemaphirataram, Wat Chaloemphrakiat, Wat Khae Nok, and Wat Paramaiyikawat, home to the leaning pagoda that has become the symbol of Koh Kret. One thing to know upfront if you're at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani: none of this is within walking distance. Whether you're coming from IMPACT Arena, Thunder Dome, IMPACT Challenger, or IMPACT Exhibition Hall, you'll need a car.
The appeal of these temples isn't their size, but the continuity of the story they tell, from a small riverside community that grew because of its proximity to the old capital, to the Mon community on Koh Kret that still keeps its ancestors' traditions alive today. Many of the temples combine traditional Thai architecture, Mon artistic influence, and murals that blend in Western painting styles. Some, like Wat Chaloemphrakiat, are frequently used as filming locations for period dramas.
If you have a free half day before an event opens, or the day after when you don't need to rush back, driving out from Muang Thong Thani to visit the temples of Nonthaburi makes for a solid plan. You get old temples, a souvenir market on Koh Kret, and a riverside atmosphere that's a world away from the exhibition halls.
Why IMPACT event-goers pick this place
- A complete change of pace from the exhibition halls, trading trade shows and concerts for quiet, shaded temples along the Chao Phraya River
- Located in the same province as Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, so you don't need to travel all the way into central Bangkok
- Several notable temples on one route, including Wat Khemaphirataram, Wat Chaloemphrakiat, Wat Khae Nok, Wat Choeng Tha, Wat Na Bot, Wat Chimphli Sutthawat, Wat Paramaiyikawat, and Wat Bang Chak
- Rare sights you won't find elsewhere, such as the leaning pagoda on Koh Kret, tilted for over 100 years due to riverbank soil subsidence, and the budding-lotus-shaped bell tower at Wat Khae Nok
- Koh Kret combines temples and a market; it's about a 700-metre walk from Wat Chimphli Sutthawat to Wat Paramaiyikawat, passing pottery stalls, fruit vendors, and local sweets to bring back
- Flexible timing, whether you go in the morning before an event or use it as a half-day plan after an event ends, since no advance booking is needed
Key facts before you set off
For anyone who wants the essentials before deciding, here are the key facts about a temple trip in Nonthaburi province.
- Location: Nonthaburi province, with temples spread along the Chao Phraya River and on Koh Kret island
- Getting there from IMPACT: not within walking distance from any hall, IMPACT Arena, Thunder Dome, IMPACT Challenger, and IMPACT Exhibition Hall all require a car
- Highlights: temples from the Ayutthaya to Rattanakosin periods, the leaning pagoda at Wat Paramaiyikawat, a reclining Buddha, and the Mon community on Koh Kret
- Age of the area: more than 400 years of history, dating back to the Ayutthaya period
- Number of temples on this route: 8
- Opening hours and admission fees: not confirmed in the official sources we have, check directly with each temple before you go
Which temples are worth visiting, and what makes each one stand out
Nonthaburi has a large number of temples lined up along its waterways, proof of how long this riverside community has existed. Each temple stands out for a different reason, whether it's who built it, its architecture, or the historical events tied to it.
If this is your first time in Nonthaburi and time is limited, we'd suggest picking no more than 3 to 4 temples per trip, so you're not rushing through without taking in the atmosphere.
- Wat Khemaphirataram: built during the Ayutthaya period, restored by Somdet Phra Sri Suriyendra, Queen consort of Rama II
- Wat Chaloemphrakiat: built in 1847 under Rama III to honor his mother, so photogenic it has been used as a filming location for several period dramas
- Wat Khae Nok: built by the Mon community in 1824, connected to the Khana Ratsadon group that changed Thailand's system of government in 1932, notable for its budding-lotus-shaped bell tower
- Wat Choeng Tha and Wat Na Bot: north of Wat Khae Nok, preserved remains of old temples
- Wat Chimphli Sutthawat: an old temple on Koh Kret, within a riverside community descended from the Mon
- Wat Paramaiyikawat: home to the leaning pagoda, the symbol of Koh Kret
- Wat Bang Chak: on the opposite riverbank, home to the largest Buddha image in Nonthaburi province
- Nonthaburi Provincial Museum: not a temple, but in the same area, the building dates to 1910 and was originally the Rajavidyalaya School, founded on the initiative of Rama V to teach law and English
What to see and do on Koh Kret and at Wat Paramaiyikawat
Koh Kret is an island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River, known for its Mon culture and pottery. Wat Paramaiyikawat was built by the Mon community during the Thonburi period and restored under Rama V. Before its restoration it was known as Wat Pak Ao, or Phia Mu Kia Toeng in the Mon language.
What most visitors don't miss is the Chedi Mutao, or leaning pagoda, which has been tilting for more than 100 years due to subsidence in the riverbank soil. Inside the ordination hall are murals that blend traditional Thai art with Western style, and there's also a viharn housing a reclining Buddha from the late Ayutthaya period worth stopping to pay respects to.
It's about a 700-metre walk from Wat Chimphli Sutthawat to Wat Paramaiyikawat, passing local shops selling pottery, fruit, and local sweets along the way, good for picking up souvenirs to bring back to the event.
- The leaning pagoda, the symbol of Koh Kret, tilted for over 100 years due to riverbank soil subsidence
- Murals in the ordination hall blending Thai and Western art styles
- A viharn with a reclining Buddha from the late Ayutthaya period
- The walk between Wat Chimphli Sutthawat and Wat Paramaiyikawat is about 700 metres
- Well-known souvenirs: pottery, fruit, and local sweets
How to get there from IMPACT Muang Thong Thani
It's not within walking distance, you'll need a car no matter what. Whether you're leaving from IMPACT Arena, Thunder Dome, IMPACT Challenger, or IMPACT Exhibition Hall, all of them are outside walking range, so plan your transport in advance, whether that's a private car, a taxi, or a ride-hailing app.
Another option worth considering if you want the full experience is a boat tour of the riverside temples, which suits the location of these temples especially well since nearly all of them face the Chao Phraya River. Ask at the concierge desk of Novotel Bangkok IMPACT for information on Nonthaburi's temple boat tours.
- From IMPACT Arena and Thunder Dome: not within walking distance, a car is required
- From IMPACT Challenger: not within walking distance, a car is required
- From IMPACT Exhibition Hall: not within walking distance, a car is required
- Boat tour option: ask at the concierge desk of Novotel Bangkok IMPACT for information on riverside temple boat tours
- To reach Koh Kret, you'll need to cross by boat, since it's an island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River
Admission fees and opening hours, what to prepare
We don't have confirmed opening hours or admission fees from official sources, so we won't quote figures. We'd recommend checking directly with each temple before you set off, especially if you're planning to go in the evening after an event at IMPACT ends, since many temples close their ordination hall or viharn areas earlier than expected.
One thing you can prepare for with certainty is your outfit. These temples are active places of worship, so dress modestly, cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering the ordination hall or viharn. If you're coming straight from an event at IMPACT in casual clothes, keep a cover-up in the car.
- Opening hours and admission: check directly with each temple, no confirmed information available in the official sources we have
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees
- Remove shoes before entering the ordination hall and viharn
- Carry small cash for donations and for buying local goods on Koh Kret
Who this trip suits, and how many hours to set aside
This suits people who enjoy history, Thai architecture, and riverside settings, as well as anyone at an IMPACT event with a free half day who doesn't want a long drive into the city. If you're travelling with family or older relatives, the riverside temple route is easier going than attractions that involve climbing or long walks.
For anyone who likes photography, Wat Chaloemphrakiat is one of the top picks, since it's been used as a filming location for several period dramas. For those after souvenirs and local food, Koh Kret is the best fit, since it combines temples and a market in one place.
For planning, we'd suggest picking 3 to 4 temples per trip, and factoring in travel time to and from Muang Thong Thani, since you'll need a car for both legs of the trip.
- History enthusiasts: Wat Khemaphirataram, Wat Choeng Tha, Wat Na Bot
- Period photography: Wat Chaloemphrakiat
- Souvenirs and Mon culture: Koh Kret, Wat Chimphli Sutthawat, Wat Paramaiyikawat
- Paying respects to a large Buddha image: Wat Bang Chak, home to the largest Buddha image in Nonthaburi province
- A realistic plan: choose 3 to 4 temples per trip, don't try to cover all 8 in a single day
Frequently asked questions
Are the temples in Nonthaburi close to IMPACT Muang Thong Thani? Can you walk there?
They're in the same province, Nonthaburi, but not within walking distance, you'll need a car no matter what. IMPACT Arena, Thunder Dome, IMPACT Challenger, and IMPACT Exhibition Hall are all outside walking range, so arrange a private car, taxi, or ride-hailing app in advance. If you're heading to Koh Kret, you'll also need to cross by boat since it's an island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River.
What temples are in Nonthaburi?
The popular riverside temple route in Nonthaburi covers 8 temples: Wat Khemaphirataram, Wat Chaloemphrakiat, Wat Khae Nok, Wat Choeng Tha, Wat Na Bot, Wat Chimphli Sutthawat, Wat Paramaiyikawat, and Wat Bang Chak. All are in Nonthaburi province, which has more than 400 years of history dating back to the Ayutthaya period.
Where is Wat Paramaiyikawat, and what's worth seeing there?
Wat Paramaiyikawat is on Koh Kret island in Nonthaburi province. Its main highlight is the Chedi Mutao, or leaning pagoda, which has been tilting for more than 100 years due to riverbank soil subsidence. There's also a viharn with a reclining Buddha from the late Ayutthaya period, and murals in the ordination hall that blend traditional Thai art with Western style. The temple was built by the Mon community during the Thonburi period and restored under Rama V.
When was Wat Chaloemphrakiat in Nonthaburi built, and who built it?
Wat Chaloemphrakiat was built in 1847 under Rama III to honor his mother. It's such a beautiful temple that it has been used as a filming location for several period dramas, making it one of the most popular stops for anyone visiting Nonthaburi's temples.
What time do the temples in Nonthaburi open?
We don't have confirmed opening hours, so we'd recommend checking directly with each temple before you set off, especially if you're planning to go in the late afternoon or evening after an event at IMPACT ends, since the ordination hall and viharn areas at many temples close earlier than the temple grounds themselves.
Is there an admission fee to visit the temples in Nonthaburi?
We don't have confirmed admission fee information from official sources, so we won't quote a figure. It's best to ask each temple directly. What you should definitely bring is small cash for donations and for buying local goods on Koh Kret, such as pottery, fruit, and local sweets.
How many hours does it take to visit the temples in Nonthaburi? Can you cover them all in one day?
We'd suggest planning it as a half-day trip and choosing only 3 to 4 temples out of the 8, so you're not rushing, since you also need to factor in travel time to and from Muang Thong Thani. If you want to see all of them, split it into two trips, or consider a riverside temple boat tour, which connects several temples in one route.
Are there boat tours of the temples in Nonthaburi? Where can you book one?
Yes, there are boat tours of Nonthaburi's temples. Ask at the concierge desk of Novotel Bangkok IMPACT for information. A boat tour suits this route particularly well, since most of the temples were built facing the Chao Phraya River, back when waterways were the community's main means of travel.
How far is it to walk from Wat Chimphli Sutthawat to Wat Paramaiyikawat on Koh Kret?
It's about a 700-metre walk from Wat Chimphli Sutthawat to Wat Paramaiyikawat, an easy and enjoyable stretch since there are local shops selling pottery, fruit, and local sweets along the way, good for picking up souvenirs.
Which temple has the largest Buddha image in Nonthaburi?
That's Wat Bang Chak, located on the opposite riverbank from Koh Kret, which you'll need to cross the river to reach. It's often included as the final stop on a riverside temple route, after visiting Koh Kret and Wat Paramaiyikawat.
How is Wat Khae Nok connected to Thai political history?
Wat Khae Nok was built by the Mon community in 1824 and is a temple that members of the Khana Ratsadon group, who changed Thailand's system of government in 1932, held in high regard. Its architectural highlight is a bell tower shaped like a budding lotus, a rare feature you won't find elsewhere.
What should you wear to visit the temples in Nonthaburi?
Dress modestly, cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering the ordination hall or viharn, since all 8 temples are active places of worship. If you're coming straight from an event at IMPACT in casual clothes, bring a cover-up or shawl to keep in the car.
Can you bring children or older relatives to visit the temples in Nonthaburi?
Yes. The riverside temple route is easier going than attractions that involve climbing or long walks. The longest stretch of walking is on Koh Kret, about 700 metres between Wat Chimphli Sutthawat and Wat Paramaiyikawat, with shops to stop and rest at along the way. If you're bringing older relatives, we'd suggest limiting it to 3 temples per trip and building in rest time.
Coming to an event at IMPACT and looking for something nearby for a half day, where should you go?
The temples of Nonthaburi are a solid choice for a free half day, since they're in the same province as Muang Thong Thani and don't require a trip into the city. A realistic plan is to leave IMPACT in the morning, visit 2 riverside temples, then continue to Koh Kret for 2 more, and pick up souvenirs on the way. Remember you'll need a car, since it's not within walking distance from any hall.
What is the Nonthaburi Provincial Museum, and is it near the temple cluster?
The Nonthaburi Provincial Museum is in the same area as the temple cluster. The building dates to 1910 and was originally the Rajavidyalaya School, founded on the initiative of Rama V, which taught law and English. It's worth a stop for anyone interested in history, check opening hours directly with the museum.
What's the best time to visit the temples in Nonthaburi for people attending an event at IMPACT?
Morning, before an event opens, or the morning of the day after, is the best time, since it's not too hot, the light is good for photos of the leaning pagoda and ordination halls, and you'll still have time to get back for the event. Avoid going after an event ends late at night, since the main buildings at many temples close earlier, and you'll need a car for the trip both ways.
Facts from the official website, last checked 31 Aug 2026