Nonthaburi sits about an hour from downtown Bangkok and was once mostly a residential area for Bangkokians. These days it has quietly become a destination of its own. It's the second most populous province in Thailand, yet it still feels calm, local, and refreshingly unhurried. You get riverside temples, colorful markets, and that everyday Thai rhythm that big tourist zones tend to drown out.
The real star here is Ko Kret, a small island in the Chao Phraya River. It was created around 300 years ago when a canal was dug to shortcut a bend in the river, and it has held onto its old-world charm ever since. There are no cars on the island, only bicycles and motorbike taxis, so the pace slows down the moment you step off the ferry. Ko Kret is home to the Mon community, who are famous for their handmade earthenware pottery, and the island really comes alive during its Saturday and Sunday market. Wander past stalls of clay teacups and incense burners, snack on Thai sweets like Kanom Babin, and visit Wat Paramai Yikawat, where monks still chant in the Mon language.
Back on the mainland, there's more to enjoy. You can explore Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Worawihan, a royal temple built under King Rama III with a striking mix of Thai, Chinese, and Western architecture. Nonthaburi Market is great for a wander, and getting around is easy thanks to the MRT Purple Line and the Chao Phraya river boats. That mix of culture, food, and slower travel is exactly what makes the province such a pleasant change of pace.
Of course, a relaxed trip needs a relaxed base. Good hotel accommodation in Nonthaburi makes all the difference, and one place stands out: Riverine Place Hotel & Residence. Set right along the Chao Phraya River, it offers 133 rooms across five room types, from a cozy 24 sqm studio to a spacious 195 sqm three-bedroom suite that sleeps up to eight. Every room comes fully furnished, with a smart TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, a kitchen corner, and either a river view or a city view to wake up to.
The facilities round things out nicely. There's a large swimming pool, a fitness center, sauna and steam rooms, daily international buffet dining, and a rooftop garden with panoramic river views. Families have plenty of space, long-stay travelers get flexible monthly packages, and there's secure indoor parking for up to 300 vehicles. Best of all, this hotel accommodation in Nonthaburi keeps you close to the action. Bangkok is roughly 30 to 45 minutes away by car, the MRT Purple Line is handy, and the river pier is just five minutes from the property.
So next time you're planning a Thailand trip, give Bangkok a little break. A quiet riverside stay in Nonthaburi might just become the part you remember most.