The land of elegant palaces, a magnificent royal garden, Koh Kret’s
famous pottery, notably old and beautiful temples, delicious durian,
and a gorgeous city hall.
Nonthaburi has been inhabited for over 400 years, dating back to
the time when Ayutthaya was the capital of the kingdom. The town was
originally located at Tambon Baan Talat Khwan, a famous fruit orchard
through which the Chao Phraya River and various canals pass.
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 it follows to this day. 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. While the fortress was demolished
during the reign of King Rama III so that the bricks could be used for the
construction of Wat Chalerm Phra Kiat, a city shrine still stands on the site.
Nonthaburi is situated in a fertile basin on the bank of the Chao Phraya
River, where many fruit and flower plantations are interspersed with a number
of historical temples. The town is only 20 km from Bangkok and is conveniently
accessible by road or river.
The history of Nonthaburi dates back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom as it
is strategically located along the Chao Phraya River. The provincial slogan
sheds light on the attractions in Nonthaburi, mentioning the Grand Royal Mansion,
acclaimed Royal Garden, pottery of Koh Kret, beautiful temples, tasty durians,
and the magnificent government hall.
Credit :: Amazing Thailand
