Nonthaburi

Nonthaburi is technically a separate province, but in practice it's Bangkok's immediate northern neighbor — connected seamlessly by the BTS, MRT, and Chao Phraya express boats. Ko Kret, an island in a bend of the Chao Phraya, is the star attraction: a car-free Mon community famous for hand-thrown pottery and weekend market stalls selling Mon sweets and snacks. Exploring by bicycle on a Sunday is one of Bangkok's best day trips.

The province's durian is considered the finest in central Thailand — Nonthaburi durian commands premium prices at fruit auctions, with single fruits occasionally selling for thousands of dollars. The old Nonthaburi pier area has atmospheric riverside temples, including Wat Chalerm Phra Kiat and its beautiful Ayutthaya-era murals. Central Westgate and the mega-malls along the Purple Line draw shoppers, but the charm is in the river communities and the distinctly less-hectic pace compared to the capital next door.