Nong Mon Market is a famous market in Chon Buri Province, located along Sukhumvit Road, near Bang Saen Beach, in Saen Suk Subdistrict, Mueang Chon Buri District. It is a popular stop for travelers to buy souvenirs, especially local products and unique gifts. The market is well-known for its wide variety of dried seafood, such as dried squid, dried shrimp, salted fish, and dried shellfish. Visitors can also find savory dishes like hor mok (Thai steamed curry), hoi jo (deep-fried crab meat rolls), as well as traditional Thai desserts such as sticky rice pudding and various sweet, sticky treats. In addition, locally made woven bamboo and rattan products are sold here, representing the region’s traditional craftsmanship. Nong Mon Market has become a one-stop destination for those looking to purchase authentic local goods and experience the culinary and cultural essence of Chon Buri.

 

The most famous product of Nong Mon Market is Khao Lam Nong Mon, a traditional Thai dessert made from high-quality sticky rice, coconut milk, and palm sugar, cooked inside bamboo tubes. The mixture is carefully prepared and roasted over an open fire until it is fully cooked, releasing a unique, smoky aroma. This makes Khao Lam Nong Mon especially delicious and beloved by both Thais and international visitors. Its popularity has grown to the point where Chon Buri Province holds an annual contest to find the best Khao Lam, promoting local identity and maintaining product quality standards. This contest has helped establish Khao Lam Nong Mon as a well-known delicacy across Thailand.

 

Beyond its economic and tourism value, Nong Mon Market also has a fascinating origin story, especially regarding the name “Nong Mon.” In the past, this area was just a small village where people lived simple lives. At one point, a deadly epidemic struck, causing many villagers to fall ill and die. Despite the efforts of traditional healers, no cure could be found, leaving the community hopeless. During this time, a traveling monk passed through the area while on his pilgrimage and camped overnight in the village. The desperate villagers turned to the monk for help. He performed a sacred ritual to bless water in his alms bowl, instructing the villagers to drink it or sprinkle it on the sick. Miraculously, the afflicted began to recover, restoring hope to the community.

 

As word of the sacred water spread, people from neighboring villages came seeking the monk’s help. However, as demand grew, the monk realized he could not provide enough blessed water for everyone because the water source was too far away. He advised the villagers to dig a small pond near his lodging. Once the pond was ready, he performed a sacred blessing and dropped candle wax into the water, turning it into a holy pond whose water could heal illnesses. Even after the monk moved on from the village, the pond remained revered and became known as “Nong Nam Mon,” meaning “holy water pond.” Over time, the name was shortened to “Nong Mon,” which is still used today.

 

Today, Nong Mon Market has become a must-visit stop for tourists traveling to Bang Saen Beach or nearby attractions. Many visitors make it a point to buy Khao Lam Nong Mon or other local products before heading home. The market is also a key hub for affordable, high-quality dried seafood, playing an important role in supporting the local economy. Moreover, it reflects the traditions and lifestyle of the local community through its food, handicrafts, and cultural practices. Nong Mon Market is not just a shopping venue, but also a living representation of Chon Buri’s history and heritage, showing the deep connection between people, their way of life, and the beliefs passed down through generations.