Koh Kret

Ko Kret is the ideal Bangkok daytrip - only 20km north of Bangkok, this island in the city's Chao Phraya River offers much to see. It dates back to 1722, when a canal was constructed as a shortcut to bypass a bend in the river. As the canal was gradually widened the cut off land eventually became a separate island.

While small, it's truly an island unto itself: the Mon tribes who dominated Thailand between the 6th and 10th centuries have long used Ko Khret as a refuge. Today, they're still here along with their distinct cultural identity, gentile way of life, Buddhist strain and famous earthenware pottery. And there's more... Palms and green jungle, traditional wooden shacks, dilapidated temples, friendly people and no cars all conspire to make a trip to Koh Khret a winner.

Ko Khret retains the air of a rustic village, and lots of charming things can be seen just by walking round...

Take a stroll around the narrow encircling pathway or hire a bicycle to do it in half the time. See the communities living, in old rickety wooden shacks, on the river bank. Ko Khret is renowned for its Mon pottery, or 'kwan arman', and you can find potters sculpting patterned red clay earthenware and terracotta pots at one of many workshops. See the kilns where they're baked, and browse the finished merchandise in the pottery shops - even buy some if you wish.

Food is also a big attraction. Many come to sample island delicacies like 'Khao Cher': a Mon dish of rice served with chilled fragrant water and a number of side dishes. Or 'Tod mun pla nor gala': spiced fish cake with shoots of local ginger. Temples like Wat Poramai Yikawat and Wat Chimplee are also worth seeing for their white marble pagodas and carved Mon style. Above all, there is pleasure to be divulged from the slow pace of life here; and the fact that, because there aren't too many, the locals greet visitors with genuine delight.

Although you can go independently, it can be challenging for tourists to get to Koh Kret - not many on the island speak good English, and there is a number of ferries to catch to get there.

Much less of an ordeal is the Koh Khret Cycle Tour: a gentle 22km bike ride starting at Wat Ko Kriang, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. After being picked up from your hotel, you visit local villages, rice paddies, fruit plantations and riverside communities then cross to Koh Khret. Here you're free to cycle around, enjoy the peaceful scenery and car-free roads. You can also visit the Mon Pottery Centre to see the locals' skill at the potters wheel, and be able to shop for terracotta and earthenware products. The trip ends with a Thai lunch overlooking the Chao Phraya River.

Find out more about this tour here

Start by travelling to Nonthabrui pier, the last stop of the normal Chao Phraya Express Boat. The trip from the centre of town takes about an hour. From there you have a few choices: take an air-con van or bus (32/506) to Pak Kret then head to the ferry pier serving the island (there's no signage), hire a river taxi (expect to pay around 500 baht), or take a taxi (80-90 baht) to Wat Sanam Neau, from where ferries shuttle across non-stop for the meagre sum of 2 baht return.

A more agreeable option is a tour: travel arrangements from pick-up to drop-off at your hotel are all taken care of. Click here for details.

Interested in this Tour?

This is one of our many handpicked tours that are tried and tested – prior to being offered to you. Many years of experience working closely with tour operators will ensure we offer the best experience possible.  If you wish to book this tour or read more about it, click here.