Escape the bustle of Bangkok and visit a traditional rural island in the Chao Phraya River to see the pottery, food and temples of the Mon tribe.
On this river island just a day trip away from busy Bangkok, you can meet the people whose descendants dominated early Thailand for hundreds of years. Admire their culture, see their earthenware crafts, enjoy a traditional meal or visit the old temples in the rustic village.
Ko Kret Island is located just 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) north of central Bangkok. It became an island in 1722 when a canal was dug to cut through a bend in the Chao Phraya River.
The river island is a rural place and a refuge for the Mon people. The Mons were one of the earliest people to settle in the region that is now Thailand. They have their own language, but many of the few hundred thousand Mons that are still alive today don’t speak it. The Mons are famous for pottery made from unglazed terra cotta with patterns carved into the surface.
It takes about two hours to circumnavigate the island on foot, but you can rent a bike or hop on a motorcycle or water taxi. Wat Poramaiyikawt is the main temple on Ko Kret and has a small museum. See the large reclining buddha at Phra Wiharn.
When you get hungry, sample real Mon food from a stall. Many dishes are served on banana leaves or in traditional earthenware pots. Head to “Dessert Alley” for sweets. Enter the Kwan Aman Pottery Museum for fine examples of traditional Mon pottery. You can purchase small candle or incense holders, among other ceramics, from the many stalls on the island.
The easiest way to get to car-free Ko Kret Island is on a day tour with a river cruise that stops at other attractions along the way. The public ferry has a fast service early on Sunday mornings. To avoid the crowds, go by public transport and stay overnight.
