Koh Kret, a pretty little island, attracts many visitors with its unmistakable charm and unique atmosphere. Off the beaten track, this island offers a true paradise for the senses and an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The island’s proximity to Bangkok makes it a favourite weekend getaway destination for many Thais. Koh Kret is only around 20 kilometres north of Bangkok and is therefore easily and conveniently accessible from the capital. This geographical proximity allows Bangkok residents to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a weekend break on this idyllic island.
Koh Kret is a place where time seems to pass differently. Things are calm and relaxed here. It’s a place where time seems to slow, inviting a peaceful and relaxed vibe.
Why should you consider a trip to Koh Kret?
Because this peaceful island not only impresses with its rich cultural history and traditional handicrafts, but is also an oasis of peace and relaxation.
Immerse yourself in the charm of Koh Kret with us, and discover why this hidden gem should be on every traveler’s list.
Ko Kret (sometimes spelt Koh Kret or Koh Kred) is a small island in the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. It is about 3 km long and 3 km wide and has an area of over 4.2 square kilometres. It has seven main villages, of which Ban Mon is the largest and most populous. The island is best known for the Thai Mon people who make a living producing pottery. The island is served by ferries.
Before we delve further into the magical world of Koh Kret, it is important to take a look at the historical background of this island.
The historical roots of Koh Kret
Koh Kret was originally a meander of the Chao Phraya River. A meander is a river loop that is created by shifting the course of the river. A meandering river has a very winding course.
Ko Kret has developed well since the Ayutthaya period. But when the Burmese occupied the city, the island was deserted. After Siam gained its independence, King Taksin allowed the Mon to settle on Ko Kret. Later, when Pak Kret became the name of the district and sub-district, Ko Kret was retained as the name of the district until today.
This tiny island in Nonthaburi, which experienced its heyday during the Ayutthaya period, is steeped in history and culture. The island was man-made and was created by a channel dug between two bends of the Chao Phraya River.
Due to the winding course of the Chao Praya River, ships often took longer to reach Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam at the time. During the reign of King Thaisa, His Majesty wanted to shorten journey times and improve the kingdom’s economy. He therefore planned a canal that would bypass the meander and serve as a shortcut for maritime traffic. According to the chronicles of Ayutthaya, the canal was dug in 1722, requiring around 10,000 men and taking over a month to complete. After the construction of the canal, shipping traffic to Ayutthaya was accelerated and the canal was called ‘Klong Lat Kret’ by the locals. Over time, the canal widened due to erosion and became part of the river itself, turning Ko Kret into an island.
Fortunately, its temples have preserved the style of the Ayutthaya period. Most of the inhabitants are descendants of the minority Mon hill tribes. They were given permission to live there during the reign of King Taksin. Another wave of Mon migrants arrived during the reign of King Rama II.
During the Second World War, Koh Kret was used by many politicians and officers as a hiding place to escape the bombing raids on Bangkok. Many of them built temporary homes where they could stay if Bangkok fell into a crisis. After the war, these houses were confiscated by the government.
Who are the Mon people and where do they live?
The Mon people are an ethnic group native to Southeast Asia. They have a fascinating history and cultural identity that stretches far back into the past.
Geographical distribution: The Mon people are mainly found in Myanmar (Burma), particularly in the regions around the Sittang River and in parts of the Irrawaddy Delta. They are also found in other parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Cambodia. Although most Mon people live in Myanmar today, they have historically inhabited different regions.
Language: The Mon language, also known as Mon-Khmer, is the traditional language of the Mon people. This language belongs to the Mon-Khmer language family and has influences from Pali, Sanskrit and other regional languages. While the Mon language is still spoken, it is declining in many communities.
Religion: Most Mon people practise Theravada Buddhism, a form of Buddhism based on the teachings of the historical Buddha Siddhartha Gautama. Buddhism plays a central role in the culture and daily life of the Mon people.
Culture and history: The Mon people have a long and rich history. Their cultural roots go back to ancient times. Over the centuries, they have founded numerous kingdoms and cities in Southeast Asia. The city of Thaton, located in present-day Myanmar, was a historical centre of Mon culture. The Mon culture is characterised by impressive art and architecture, and they have exerted significant influences on the cultures in the region.
The Mon people have experienced various challenges throughout history, including political conflicts and migration. Nevertheless, they have preserved their cultural identity and language and contribute to the cultural diversity of Southeast Asia. The Mon people are an example of the deep-rooted culture and history that makes this region of the world so fascinating.
Why is this island such a popular destination for Thais and tourists today?
Over the last few decades, Koh Kret has become a real magnet for travellers looking for authenticity, cultural diversity and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Places of interest on Koh Kret
Although it is only a small island inhabited by Mon, Koh Kret has six temples, one of which is an abandoned temple, a mosque, two schools and a hospital.
The most famous temple is Wat Paramai Yikawat, an ancient Mon temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The most remarkable feature of this temple is a leaning white Mon-style chedi at the corner of the island where the Chao Phraya River and Lat-Kret meet Om-Kret. It is considered the landmark of Koh Kret.
The attractions include many unique Mon sights that cannot be found elsewhere in Thailand, such as Wat Poramai Yikawat. This temple is the last one in Thailand where Buddhist prayers are recited in the Mon language. On the grounds of the temple is a small, five-storey rooftop castle, which once housed the coffin of a former abbot.
Currently, Koh Kret is being promoted as a cultural tourism destination by Nonthaburi. Visitors can learn about the way of life of the locals and learn about pottery making, which is their main occupation. You can also hire a bicycle to explore the island. In addition, you will have the opportunity to try many rare foods, especially mon-food such as khao chae, fried flowers and thot man no kala, a variation of Thai fish cake mixed with no kala (Alpinia nigra). This is a local dish that is not available in other places.
The island of Koh Kret is a true paradise for pottery. The local Mon communities are famous for their skills in making ceramics. In numerous workshops on the island, visitors can watch the craftsmen at work and admire the ceramic artefacts they have made themselves. From ornate vases and cups to decorative sculptures. The variety of pottery on Koh Kret is impressive. Tourists have the opportunity to purchase handmade ceramics as souvenirs. It is fascinating to watch the artists create these works of art.
Koh Kret is also known for its exquisite variety of sweets and desserts. These tantalising treats are not only a real treat for the palate, but also reflect the island’s rich culinary tradition.
Koh Kret can be reached via many ferry connections, e.g. from Wat Sanam Nuea to the pier in front of Wat Paramai Yikawat or from the pier under the Rama IV Bridge to the pier between Wat Phai Lom and Wat Paramai Yikawat.
Our conclusion
Strolling through the narrow streets of Koh Kret is an incomparable experience that unfolds away from mass tourism and exudes a wonderful flair. The island is a veritable labyrinth of picturesque paths and lanes lined with traditional wooden houses. The best way to explore the small island is by bike or on foot.
Important: Koh Kret is only open to visitors on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 9:00 to 17:30.