Ko Kret

A back-in-time riverside retreat of old Mon culture, crafts and incredible cuisine - all an unforgettable boat ride from Central Bangkok.

By Travel Guide Spot 🌏

Published: 2025-03-15 | Last Update: 2025-03-30

Getting There

Green Flag Chao Phraya Express Boat:

This only operates on weekdays (Mon-Fri). This is a Direct service from BTS Saphan Taksin to Pak Kret (Pier N33) with the journey lasting roughly 1 hour. Walk 300m to the the Ko Kret Ferry Pier right at Wat Sanam Nuea.
Runs 16:05-18:05 every 20 minutes (to Pak Kret).
Runs 06:10-08:10 every 15 minutes (to Saphan Taksin).

Orange Flag Chao Phraya Express Boat:

The closest stop is Nonthaburi Pier (Pier N30) via the “Orange Flag” Chao Phraya Express Boat.

From Nonthaburi there are 3 options:

Option 1: Take the air-conditioned van or Bus #32 to Pak Kret, then walk to the ferry pier. Remember that the signage is not in English.
Option 2: Hire a river taxi (Price is negotiable) - this is more expensive, so it’s best fit for groups.
Option 3: Take a taxi to Wat Sanam Neua and then take the ferry to Ko Kret.

Bus:

Bus #166 leaves from the Victory Monument.
Bus #505 leaves from from Central World.
Both busses go to the Pak Kret Market, walk the last 500m or take a motorbike taxi to the ferry pier behind Wat Sanam Neua, then taking a ferry and crossing the canal to Wat Poramaiyikawat Pier.

Getting Around

Once at the pier, head towards the food carts, here you’ll find a bicycle rental service (Juum Bicycle Rental), and for an incredibly low fee you can rent a bicycle for the entire day. The rental fee is usually settled when you return the bicycle.

What to See

Wat Poramaiyikawat

Located on the northeast corner of Ko Kret near the ferry landing, the elegant, historic Wat Poramaiyikawat, dating back to the late Ayutthaya period, was once called “Wat Pak Ao”, meaning estuary temple. After the Burmese occupation in the 1760s left it abandoned, the Mon community lovingly restored it in 1774, then renaming it Pia Moo Kia Terng, or “temple at the cape.” In 1874, King Chulalongkorn visited during the Thot Kathin ceremony. After seeing it in its deteriorated state, he commenced a complete restoration and renamed it Wat Poramai Yikawat in honor of his grandmother.

It’s the main temple on the island, built in the traditional Mon (Burmese) style.
The temple’s ordination hall (ubosot) is definately a sight to behold. Hosting gilded Buddha images, vibrant murals, and intricate stucco doors.
Features Italian marble decorations from King Rama V.
The Wat houses a wooden pagoda containing an abbot’s remains, and the Burmese style stupa is said to contain Buddha’s relics.

Wat Poramaiyikawat Museum

Hours: Monday-Friday, 09:00-16:00
Displays votive tablets, crystalware, an array of porcelains, and a very unique “hem” coffin.

Kwan Aman Pottery Museum

Hours: Daily, 09:00-17:00
Features a large collection of Mon-style ceramics, and it is one of Nonthaburi’s oldest handicrafts.

Phra Wiharn

Hours: Daily, 09:00-16:00
It is home to a 9.5m reclining Buddha from the late Ayutthaya period.
Features King Rama V’s emblem and a marble Buddha that was gifted by a Burmese donor.

Wat Chimpli Suttahawat

This is located on the east bank, just 1 km south of the ferry landing.
It features a well-preserved, beautiful chapel.

Wat Phai Lom

Built in the late Ayutthaya period.
Known as “Pia To” among the Mon people and it features a charming chapel.

Wat Sao Tong Thong - Known in Mon as “Pia Arlart”

This was formerly known as “Wat Suan Mak” - featuring the tallest pagoda in Pak Kret, built in the Ayutthaya style.
It’s home to Pak Kret’s very first primary school.
Here, beautiful ceiling paintings adorn the chapel.

Food & Drink

If its food is your thing, you’re in luck as food is a major attraction for local Thai visitors to Ko Kret - and if the locals say its good, then its good! Vendors offer a variety of Thai and Mon snacks, with island specialties which include:

Khao Cher – A traditional Mon dish featuring rice served with chilled fragrant water and side dishes. It was once a royal favorite.
Tod Mun Pla Nor Gala – These are spiced fish cakes with young ginger shoots.
Mon Tempura – This is deep-fried vegetables, shrimp and fish served in a banana-leaf bowl!
Chao kuai - A gelatin base, made with Mesona chinesis, which is from the mint family.

Popular Food Spots to consider

Ong-Ang Community OTOP Market: Situated on the North East Corner Right near Wat Poramai Yikawat, The Ong-Ang Floating Market, with its narrow paths lined with charming shops, is a complete feast for all the senses. Traditional Mon delicacies tempt you everywhere. Make sure you try the ginger and chili fish cakes (tod mun pla nor gala), the crispy deep fried vegetables with flowers (tort man nor galah), and of course mohinga — this is one of Myanmar’s favourite fish noodle soups. Times are 9:30am - 5:30pm, Daily.
Ko Kret Restaurant, situated at 105/2 Moo 1, near Wat Chim Phli. and open daily from 10:00-23:00. This riverside spot serves Thai basics like noodles and som tam at fantastic prices. Some English is spoken here.
Yokyen Kuenbok, situated in a traditional 2-storey wood house, located right beside the Chao Phraya River. It serves some fantastic savoury dishes, desserts, as well as drinks to choose from. Try their Pad Thai here with choices of various toppings - squid, shrimp, and fish.
Homm tea house, they have incredible authentic Thai desserts which are rather hard to come across nowadays. If you want to try an array of desserts, there is an afternoon tea service which is recommended. Pla Hang Tangmo (watermelon with crunchy dried fish) is available for adventurous paletes which used to be a popular delicacy among the locals during the summer. Try red ginger lily and the butterfly pea with lime drinks. Both are very colourful and refreshing.
Rongsi Studio, A spacious hipster cafe, offering neat and modern indoor and outdoor spaces adorned with wooden furniture and wicker decor. If you’re planning on visiting in the evening, make sure you get to the outdoor riverside seating - This is where one can watch the sunset by the canal. They serve Thai-Fusion cuisine - fermented fish fried rice. They also have pork spring rolls and minced shrimp.
Banpasoon Dessert Home located, in Village #1, along the main tourist path, just before the bicycle rental. Offers Thai cuisine and desserts again for very reasonable prices. English is spoken here.
Head over to Kanom Tuay Country for some more fantastic deserts. Their creamy coconut custard known as (kanom tuay) is incredible - one layer of steamed pandan rice cake on the bottom, and salty coconut cream on the top. However the sweet grass jelly (chao kuai) is not to be missed! It is made from Mesona chinesis, a family of mint, it’s quite a rare Southeast Asian delicacy.
No. 1 Coffee Steak, This unique spot has a balcony seating area right over the canal. They serve Thai traditional coffee in terracotta pots. Try Kanom Pang Na Moo - fried bread topped with a seasoned pork paste. And as the name goes, steak and spaghetti are on the list as well if you’re in the mood for Western cuisine.
Pop in at Chitbeer Microbrewery, Yes, Ko Kret is home to an iconic microbrewery - Chitbeer! It’s known across Thailand for its craft beer, and is a true labor of love. They serve crisp IPAs all the way to rich, full-bodied stouts.

Buying Pottery

Although its a gastronomic spot, Ko Kret isn’t just about food. Ko Kret is renowned as a center for kwan aman, a Mon pottery style made of intricately carved, and unglazed red clay. This is a craft that has been passed down from over 200 years. Prices start as low as 5 baht for small pieces and can reach thousands of baht for the very elaborate designs. Popular items include candle and incense holders with ornate cutout patterns and are reasonably priced.

There are about 20 pottery workshops scattered around the island. Here one can witness skilled artisans at work, shaping terracotta pieces using old traditional methods. The notable ones are:

Pa Tum Pottery Factory - Which is located on the north-east coast, directly west of Poramai Yikawat.

Pradit Wong Clay Shop also known as “The Pottery Shop” - Which is located on the east coast, south of Wat Poramai Yikawat close to Chitwit Microbrewery.

Festivals

Ko Kret in itself is a stark contrast to the pulsating city of Bangkok, maintaining an old-world rustic village charm. The island is allotted with wooden shacks, palm trees, and historic but deteriorating temples. The main attraction is simply to walk around and explore the numerous pottery shops, experiencing he day-to-day life of the mon people.

Festivals and Cultural Activities

The Mon Songkran Festival is celebrated one week after April 13th, this festival features a grand procession and traditional Mon performances.
The Mon Classical Dance is a preserved traditional Mon dance performed with the Mon gamelan ensemble. This can be seen particularly in Pak Kret, Phra Pradaeng, and Pathum Thani.