Koh Kret: the Mon potters' island on the Chao Phraya

Updated on October 5, 2026

Koh Kret is a river island about 5 km long, level with Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok. It was created when a shortcut canal was dug across a bend of the Chao Phraya, and since the 18th century it has been home to a Mon community, originally from Burma, which has kept its terracotta pottery, its cooking and its temples. No cars run on the island: you go round it by bicycle, on foot or by boat, from one pottery shop to the next temple. It is a half-day trip, very quiet on weekdays and lively at weekends, when cake and noodle stalls set up along the paths. There is no entry ticket: the only costs are transport, shopping and bike rental.

Highlights

The leaning chedi of Wat Poramai Yikawat

The island's main temple, near the landing stage, holds a white and red Mon chedi that leans noticeably: its base has sunk into the soft riverbank soil. A small exhibition of pottery and Mon objects is attached to the temple. Take off your shoes before entering the halls, and keep shoulders and knees covered.

The pottery workshops

The Mon of Koh Kret have made brown terracotta pots and vases for generations, often openwork or decorated with fine patterns. Along the path round the island, several workshops let you watch the potters and sell pieces one by one, from small ones that fit in a bag to large jars. Prices can be negotiated politely; fine pieces travel badly, so ask for packing.

Cycling or walking round the island

The concrete path around the island is about 6 km long; by bike, allow one to two hours with stops. Rental stands near the landing stage hire bikes by the day; prices vary with the season, so check the brakes and agree a price before leaving. A small boat also does a loop of the island, for a few tens of baht per person according to travellers' reports: ask the price before boarding.

Mon food

In the small lanes and near the temples you will find rice cakes, coconut desserts, noodles and Mon dishes: for many Bangkok residents, who come for Sunday lunch, this is the real point of the visit. Try what is cooked in front of you, and prefer the stalls where local customers queue.

Getting across

The island is linked to the mainland by a small ferry that leaves from the Wat Sanam Nuea pier in Pak Kret and crosses the river in a few minutes for a few baht. Check the time of the last ferry in the evening.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Come on a Saturday or Sunday if you can: on weekdays many shops and several food stalls are closed, and the island is very quiet. Set out early to avoid the heat and the traffic on the Pak Kret road. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and cash in small notes: cards are not accepted at the stalls. Day tours sold in Bangkok include a bike and lunch; you can just as easily go on your own. Opening hours, rental prices and conditions on site were not confirmed on an official site: check on the spot.

How to get there

Koh Kret, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province 11120, about 20 km north of central Bangkok. The simplest way: take the Chao Phraya express boat (orange flag, see our page on the Chao Phraya river) to the Nonthaburi terminus, then a taxi, tuk-tuk or bus to the Wat Sanam Nuea pier in Pak Kret, where the small ferry crosses to the Wat Poramai Yikawat pier on the island. A bus from Victory Monument (line 166) also reaches Pak Kret market, a few hundred metres from the pier. Allow about one to one and a half hours from central Bangkok, depending on traffic.