Koh Kret

Travel Guide

Koh Kret featuring a bridge, signage and hiking or walking
Koh Kret which includes cycling, street scenes and a small town or village
Koh Kret which includes signage
Koh Kret featuring art
Photo by Chattan Kunjara

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 kilometres) 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.

Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point

Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point

4.5 out of 5
662 Rama IV Road, Bangkok, Bangkok
The price is €69 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€69
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,097 reviews)
"Upmarket facilities, friendly and helpful service. But 2 times hotel siren false alarm in the early morning (3.40am and 4.40am) disturbing sleep."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point
Asia Hotel Bangkok

Asia Hotel Bangkok

4 out of 5
296 Phayathai Road, Bangkok, Bangkok
The price is €42 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
€42
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,228 reviews)
"One of my favorite place to stay in bkk. It’s convenient area. Everything close by and walking distance."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Asia Hotel Bangkok
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

5 out of 5
491 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok
The price is €128 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€128
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,402 reviews)
"Very clean, convenient for shopping"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok

Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok

4 out of 5
No 115 Sukhumvit 55, Thonglor, Sukhumvit Road, Klongton Nua, Bangkok
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,178 reviews)
"A lovely property with spacious bedroom/bathroom/dining area. New, modern, scrupulously clean. Comfortable bed. Nice city view. Very professionally run by wonderfully friendly and helpful staff. Highly recommend it and would definitely stay again. A shout out to A who was particularly charming and ..."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok
Adelphi Grande Sukhumvit

Adelphi Grande Sukhumvit

4.5 out of 5
16 Sukhumvit Soi 41, Bangkok, Bangkok
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,349 reviews)
"Vey clean comfortable and great kitchen to cook meals.Shopping very close to Hotel. Staff very helpful and always happy"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Adelphi Grande Sukhumvit
Oakwood Suites Bangkok

Oakwood Suites Bangkok

5 out of 5
20 Soi Sukhumvit 24, Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan, Bangkok, Bangkok
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (269 reviews)
"near by shopping malls and BTS station."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Oakwood Suites Bangkok
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do