📝 Written 3 Jul 2026 · ✅ Fact-checked 3 Jul 2026 · prices and schedules can change — check with the operator before booking
Ask anyone from Nonthaburi where to go for a one-day trip in the province, and Koh Kret is usually the first name that comes to mind, because it offers an atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else in the greater Bangkok area — an island in the middle of the river with no cars, reached only by ferry. Once you're on the island, you follow narrow concrete walkways along the water, passing old wooden houses, Mon temples, pottery kilns, and roadside stalls. It's community-based tourism that combines culture, food, and craftsmanship all in one place, and it's only about an hour's drive from Bangkok to Pak Kret.
But here's something worth saying plainly upfront: Koh Kret is very much a "weekend" destination. The riverside market, Mon sweet shops, souvenir stalls, and many of the pottery workshops are only fully open and lively on weekends and long holidays. On weekdays, many shops are closed and the island is very quiet — you can still walk around, but you won't get that bustling market atmosphere to browse and snack through. So this review is written straightforwardly, covering both what visitors tend to love — the island's calm atmosphere, the charm of the pottery craft, and Mon food that's hard to find elsewhere — as well as the points reviews consistently flag, like the opening days, the heat, and the narrow, crowded walkways when it's busy, so you can plan a trip that matches what's actually there.
Koh Kret, Nonthaburi
Koh Kret sits in the middle of the Chao Phraya River in Pak Kret district, about an hour north of Bangkok. What sets it apart from the usual near-Bangkok destinations is that there are no roads for cars — the only way onto the island is by ferry. The most popular crossing point is the Wat Sanam Neua pier on the Pak Kret side; the ferry ride over is quick and lands right in front of Wat Poramaiyikawas on the island. The fare is just a few baht per crossing. Once on the island, there are two main ways to get around: walking along the concrete paths that hug the water, or renting a bicycle to ride the loop around the island, which runs roughly six kilometers. It's an easy, relaxed ride past gardens, old wooden houses, temples, and riverside fields, giving you a glimpse of a quiet community life that feels a world away from the city.
At the heart of Koh Kret is a Mon community that settled here since the late Ayutthaya period and has kept its own culture alive ever since. The island's most distinctive feature is its hand-thrown pottery, made from riverside clay with intricate Mon-style perforated patterns that are becoming harder to find elsewhere. There are old kilns, workshops where you can watch potters at work, and shops selling home decor, planters, and pottery souvenirs. The other side of the island's charm is its food. The riverside market has plenty of Mon sweets and local dishes to try — the most famous is a deep-fried fritter made with the island's distinctive bamboo shoot, along with Mon-style khao chae (rice soaked in chilled scented water), a refreshing dish for the hot season, plus several other Mon desserts. You can happily snack your way through the day here. Wat Poramaiyikawas, meanwhile, is the island's key Mon temple, home to a Mon-style riverside chedi known as the Mutao chedi, which leans slightly and has become one of the most memorable photo spots on the island.
The point that needs to be said clearly, and is the single most important thing for planning a Koh Kret trip, is that the market and nearly all the shops are only lively on Saturdays, Sundays, and long holidays. The food stalls, Mon sweet shops, souvenir stores, and many pottery workshops are only fully open during these periods. On weekdays, many shops are closed, and at times the island can be so quiet there's barely anything to browse or snack on. What stays open all the time are the temple and the walkway around the island. If you're coming specifically for the market and food, you should plan to visit on a weekend. But if you'd rather enjoy the quiet, cycle around and take in community life without the crowds, weekdays have their own kind of charm — just know in advance that you won't get the bustling market atmosphere. Based on real reviews, most people who visit on weekends love the community atmosphere, the food, and the pottery craftsmanship, though some do complain about narrow, crowded walkways and the heat during weekend afternoons, since much of the walk is in direct sun. Meanwhile, those who end up visiting on a weekday without realizing it beforehand are often disappointed to find so many shops closed. Choosing the right day to match what you're after really is the most important decision for this destination.
- A car-free island in the middle of the Chao Phraya, with a quiet atmosphere that feels far from the city — you can walk or cycle the whole island, and it's an easy day trip near Bangkok.
- A genuinely old Mon community that still hand-throws pottery, with workshops and shops to explore — a craft that's becoming harder to find elsewhere.
- A full lineup of local Mon food, including bamboo-shoot fritters, khao chae, and various Mon sweets that are hard to find elsewhere — great for snacking your way through the riverside market.
- Wat Poramaiyikawas and its leaning riverside Mon-style Mutao chedi make for a memorable photo spot — a trip that combines culture and photography.
- The market, food stalls, and most pottery workshops are only fully open and lively on Saturdays and Sundays — on weekdays, many shops are closed and the island is very quiet.
- Weekend afternoons get crowded and the riverside walkways are narrow, making it harder to walk and take photos comfortably — mornings are more comfortable.
- Much of the walk is in direct sun on narrow concrete paths with some steps, and it can get hot — bring a hat, water, and comfortable walking shoes.
💡 Know Before You Go: Koh Kret, Nonthaburi
The single most important thing to know about Koh Kret is that the riverside market, Mon sweet shops, souvenir stores, and many pottery workshops are only fully open and lively on Saturdays, Sundays, and long holidays. On weekdays, many shops are closed and the island is very quiet. If you're coming for the food and market, plan a weekend visit. If you'd rather enjoy the quiet, weekdays work too — just don't expect the market atmosphere.
Koh Kret has no roads for cars, so you have to take a ferry across. The most popular pier is Wat Sanam Neua on the Pak Kret side, and the crossing to the temple on the island only takes a moment. The fare is just a few baht per trip, so bring some small cash. Park your car on the pier side before crossing over.
On the island, you can either walk along the concrete paths that hug the water, or rent a bicycle to ride the loop, which runs roughly six kilometers. It's an easy ride past gardens, temples, and old wooden houses, and bicycle rental is inexpensive. Wear comfortable walking shoes, since the paths are narrow with some steps, and bring a hat and water since much of the walk is in direct sun.
The island's food highlight is its local Mon dishes and sweets. The most famous is a deep-fried fritter made with the island's distinctive bamboo shoot, along with Mon-style khao chae, refreshing in the hot season, plus various other Mon desserts. You can snack your way through the riverside market, but you'll need to visit on a weekend to find the shops fully open — many of the small vendors only accept cash.
Book Tours and Activities for Koh Kret-Nonthaburi
Looking for a Chao Phraya river cruise that stops at Koh Kret, a guided community tour, or a workshop experience in the area? Compare and book online here.
Where to Stay for a Koh Kret Trip?
Looking to stay in Nonthaburi near Pak Kret and Koh Kret, or find somewhere convenient around Chaeng Watthana-Tiwanon? Compare prices across multiple sites right here.
Search Hotels on AgodaMake the most of your trip: Koh Kret is most enjoyable when you visit on a Saturday or Sunday morning to early afternoon, since the market and shops are all open and it's not yet too hot or crowded. Take the ferry from the Wat Sanam Neua pier, rent a bicycle to ride the roughly six-kilometer loop around the island, stop by Wat Poramaiyikawas to pay respects, admire the riverside Mutao chedi, watch the potters at work, then snack on bamboo-shoot fritters and Mon sweets in the market. Once the afternoon sun gets strong, head back across. If you still have energy left the same day, you can visit other spots in Nonthaburi, like an old riverside temple or a market in town.
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