π Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you want to cycle near Bangkok without dealing with heavy traffic, Nonthaburi is the answer most people overlook. The Pak Kret side has Suan Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin (Suan Somdet Park), with a riding loop around a big pond shaded by mature trees. Ko Kret, meanwhile, is an island in the river where cars can't go, so you can ride the whole island with peace of mind. We've laid this out as a 2-day plan: warm up in the park on day one, then take the ferry over to tackle the island on day two.
2-Day Route Overview
- Day 1 β Suan Somdet Park + the Pak Kret riverside Ride in the park in the morning, then cruise along to catch the Rama V Bridge view in the evening.
- Day 2 β Loop around Ko Kret Take the ferry across, rent a bike at Wat Poramai Yikawat, ride the 6 km loop, and stop by the market and the Mon temples.
- Difficulty Easy to moderate, almost all flat, good for beginners and families.
- What to bring Helmet, drinking water, sunscreen, and cash (the ferry and bike rentals are cash only).
Best Time to Go
Ride in the morning from 6:00β9:00 or in the evening from 16:30 onward to avoid the harsh sun. Suan Somdet Park opens around 5 a.m. Ko Kret gets crowded on Saturdays and Sundays, so if you want the road to yourself, try a weekday.
Book the activities in your Nonthaburi trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want β prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 1 β Suan Somdet Park and the Pak Kret Riverside
Suan Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin in Nonthaburi is in Pak Kret district, an older public park that locals usually just call Suan Somdet Ya. It's been renovated and has a running track and a bike lane along a large pond full of fish. Entry is free, and it's a good place to warm up on day one before you tackle the island.
Warm up in the park + riverside views
About the Bikes
If you don't have your own bike for day one, you can drive or ride a motorbike over, park, and just walk or jog in the park. The park itself doesn't have a regular bike rental stand, and most people bring their own. Save the serious bike rental for day two on Ko Kret.
Day 2 β Loop Around Ko Kret
The highlight of the trip is here. Ko Kret is an island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River where cars can't go, with narrow concrete paths that loop around the island for about 6 km. Along the way you pass Mon temples, a pottery-making community, Mon dessert shops, and river viewpoints. Ride at a relaxed pace, stop to eat as you go, and you can easily spend a half day here.
To get to the island, take the cross-river ferry from the Wat Sanam Nuea pier in Pak Kret; the fare is just a few baht per person. Once you reach the island side in front of Wat Poramai Yikawat, you'll find bike rental shops to choose from. Plain city bikes start at around 40β50 THB per day with no time limit. If your legs aren't up for it, there are e-bikes for rent too, charged by the hour at around 150 THB.
Ferry across β rent a bike β loop the island
Bike Rental Spots and Prices
Bike rental in front of Wat Poramai Yikawat (Ko Kret)
The main rental point as soon as you step off the ferry, with city bikes in several sizes, good for looping the island. It's the most popular because it sits right at the island's entrance.
E-bike rental, Ko Kret
Electric bikes for rent for anyone who doesn't want to work too hard, or who's bringing older relatives along, making the island loop easier. Charged by the hour or as a flat rate by agreement.
Bring your own bike (Suan Somdet Park, Pak Kret)
For day one at Suan Somdet Park, most people bring their own bike. The park has no regular rental stand, but there's a free riding loop around the pond.
Food Stops Along the Way
Ko Kret Market (by Wat Poramai)
Mon food and street eats: fried fish cakes with bamboo shoots, khao chae, and old-school Thai sweets. Busiest on weekends.
Mon dessert shops in the community
As you ride you'll pass Mon snack and dessert shops along the way. Worth stopping in to taste a few here and there.
Riverside spots at Pak Kret pier
On the Pak Kret side there are restaurants with Chao Phraya River views, good for dinner to wrap up day one.
Tips for a Fun, Safe Ride
- Check the bike before you go β tire pressure and brakes matter most, especially on rental bikes that lots of people use one after another.
- Carry cash β the ferry fare and bike rentals are mostly cash only, and many of the small shops on the island don't take transfers.
- The island paths are narrow β ride slowly, watch for pedestrians and spots where paths cross in front of houses, and use a bell or slow down instead of honking.
- Avoid the midday sun β both the park and the island have patches of shade, but 11:00β15:00 is genuinely hot, so morning or evening is better.
- Weekends get busy β Ko Kret is lively on Saturdays and Sundays but also packed. If you want an open road, go on a weekday.
Want a full-day Nonthaburi plan or a riverside place to stay? Check out the city guide.
See the Nonthaburi travel guide β