In December there is a boat to Koh Kret every weekend. Booking in advance gives you a discount. Koh Kret is a small island in the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi Province. The island is about 3 km long and 3 km wide with an area of about 4,2 square kilometers.
Koh Kret is a nice idyllic and dreamy island. On Koh Kret you get the feeling that you are very far away from hectic Bangkok. It is almost completely green and there are no cars. There is an authentic rural atmosphere. You can enjoy the peace and fresh air. The island has several shops that sell the typical Mon pottery.
At the pier on Koh Kret you will find a few simple shops. There is also a fleet of motorcycle taxis waiting for you. Most are driven by a woman. Something you never really see in Bangkok. Most motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok are from the rural north of Thailand Thailand. The female drivers on Koh Kret are almost all locals. You rent a motorbike taxi per hour, but you can also rent a bicycle. You have to be able to handle cycling in the heat all day long. With a motorbike you can make a tour of the entire island in about 45 minutes. The road is a narrow concrete strip less than two meters wide. On the road, all you see are motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, cattle and plenty of giggling kids.
Potters on Koh Kret (Job Chettana / Shutterstock.com)
There are a number of tourist sites on the island. You can visit various Buddhist temples. The most interesting temple is the Wat Poramaiyikawat (57 Moo 7). It has a small adjoining museum. The best thing on Koh Kret is sailing through the small hamlets. You can then enjoy the soothing rural view. Along the way, stop whenever you feel like a refreshing drink.
Definitely recommended. I was there about 10 years ago. Took a bus from the palace and then (that bus takes a while) with a ferry and rented a bicycle. Not seen a tourist then. Walked into a temple with beautiful lights; turned out to be a service for a deceased person. When I realized that and wanted to discreetly remove myself, I was asked if I wanted to stay and take pictures. Of course done and attended the entire funeral. Although it was a bit wrong to be there as a stranger, I have rarely felt so welcome.
Even without that a nice island so definitely worth it. And with such a boat even easier to visit (although it also has something to do with puzzling yourself).