Koh Kret
เกาะเกร็ด · Nonthaburi Province
Population
6K
Budget / Month
$22
Internet
40 Mbps
Best Season
November to February (cool and dry); weekends only for market
About Koh Kret
Koh Kret is one of Bangkok's most charming day trips yet feels a world away from the city. This small artificial island was created in 1722 when a canal was dug to shorten the Chao Phraya River's course, leaving a teardrop-shaped islet just 0.4 square kilometers in size. Home to a Mon community that has maintained its distinct culture for centuries, the island is famous for its traditional unglazed pottery, weekend walking street market, and car-free character.
The island comes alive on weekends when the walking street transforms into a food and craft bazaar. Mon and Thai vendors sell pottery, woven goods, and an extraordinary variety of food. The island's signature product is distinctive terracotta pottery made using techniques passed down through generations of Mon artisans. Visitors can watch potters at work and buy pieces ranging from simple cups to elaborate decorative items.
Walking or cycling the roughly 6-kilometer path that circles the island takes about an hour and passes through tropical gardens, traditional wooden houses, pottery workshops, and riverside temples. Wat Poramaiyikawat features a Mon-style leaning white chedi and a small museum of Mon artifacts.
Historical Note
Koh Kret was created in 1722 when a canal cut across a Chao Phraya River bend during the Ayutthaya period. Mon people settled the island and established the pottery tradition that continues today, maintaining their language, customs, and crafts for over 300 years.
Best time to visit: November to February (cool and dry); weekends only for market
At a Glance
Thai Name
เกาะเกร็ด
Province
Nonthaburi
Region
Central
Population
6,000
Area
0.4 km²
Elevation
3 m
Postal Code
11120
Airport
DMK
Founded
1722
Local Language
Thai, Mon
Cost of Living
budget
/month800 THB
~$22 USD
comfortable
/month1,500 THB
~$42 USD
luxury
/month2,700 THB
~$75 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food (per item) | 20 | 50 |
| Khao Chae (Mon rice dish) | 60 | 100 |
| Boat noodles (small bowl) | 15 | 30 |
| Coconut ice cream | 25 | 40 |
| Iced coffee/tea | 25 | 40 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 10 | 15 |
| Pad Thai | 40 | 60 |
| Mon sweets box | 40 | 80 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry to island | 2 | 5 |
| Bicycle rental | 40 | 60 |
| Chao Phraya tourist boat | 50 | 100 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon pottery (small piece) | 50 | 200 |
| Pottery painting experience | 50 | 100 |
| Massage (1 hour) | 150 | 250 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Temple donation | 20 | 50 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
20% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
Weekends only for the full market experience (Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM). Weekdays are quiet with most stalls closed. November to February has the most pleasant weather. Avoid heavy monsoon flooding months.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 21 | 10 | 60% |
| Feb | 33 | 23 | 15 | 58% |
| Mar | 35 | 25 | 30 | 60% |
| Apr | 36 | 26 | 65 | 65% |
| May | 34 | 26 | 200 | 74% |
| Jun | 33 | 25 | 160 | 74% |
| Jul | 33 | 25 | 170 | 74% |
| Aug | 33 | 25 | 200 | 76% |
| Sep | 32 | 25 | 280 | 80% |
| Oct | 32 | 24 | 250 | 78% |
| Nov | 32 | 23 | 50 | 65% |
| Dec | 31 | 21 | 10 | 60% |
Things to Do
Weekend Walking Street Market
Food and craft bazaar transforming the main path every weekend with Mon sweets, Thai street food, and handmade pottery.
Cycle Around the Island
A flat 6 km loop passing tropical gardens, traditional houses, pottery workshops, and riverside temples on a car-free path.
Mon Pottery Workshops
Watch traditional unglazed terracotta pottery being made using 300-year-old Mon techniques. Workshops welcome visitors.
Wat Poramaiyikawat
วัดปรมัยยิกาวาส
The island's main temple featuring a Mon-style leaning white chedi and a small museum of Mon cultural artifacts.
Mon Food Tasting Trail
Sample Khao Chae, traditional Mon sweets, boat noodles, and other unique Mon and Thai foods along the walking street.
Sunset by the River
Watch the sun set over the Chao Phraya River from the western side of the island with beautiful golden light.
Food & Dining
ข้าวแช่
Khao Chae
Rice soaked in jasmine-scented water served with elaborate side dishes. A seasonal Mon specialty available during the hot season.
60-100
Weekend market stalls (March-April)
ขนมมอญ
Mon Kanom (Traditional Sweets)
Dozens of varieties of traditional Mon sweets made with coconut, palm sugar, and rice flour in unique shapes and flavors.
10-30 per piece
Walking street stalls on weekends
ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ
Boat Noodles
Small bowls of rich, dark-broth noodle soup. Mon-style preparation with aromatic spices and tender meat.
15-30
Market stalls near the ferry landing
ทอดมัน
Tod Mun (Fish Cakes)
Deep-fried fish cakes with red curry paste, served with sweet cucumber relish. A classic Thai snack.
10-20 per piece
Walking street stalls
Night Markets
- Weekend Walking Street Market
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
300 - 600
THB / night
Budget Hotel
500 - 1,000
THB / night
Mid-Range
1,000 - 2,000
THB / night
Luxury
2,000 - 3,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
5,000 - 10,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
8,000 - 15,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
No tourist accommodation on the island. Stay in Bangkok or Nonthaburi and visit as a day trip. Hotels in Pak Kret area are 5-10 minutes from the ferry.
Getting There from Bangkok
Don Mueang International Airport
Airport Code: DMK
BTS + taxi + ferry
1-1.5 hours
200-300 THB
Chao Phraya Express Boat
30 min from Nonthaburi Pier
50-100 THB
Private longtail charter
Varies
500-1,500 THB
Getting Around
Walking
WidespreadThe island is tiny (0.4 sq km). Everything is walkable.
Free
Bicycle
WidespreadRent a bike to circle the 6 km loop. Flat and pleasant.
40-60/day
Neighborhoods
Market Area (East Side)
Bustling weekend bazaar, quiet weekdaysWhere the ferry drops you off and the weekend market concentrates. Food stalls, shops, and the main walking path.
Best for: Weekend market visitors and foodies
Pottery Village (North/Central)
Artisan village atmosphereThe traditional pottery-making area with workshops and kilns. More residential and authentic with potters welcoming visitors.
Best for: Culture seekers and pottery enthusiasts
Festivals & Events
Songkran Mon Style
สงกรานต์มอญ
The Mon community celebrates with traditional water ceremonies distinct from Thai Songkran, preserving ancient Mon customs.
Mon National Day
Cultural celebration with traditional Mon dress, dance performances, music, and special Mon food.
Practical Info
Hospital
Nonthaburi hospitals (10-15 min across the river)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Thai and Mon spoken. Very limited English — hand gestures and smiles work well.
Drinking Water
Buy bottled water at market stalls.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Nonthaburi Market
Provincial market with local food and famous durian in season. Easy to combine with a Koh Kret visit.
Bangkok (Chatuchak Market)
Combine weekend markets — Chatuchak in the morning, Koh Kret in the afternoon or vice versa.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Koh Kret worth visiting?
Yes, as a half-day Bangkok escape. It offers a unique Mon cultural experience, excellent food, and a car-free village atmosphere. Best on weekends.
When should I go?
Weekends only, arriving by 9:00-10:00 AM. Weekdays are quiet with most market stalls closed.
How do I get there?
Take the BTS to the northern end, taxi to Wat Sanam Nuea pier in Pak Kret, then a 2 THB ferry across the river. About 1 hour from central Bangkok.
Is there accommodation on the island?
No tourist accommodation exists. Visit as a day trip from Bangkok or stay in nearby Nonthaburi/Pak Kret.
What is Mon pottery?
Traditional unglazed terracotta pottery made using techniques the Mon community has preserved for 300+ years. The reddish-brown pots and cups are Koh Kret's signature product.
How long should I spend?
3-4 hours is ideal. Arrive around 9:00 AM, walk the island, eat at the market, visit a pottery workshop, and return by early afternoon.