On Ko Kret, Thai-Mon culture and pottery are among the island’s special attractions. The island is considered a well-known center of Thai-Mon culture and also interests visitors for its pottery. Changwat Nonthaburi lies on the Chao Phraya River in Thailand’s central region; within this regional setting, cultural sites, markets and activities offer different insights into the area.
Ko Kret and the history of pottery
At the Nonthaburi Museum, pottery is presented in an explanatory context: the museum displays pieces from Ko Kret and Ban Bang Tanao Si and explains in detail how they are made. It is housed in the former provincial administration building, a teak structure with notable architecture. Visitors can therefore discover both the ceramics and a building whose former use and construction offer their own perspectives on Nonthaburi’s history. If you plan to visit the museum, check current visiting arrangements in advance, as its operations may change.
On Ko Kret, Wat Paramaiyikawat adds to this cultural history. The ancient temple was restored in the Mon style and became the center of the island’s Mon community. Together with Ko Kret’s importance as a center of Thai-Mon culture and the interest in its pottery, it offers more than one way to explore the area’s cultural themes.
Temples with different architectural influences
Wat Sa Thong Thong features art from the Ayutthaya period. Visitors can see the elaborately decorated ceiling and a large Buddha statue in the center of the ubosot. Wat Chimplisuthawas also has a connection to the Ayutthaya period: the temple has an ubosot and a chedi in this style. The two descriptions emphasize different aspects—art and interior details at one, and the architecture of two temple structures at the other.
Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Memorial, also called Wat Leng Nei Yi 2, represents a different architectural tradition. Its halls follow the forms and principles of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism. Suan Kret Buddha offers another perspective on culture: the site is a kind of open-air museum that illustrates traditional Thai ways of life and local knowledge from the past. Temple architecture and depictions of earlier ways of life thus stand side by side as distinct themes.
Floating markets and local food
The markets also differ in what they offer visitors. Sai Noi Floating Market on Khlong Phra Phimol combines a variety of foods with vegetables and fruit sold by local people. At Wat Saeng Siritham Floating Market, the stalls are set up on floating rafts, and a wide range of savory and sweet foods is available. If you want to discover the produce on offer as well as the food, Sai Noi Floating Market is the more suitable destination; Wat Saeng Siritham focuses on its raft-style stalls and selection of savory and sweet dishes.
The selection at Sai Noi Floating Market may change. Operating days and opening hours at Wat Saeng Siritham Floating Market may also change. Check current visiting times and offerings before your visit.
Experience Ko Kret from the water and the farm
Boat trips around the island are available on Ko Kret. Another activity takes visitors into agriculture: they can learn about cultivation methods and visit a cantaloupe farm. There, visitors learn about cultivation, care and harvesting. The boat tour and farm visit highlight different aspects of Ko Kret—one offers a view of the island from the water, while the other focuses on agricultural work. As operational details may change, it is advisable to check the farm’s visiting arrangements in advance.
Discover more destinations: Pak Kret, Ban Mai, Pak Kret District, Bang Phai, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Bang Krang, Bang Phlap, Ranong.
See the full travel overview: Thailand.
