Escape the bustle of Bangkok with a visit to a traditional island on the Phraya River, to see the craft, food and temples of the Mon tribe.
Get away from the frenetic existence of Bangkok city centre, and take a little time to unwind on a traditional rural island at the base of the Phraya River. There you’ll find pottery, food and temples of the Mon tribe. Ko Kret attained its island status when a canal was created in the area back in 1722 with the aim of cutting through a bend in the Chao Phraya River.
On this river island, you’ll encounter people whose ancestors were predominant in Thailand for centuries. Learn about their culture, admire their earthenware craft products, sample the native cuisine, and visit old temples located within the pastoral village.
The Mon people originally hailed from Southwest China, but were one later one of the earliest peoples to settle within the region that is now referred to in the West as Thailand. Their Buddhist faith dates back to the fifth century, and is central to their existence. The tribe is generally considered to be a superstitious people. The primary temple on the island is Wat Poramaiyikawt, which has a small museum for visitors to browse.
The Mons developed their own language in ancient times, but it’s no longer spoken today. Mons are renowned for their particularly attractive pottery, made from unglazed terracotta, with ornate patterns carved into the surface.
Crossing Ko Kret on foot is easy enough. It only takes about two hours to walk around this historic island. However, if you want to get round island more quickly, bikes can be rented on the island, both of the pedal and motorised type, or there’s always a local water taxi to get you around.
You needn’t go hungry while you’re on the island either. Local dishes are served in a traditional manner, which involves food being placed on banana leaves or in traditional earthenware pots. To see more examples of the Mons’ attractive pottery, visit the Kwan Aman Pottery Museum. Ceramics can also be bought from the stalls that are dotted around the island.
Ko Kret Island is located just 20 kilometres north of central Bangkok. The island is free from cars, so catching a public river ferry is necessary, or alternatively, take one of the popular river cruises.
