On Saturday, I joined a Thai Cultural trip, sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), to the island of Ko Kret. The purpose of the trip was to teach Thai culture and traditions to foreign teachers who live in the Bangkok area.
Ko Kret is an artificial island in the Chao Phraya river in Nonthaburi, just north of Bangkok. The island dates back to 1722 when a shortcut canal was built near a loop in the river. Click here to see the location marked on a map.
Most of the people who live on the island are Mon, an ethnic group from Burma. Like the Thai people, they are Buddhists but have their own traditions and culture.
The island is not really that big and would take about 90 minutes or so to walk around the circumference. There are no paved roads or cars. People get around by walking or by motorcycles on elevated concrete walkways. At the northern side of the island there are a large number of market stalls.
One of the main industries of the island is pottery. There are many shops selling pottery. There are a few places where you can go and watch potters at work.
The best way to get around the island is by bicycle. You can rent these locally or bring your own on the ferry boat.
During the culture trip we were entertained with traditional Thai dancing and also were fed typical Thai food and desserts. We even visited a shop where we watched Thai desserts being made.
You can go to Ko Kret as an easy daytrip from Bangkok. You can join a tour at the weekend with the express boats. Or you can go by yourself. Boats will take you up as far as Nonthaburi where you can then take local transport to the nearby ferry at Pakkret. Then it is only a few baht to cross the river.
- Posted from my iPhone
Simon
13/06/2010 at 10:11 pm
I went the day after reading your tweets for a short time… keep up the good work and if you want to use any photos let me know..
Lynn
06/07/2010 at 1:11 pm
Hi Richard, I’m interested in joining the group tour to Ko Kret in August. I’ve just called the Chao Phraya Express and was told that the tour is no longer available, though I read in a column of yours that there’s a special boat on Sunday, departing Sathorn Central Pier for THB300 per pax.
Richard Barrow
06/07/2010 at 7:09 pm
I am on Koh Tao at the moment so cannot follow this up for you. I cannot see any reason why they would stop the weekend trips.