Koh Kret, Bangkok - Surawong Road #surawong
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Koh Kret Bangkok

4.4
·714 reviews·Ko Kret, Thailand

A rural, artificial island settlement known for its traditional Mon pottery, vibrant weekend market, and delicious local food.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday & Sunday mornings

Market buzz and lively atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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Koh Kret, Bangkok - Surawong Road #surawong

Koh Kret Bangkok

Best Time

Saturday & Sunday mornings

Market buzz and lively atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A rural, artificial island settlement known for its traditional Mon pottery, vibrant weekend market, and delicious local food.

4.4
(714 reviews)

"Discover a peaceful Mon island escape with unique pottery, tasty street food, and scenic riverside vibes."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Weekend Market is Key

Visit on Sat/Sun for the full market experience with food & crafts. Weekdays are quiet but less vibrant.

🚢 Scenic River Boat Ride

Take a river taxi from central Bangkok for the best views & to avoid traffic.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Koh Kret Pottery Village

Koh Kret Pottery Village

Various workshops across the island

Discover centuries-old Mon pottery traditions. Watch artisans at work and even try your hand at the wheel!

Chit Beer Craft Brewery

Chit Beer Craft Brewery

Riverside, Koh Kret

A popular spot for craft beer lovers with a fantastic riverside vibe. Great for sunset drinks!

The Camellia Riverside Restaurant & Bar

The Camellia Riverside Restaurant & Bar

Riverside, Koh Kret

A chic spot offering great food, drinks, and picturesque views, perfect for a relaxing break.

Koh Kret Market

Koh Kret Market

Central island area

Experience local life with a bustling market selling earthenware, delicious street food, and unique crafts.

Planning Your Visit

Weekend Market Vibes

Koh Kret truly comes alive on weekends when its famous market is in full swing. Visiting on a weekday means a much quieter experience, which can be great if you prefer fewer crowds, but you'll miss out on the vibrant atmosphere and most of the food stalls. Plan your visit for Saturday or Sunday if you want the full island experience.

Getting There: River Routes Recommended

While taxis and buses can get you close, the most scenic and enjoyable way to reach Koh Kret is by boat. Taking a river taxi from central Bangkok piers like near the Grand Palace or Sathorn Pier offers fantastic views and a relaxing journey, avoiding Bangkok's notorious traffic. It's a popular day trip option for a reason!

Best Times

When
Saturday & Sunday mornings
Why
Market buzz and lively atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter exploration, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon for sunset
Why
Riverside bars and golden hour
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hidden gem from Bangkok ✨✨ Follow for more travel tips! #bangkok #thailand #southeastasia #backpacking #hiddengems #travel
@mallenjallow
100.6K likes • 1.5M views

🎯 Weekend Market is Key

Visit on Sat/Sun for the full market experience with food & crafts. Weekdays are quiet but less vibrant. Instagram

🚢 Scenic River Boat Ride

Take a river taxi from central Bangkok for the best views & to avoid traffic. Reddit+1

The TOP 10 Places To Visit In Bangkok For 2024... Bangkok is a vibrant and bustling city with something for everyone, whether it's visiting a Buddhist temple or cruising down the river you'll love wha...
@lovethailand.co
28.1K likes • 1.1M views
Nota importante: Koh Kret es un sitio que está hecho para ser visitado sábados y domingos, ya que el mercado está abierto, muchas cosas están abiertas. Voy a mostraros uno de mis lugares favoritos de...
isaacportailandia
363 likes • 15.5K views

🍺 Craft Beer at Chit Beer

A must-visit for craft beer fans, especially on weekends. Check opening hours! Reddit+1

🚲 Cycle Around the Island

Rent a bike to explore the island's charming nooks and crannies at your own pace. Reddit

📍 Pa Tum Pottery Factory, Koh Kret Island, BANGKOK 🇹🇭 Last month I visited a pottery village in Vietnam and this week I got to go to a pottery factory in Thailand! It’s so interesting to see how peo...
13proofceramics
337 likes • 6.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Weekend Market is Key

Visit on Sat/Sun for the full market experience with food & crafts. Weekdays are quiet but less vibrant. Instagram

🚢 Scenic River Boat Ride

Take a river taxi from central Bangkok for the best views & to avoid traffic. Reddit+1

🍺 Craft Beer at Chit Beer

A must-visit for craft beer fans, especially on weekends. Check opening hours! Reddit+1

🚲 Cycle Around the Island

Rent a bike to explore the island's charming nooks and crannies at your own pace. Reddit

🏺 Explore Pottery Workshops

See local artisans create traditional earthenware and maybe buy a unique souvenir. Instagram

📸 Insta-Worthy Riverside Spots

Discover beautiful riverside restaurants and bars like The Camellia for great photos. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.4
(714 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Koh Kret is a charming, rural island escape offering a glimpse into traditional Mon culture, famous for its pottery and delicious street food. Visitors love its relaxed atmosphere and scenic riverside spots, making it a perfect day trip from bustling Bangkok. While weekdays are quieter, the weekend market truly brings the island to life.

"A charming little local island not far from Bangkok. The island is full of life — with local markets, riverside cafés, and even the unique experience of roasting and brewing your own coffee. You’ll also find beautiful temples and high-quality local products. Visitors can easily get around the island by motorbike taxi or rent a bicycle. Best to visit in the morning to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace."

Lana X

"KhoKert is sure a lovely place for your weekend day trip where you can discover with nature, local people, and culture. I love to ride a bicycle there. There are lots of food shops and chilling places. It's not far from the centre of bangkok at all. If you love to see the river, trees & nature, meet local smailing people, bicycles, and food ,here is the must visit at Kho Kert!"

Tuk - Karanee McNamara

"It is an island north of Chao Phraya in Bangkok.
It is famous for its ceramics and is crowded with many tourists on weekends.
If you take public transportation, get off at Pak Kret and it is a 5-minute walk, or you can take a motorcycle taxi to the pier.
You can get to the island in 2-3 minutes from the pier.
If you take a boat, you can see a leaning temple, and you can cycle around the island on a bicycle. You can see many temples and cafes along the river.

Personally, I recommend walking around the island, going to a cafe to rest if you are hot or tired, and then walking again. It is not bad to cycle around."

Lim ChaeWoo

What People Like

Authentic Mon pottery and workshops
Relaxing riverside ambiance
Delicious street food and local snacks

What People Dislike

Quieter on weekdays
Market only fully active on weekends
Can get crowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most scenic route is by river taxi from piers like Sathorn or near the Grand Palace, heading towards Nonthaburi. From Nonthaburi Pier, you can take a short ferry or hire a private boat to Koh Kret. Some Redditors suggest the No. 166 bus from Victory Monument to Pak Kret pier, or a taxi directly to Wat Sanam Neua. Reddit+3

Yes, you can take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station and then a Chao Phraya Express Boat (orange flag) to Nonthaburi Pier. From there, you'll need to catch a local ferry or hire a boat to Koh Kret. The Purple Line MRT to Phra Nang Klao Bridge is another option, followed by a taxi. Reddit+1

Koh Kret is a small island with no cars allowed. The best way to explore is by renting a bicycle, which is readily available. You can also walk around the main market areas and along the riverbanks. Reddit

Yes, there are local ferries that connect the mainland piers (like Pak Kret) to Koh Kret. The Chao Phraya Express Boat can take you to Nonthaburi Pier, from where you can catch a smaller ferry or hire a boat. Reddit+1

Depending on your starting point and mode of transport, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. A river taxi from near the Grand Palace is estimated to take about 45 minutes. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entrance fees to visit Koh Kret itself. You'll only pay for any food, drinks, souvenirs, or activities you choose to purchase on the island. Instagram

Koh Kret is generally accessible throughout the day. However, the main market and most food stalls are most active on Saturdays and Sundays. Popular spots like Chit Beer have specific operating hours, often closing by 9 PM. Reddit

Yes, Koh Kret is open on weekdays, but it will be significantly quieter. The market stalls and many food vendors may not be open, offering a more peaceful exploration experience. Reddit

Yes, the Bangkok Tourism Authority, in collaboration with Chao Phraya Express Boat, offers one-day trips to Koh Kret. This can be a convenient way to experience the local life and enjoy a relaxing boat ride. Instagram

To experience the full vibrancy of the Koh Kret market, it's best to visit on a Saturday or Sunday. The market typically starts in the morning and runs through the afternoon. Instagram

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Koh Kret is renowned for its Mon heritage, particularly its locally produced earthenware pottery. It's also known for its delicious street food, riverside ambiance, and as a peaceful escape from Bangkok's hustle. TikTokInstagram

You should definitely explore the pottery workshops, sample the local street food, visit Chit Beer for craft brews, and enjoy the riverside views at places like The Camellia. Cycling around the island is also highly recommended. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! Koh Kret offers numerous picturesque spots, especially along the riverbanks and at its charming cafes and restaurants. The traditional pottery and local life also make for great photo opportunities. Instagram

You'll find a variety of delicious Thai street food, often with a local Mon influence. Look out for dishes like fried bananas, grilled meats, and various snacks. The island's market is a great place to sample local delicacies. Instagram

Yes, Koh Kret is an excellent day trip from Bangkok. It offers a refreshing change of pace and a glimpse into a more rural, traditional Thai lifestyle, all within easy reach of the city. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Koh Kret offers a refreshing change of pace for families looking for a break from Bangkok's urban intensity. The island's car-free environment makes it safe for children to explore, especially when renting bicycles. The bustling market is a sensory delight, with colorful stalls and interesting snacks like fried bananas that kids often enjoy. Visiting the pottery workshops can be fascinating for younger ones, offering a hands-on glimpse into traditional crafts. Consider a boat trip to get there, as the ride itself can be an adventure. While weekdays are quieter, weekends offer more food options, which can be helpful for picky eaters. Instagram

🍺 Craft Beer Enthusiasts

📸 Photography Lovers

Koh Kret is a visual treat for photographers. The island's charm lies in its traditional Mon architecture, the intricate details of pottery workshops, and the serene riverside scenery. Spots like The Camellia Riverside Restaurant and Bar provide stunning backdrops for capturing beautiful shots, especially during golden hour.Instagram The vibrant market on weekends offers dynamic street photography opportunities, showcasing local life and colorful produce. Don't forget to capture the journey there via the Chao Phraya River, with its unique cityscapes and boat traffic. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Mon Pottery

Koh Kret is historically a settlement of the Mon people, and their unique pottery-making tradition is a cornerstone of the island's identity. For centuries, artisans here have crafted distinctive earthenware, often characterized by its reddish-brown hue and traditional designs. You can visit numerous workshops scattered across the island, where you can witness the entire process, from clay preparation to wheel-throwing and firing. Many artisans are happy to give you a personal tour, like one visitor experienced at Pa Tum Pottery Factory.Instagram It's a fascinating glimpse into a craft that has been passed down through generations, and a perfect opportunity to purchase authentic, handmade souvenirs directly from the makers. Don't miss the chance to see these skilled craftspeople at work – it’s a truly immersive cultural experience. Instagram

Riverside Relaxation: Bars & Restaurants

If you're looking to escape the city buzz, Koh Kret's riverside establishments offer a tranquil retreat. Spots like The Camellia Riverside Restaurant and Bar have gained popularity for their relaxing ambiance, delicious food, and stunning views of the Chao Phraya River.Instagram+1 These places are perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal or a refreshing drink while watching the boats go by. Many offer picturesque settings ideal for capturing memorable photos, making them popular with visitors seeking Instagram-worthy moments.Instagram Another highly recommended spot, especially for those who enjoy a good brew, is Chit Beer. This craft brewery is a local favorite, known for its great vibe and riverside location, making it a popular stop for both locals and tourists looking for a unique experience. Reddit+2

Navigating to Koh Kret: The River Route

While taxis and buses can get you to the vicinity of Koh Kret, the most recommended and enjoyable way to reach the island is via the Chao Phraya River. Taking a river taxi from central Bangkok piers, such as near the Grand Palace or Sathorn Pier, offers not only a scenic journey but also a way to bypass Bangkok's notorious traffic congestion.Reddit+2 These boats provide lovely views of the city skyline and riverside life as you head towards Nonthaburi. Once you reach Nonthaburi Pier, you'll typically transfer to a smaller local ferry or hire a private boat for the final short trip to Koh Kret. This method is often highlighted by travelers as a fun and efficient way to start your island adventure. Reddit+1

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