Koh Kret: Finding Joy on the Island

On weekends, everyone looks for tourist attractions near and far from Bangkok. Today, I had the opportunity to pay respects to the Buddha and take a boat trip at Koh Kret, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province, near Bangkok. Get ready, let's go!

Getting to Wat Sanam Nua / Koh Kret, Pak Kret

Directions to Wat Sanam Nua

By car:

• From the Five-Way Intersection at Pak Kret, head towards Lotus Pak Kret.
• Turn into the alley beside Lotus.
• Follow the road and Wat Sanam Nua will be on your right.

By public transportation:

• Take bus routes 32, 51, 52, 104, 5 (air-conditioned), or 6 (air-conditioned) and get off at Pak Kret Pier.
• Walk to Wat Sanam Nua.
• Alternatively, take a three-wheeled bicycle taxi and then a boat across to Koh Kret.

From Victory Monument, take bus 166 (Victory Monument - Pak Kret - Muang Thong Thani). This bus will take you directly to Pak Kret Market via the expressway. It's a very convenient option, and you won't have to worry about traffic jams.

History of Wat Sanam Nuea

Wat Sanam Nuea is believed to have been built during the Rattanakosin period after the construction of the Khlong Lat Kret canal. Originally named "Wat Sanam," the temple became abandoned when the Burmese invaded Nonthaburi. It was re-established as a new temple on March 24, 1829, and received the royal consecration of the boundary stone on April 12, 1869.

Location of Wat Sanam Nuea

Address: 24 Soi Chaeng Watthana-Pak Kret 19, Pak Kret Subdistrict, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province 11120, Thailand

Phone: 02-9608391

The back of the temple is adjacent to the Ko Kret River. You can take a boat from Wat Sanam Nuea Pier to Ko Kret Island every day. The boat fare is 2 baht. When you are ready, take the ferry across the river.

From the opposite bank of Wat Sanam Nua, we can see the chedi of Wat Parmaiyikawas on Ko Kret, which is considered a symbol of the island.

History of Koh Kret

The formation of Koh Kret was a result of the excavation of a canal to shorten the Chao Phraya River during the reign of King Borommakot of Ayutthaya in 1622. This canal, known as Khlong Lat Kret Noi, altered the water flow, causing erosion and the expansion of the canal. The resulting peninsula became an island. Koh Kret flourished during the Ayutthaya period, as evidenced by the numerous temples built in the Ayutthaya architectural style. However, the island was likely abandoned when the Burmese captured Ayutthaya. After the restoration of independence, King Taksin the Great invited the Mon people to settle on the island.

Ko Kret: A Cultural Haven on the Chao Phraya River

Ko Kret, a verdant island nestled within the Chao Phraya River, stands as a renowned tourist destination in Nonthaburi province. Celebrated for its vibrant Mon community, the island boasts a rich tapestry of traditional pottery and cultural heritage, meticulously preserved through generations.

Ko Kret serves as a vibrant hub for the Mon people, renowned for their exquisite earthenware. This distinctive craft, a hallmark of the island, manifests in an array of intricately crafted pots, urns, and ceramic vessels, offered at accessible prices.

Beyond its artistic allure, Ko Kret captivates visitors with its delectable culinary offerings. The island is famed for its wholesome herbal cuisine, including delectable tapioca fritters, deep-fried blossoms, and fragrant Khao Chae (chilled rice).

The island's iconic landmark, the towering Phra Chedi Mutao of Wat Poramaiyikawat, serves as a beacon for travelers arriving at the island's pier. Visitors can immerse themselves in the island's charm by strolling through its quaint streets, indulging in shopping sprees, or embarking on scenic boat tours around the island's perimeter.

Ko Kret's allure extends beyond its tangible offerings. The island embodies a profound respect for tradition, evident in the meticulous preservation of its cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of its Mon community. This harmonious blend of cultural richness and natural beauty renders Ko Kret an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking an authentic Thai experience.

Upon arrival at Koh Kret Island, there will be a ticket booth for a boat tour around Koh Kret Island.

First, let's pay our respects at the temple. The first temple is Wat Phramayikawas.

At the pier in front of the temple, you will find a five-spired wooden castle, which was once the site of the "Hma" (Mon coffin) of the former abbot, standing tall. The ordination hall is decorated with materials imported from Italy, in the European style favored by King Rama V. However, the king still maintained the old tradition by ordering the temple to initiate chanting in the Mon language. Today, it is the only temple that still preserves the Mon-language Tripitaka. The principal Buddha image in the ordination hall is in the "Mara-Vijaya" posture, the work of Prince Pradisthathvarakar, who also created the Phra Siam Devadhiraj statue. King Rama V praised this principal Buddha image as being beautiful, with a facial expression that appears lifelike. Behind the ordination hall is the Phra Maha Raman Chedi, a replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Burma.

Mutha Pagoda, Wat Phramayikawas

The Leaning Pagoda of Koh Kret: A Symbol of Mon Heritage

The Mutao Pagoda, situated on the tip of Koh Kret island, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Mon people in Thailand. This white, octagonal structure, adorned with a red cloth at its peak, embodies the essence of Mon architecture. Its design, inspired by the original pagoda in Hmawbi, Myanmar, predates the Burmese influence that transformed the original structure into a hybrid of Mon and Burmese styles.

Built around 300 years ago by Mon refugees seeking refuge in the waning years of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the Mutao Pagoda holds a sacred place in the hearts of Thai Mons. It enshrines relics revered by the community and serves as a focal point for their cultural and spiritual practices.

The pagoda's current傾斜姿態 is a consequence of erosion and the passage of time. Initially upright, the structure began to lean around 1891 due to riverbank erosion. Attempts to stabilize it with wooden and concrete barriers proved futile. Finally, with funding from the Department of Religious Affairs and the generosity of devotees, a permanent concrete barrier was constructed, securing the pagoda's foundation and preserving its傾斜姿態.

The Mutao Pagoda, also known as the Leaning Pagoda, has become an iconic symbol of Koh Kret, attracting visitors from around the world. Its enduring presence serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Mon people and their enduring contribution to the tapestry of Thai society.

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Walk straight ahead and you will see the monument. Pay your respects to King Rama V before continuing to explore other points of interest.

Along the way, there are many things to buy. The most famous are fried taro and coconut shoots. If you want to try this taste, you have to come here. It is not sold anywhere else.

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Before leaving the temple grounds, be sure to visit the Thai Pottery Museum, which offers free admission.

An elderly gentleman demonstrated the molding process for us. We then continued our journey to Wat Sao Thong Thong.

The entrance will be marked as an OTOP product of Nonthaburi Province.

There were many food stalls along the way.

Khao Mak is becoming increasingly difficult to find.

There are also shops selling Buddha statues.

There are many dessert shops.

It looks delicious as a small layer.

Today, I participated in a merit-making ceremony by releasing fish and frogs.

It's time to release the fish.

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We have finally arrived at Wat Sao Thong Thong.

An ancient temple, originally named "Wat Suan Mak", is not only the site of the first elementary school in Pak Kret district, but also houses the tallest pagoda in the district behind the chapel. The pagoda is in the Ayutthaya style with twelve angles, surrounded by two smaller pagodas on each side. On the sides of the chapel, there are two large pagodas, one in the shape of a bell or a Lanka, and the other in the shape of a "ma-fuang". Inside the chapel, the ceiling is beautifully decorated with gold leaf patterns. The main Buddha statue is a large stucco statue in the "Mara-wichai" posture. The Mon people call this temple "Peah A-la". In front of the chapel, there are two small pagodas shaped like "ma-fuang" with a square base with twelve angles, decorated with stucco patterns.

Let's come and pay respect to the Buddha.

This location also offers bicycle rentals.

Continue to worship the Buddha in the temple.

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I then walked back home to Aunt Tum's pottery shop.

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Boasting numerous awards and free admission.

The uncle demonstrated the molding process.

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I also had the opportunity to see the ancient kilns.

After that, we walked back to the original boarding point. This is what the ticket looks like.

Prepare to board the ship.

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The ambiance surrounding Koh Kret

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The view is spectacular.

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We have arrived at our first stop, the batik-making workshop.

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Map of the island.

Next, let's move on to the second point.

Wat Saeng Siri Tham, formerly known as "Wat Khwit," was established in 1784, making it an ancient temple built just two years after the founding of Rattanakosin. The old Ubosot (ordination hall) houses the revered Phra Phuttha Si Rojana Chai, also known as Luang Pho To, a stucco Buddha statue in the Mara-Vijaya posture, and Luang Pho Dam, a bronze Buddha statue in the same posture dating back to the Ayutthaya period. Interestingly, Luang Pho Dam was stolen three times, but each time misfortune befell the thieves, leading to its miraculous return to the temple.

The last stop was at Baan Knom Wan, where I bought some souvenirs before heading back to Bangkok.

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That's all for today. Thank you for watching.

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