Ko Kret Island in the Chao Phraya River - Nonthaburi Province

Ko Kret, an island in the Chao Phraya River, lies approximately 20 km north of central Bangkok.

By minibus we drive to the ferry that brings us to the island. At the north eastern tip of the island, a white leaning Chedi catches the eye. It’s Phra Chedi Mu Dao, the symbol of the island. The river has undermined the foundation, so that the sanctuary leans dangerously to the side.

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The island has no natural origin. About 200 years ago the tribe the Mon settled here. The bend of the river bend was joined by a channel which was continually rinsed out, so that the river bend has become an island today. The island is 9 square kilometers in size and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Alternatively, one can make a trip around the island by boat.

The island alone has 6 temples. The most important is the Wat Poramai with the leaning Chedi.

However, Ko Kret is known for its ceramics and its market. After we have tasted some freshly prepared delights, we try to get an initial overview.

But this is not so easy, as the market leads straight along the water.

At one stall, we buy an anti-mosquito spray. The seller gave me some money back and I did not pay further attention. When we are already several meters away she comes after me and gives me another 400 Bath, because I have paid with 500. We have not expected so much honesty here!

In general the market is a little rural and differs from the markets in Bangkok, where one struggles for every centimeter of space. Here is still a bit homely.

Another saleswoman used her cat for promotional purposes. The cat in the basket was the perfect mean for advertising the products.

We see some fish and turtles in baskets. At first we suspect that they are offered for a meal. But then we see that a man buys some of them and releases them into the water of the river. (Where the sellers presumably catch them again. Well, we do not have to understand everything.)

A few meters further, a talking bird welcomes the passing tourists; however, in Thai. We were told that it means “? Good day, how are you”

Almost at the end of the market, we visit a potter’s workshop that manufactures all the beautiful ceramics, for which the island is famous. Here the vases only cost a fraction compared to Bangkok.

On the way back to Bangkok, we were invited for lunch at the Jatujak Weekend Market, which we enjoy with our blogger friends.

After lunch we say goodbye since we have visited the Jatujak Market already some days before.

Disclosure: The visit was an invitation of the hosts of TBEX Asia. All opinions stated are our own.