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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Chris Schalkx

Located in a horseshoe bend of the Chao Phraya River some 45 minutes north of Bangkok proper, palm-studded Koh Kret offers a welcome antidote to the city’s concrete jungle.

The island was created in 1722 by digging a canal to separate it from the mainland, and was once home to the Mon Hill Tribe, who emigrated here after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1765. Life here continues pretty much as it has done for centuries, with nothing more touristic than a handful of souvenir stores selling the community’s signature pottery.

These days, their descendants inhabit a lively little village near the pier, with wooden footbridges and cycle paths linking the shacks, tumbledown houses and historic temples. If you want a glimpse of authentic Thai village life, this is the place to come.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Koh Kret is located in Nonthaburi, a province just north of Bangkok. The easiest – and most scenic – way to reach it is the weekly Chao Phraya Express boat leaving from the Saphan Taksin pier on Sundays at 9am, with a guided tour and stops along the way, before heading back at 3.30pm.

If you’re visiting independently or during the week, boats usually don’t go further than the Nonthaburi pier, from where you can reach Koh Kret by taxi in about 15 minutes.

While Koh Kret is small enough to be walkable, getting around on a rental bike is much more pleasant. Just follow the main road, which starts in the village adjoining the pier and loops around rice fields, palm groves and scenic stilted houses.

When to do it

This is a living island, so it’s open all day. However, getting back to Bangkok by public transport becomes challenging after 5pm.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

CHANN

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[16.7 miles]

A lovely riverside retreat, away from the hubbub, to immerse in local life along the river. Most of Bangkok’s postcard sights are a 15-minute boat ride away.

Official star rating:

Bangkok Publishing Residence

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[17.5 miles]

A charming, family-run boutique stay in Bangkok’s atmospheric Old Town, with all the mod-cons of a well-appointed five star. Min age 15.

Official star rating:

Shanghai Mansion

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[18.4 miles]

Shanghai chic in the heart of Bangkok’s historic Chinatown, close to some of Bangkok’s best street food stalls, makes for an exotic Chinese-infused stay.

Official star rating:

ASAI Bangkok Chinatown

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[19.2 miles]

A hyper-smart design hotel on the fringe of Chinatown, within walking distance of legendary street eats and kaleidoscopic temples, but out of earshot from roaring tuk-tuks and rowdy market vendors.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bangkok

Central Thailand, Thailand

From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions, and one of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[14.7 miles]

The world’s biggest weekend market is a treasure trove of antiques, handicrafts and quirky fashion by homegrown designers, and a walking buffet of Thai comfort food.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | Weekend

Bangkok’s best shopping

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[17.3 miles]

With its gleaming mega-malls and ramshackle riverside markets, Bangkok makes it dangerously easy to part with a whole lot of baht.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1+ hours

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Bangkok’s best food & drink

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[17.3 miles]

As the epicentre of one of the world’s most beloved cuisines, Bangkok is a superb spot to hunt down little-known dishes from all corners of the country.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

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Once a sombre festival to celebrate cleansing and starting afresh in the New Year, the yearly Songkran festivities have since grown into a rowdy mass water fight with little cultural value. Couples are better off escaping town, but it’s fun for solo travellers.

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Nang Loeng Market

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[17.4 miles]

Tucked away in an unassuming street snaking off Ratanakosin, the little-visited Nang Loeng Market feels frozen in time. It’s a street food hotspot, especially in the early mornings – don’t miss the crispy roasted pork at Jib Ki and the traditional Thai desserts at Nanta.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Wat Saket

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[17.8 miles]

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Best for ages: 13+ | £1

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Wat Phra Kaew

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[17.8 miles]

This eye-popping temple, decorated in shimmering mosaics and vivid murals, is the centrepiece of the Grand Palace. It’s also home to the famous Emerald Buddha statue that stands 66cm tall and was carved from a single jade stone in the 14th century.

Best for ages: 13+ | £12

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