Koh Kret

Koh Kret is a small artificial island in the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi, reachable only by boat — there’s no bridge or road access. The short cross-river ferry from Wat Sanam Nuea pier costs a few baht and takes a couple of minutes; it’s the standard way in for anyone not already on a river tour. The island was formed when a canal was cut through a river bend in the 18th century, and it has been home to a Mon community ever since, known nationally for the unglazed pottery still made and sold here.

Once across, narrow concrete paths link riverside temples, wooden stilt houses, and open-air pottery workshops where you can watch pieces being thrown and fired. Wat Poramaiyikawas is the main temple by the pier, notable for its leaning Mon-style chedi, Phra Chedi Mu Tao. Food stalls along the paths sell coconut pancakes (khanom khrok) and grilled river fish, and small shops sell the island’s pottery alongside other local crafts. Bicycles are for hire near the main pier if you’d rather not walk the full loop.

The island’s mood shifts sharply with the day of the week. Weekends and public holidays bring the market to full strength — most stalls open, and the paths near the pier get crowded with day-trippers from Bangkok. Weekdays are the opposite: some shops stay closed, but the paths are close to empty and it’s easier to actually talk to the potters and stallholders rather than queue past them.

Insider Tip: If you want the quiet version of Koh Kret — bicycle a loop with no crowds — come on a Tuesday or Wednesday. If you want the market in full swing, come on a weekend morning before the midday heat.

Watch out: Shade is limited on the open paths between the pier and the pottery district. Bring a hat and water, especially for a weekend visit when you’ll be on your feet longer working around the crowds.