Koh Kret, or Tret in Mon, means a small stream that creates a short cut. The island of koh Kret has prospered since the Ayutthaya period when it started to emerge after digging a canal across the cape of the Chao Phraya River. Later on, the current was diverted, resulting in a larger canal, and the cape metamorphosed into an island.

Several temples and monasteries around Koh Kret island were constructed during the Ayutthaya period. The first Mon community on Koh Kret settled in the Thonburi era with more arrivals during the reign of King Rama II. Throughout its history, the bicycle has been the most favored mode of transport on the island.

Most tourists visiting Koh Kret park their cars at Wat Sanam Neu and catch the ferry at Wat Poramai Yikawat pier.


Wat Poramai YiKawat or Wat Pak Ao is an Ayutthaya period. The temple is particularly noted for its reclining pagoda and its magnificent convocation hall designed in the European architectural tradition which is decorated with marble and other materials imported from Italy. The style reached the peak of its popularity in Thailand during the reign of King Rama V. Another tell - tale sign of Mon influence is the pagoda which is built as a replica of Phra That Chedi Mutao in Hongsawadi. The Mon - Style pagoda houses holy relics of the lord Buddha while the chapel enshrines a reclining Buddha of the late Ayutthaya period. The temple is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

A museun showcasing precious artifacts, including eastern Buddha images, glassware and porcelain is open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Walk on another 100 meters from the museum and you come to Kwan Aman - literally, sculptor's village - and find yourself surrounded by lots of splendid souvenirs. Open daily, Kwan Aman is a leading Mon cultural center where traditional porcelain items with ancient patterns can be found.

Next stop, board a boat for a cruise around the island. The cost is just 50 baht/person. With the boat schedule available for visitors to check their most convenient time, the entire trip takes about two hours and the boat makes a periodically stop at Thai Sweets Home, zigzag into numerous canals and make a stop at many magnificent temples scattered around the island. Catch the boat at Wat Sanam Neu Pier or Wat Poramai Yikawat Pier anytime from 5 a.m. - 9.30 p.m.

For extra convenience and privacy, hire a boat for the day at Wat Poramai Yikawat. Prices range from 350-3,000 bath.

If traveling by car, take the Vibhavadi Rangsit Road (outbound). Drive past Kaset junction, turn left into Chaeng Wattana Road and take motorway no. 304 Keep driving until you reach Pakkred Junction. Drive past the junction sign to Sanam Neu Temple on the left. Take the turning and keep driving for approximately 300 metres until you see the temple on your right.

Iternatively, If you are using the expressway, take the Bang Khlo-Chaeng Watthana route. Leave the expressway at Chaeng Watthana and turn left into Chaeng Watthana Road. Keep going past Pakkred Junction until you reach the sign to Sanam Neu Temple on the left. Keep straight for another 300 meters and the temple on your right.

To get to Koh Kret by boat, take an express ferry (yellow/red flag) from Bangkok. Get off at Nonthaburi Pier and switch to the Nonthaburi-Wat Ratchasingkorn ferry. The entire journey takes approximately one hour.

A one-day travel program to Koh Kret is available every Sunday. A ferry departs Maharaj Pier at 9 a.m. and returns at 3 p.m..