Things To Do In Koh Kret – Lesser-Known Island Just ~40 Mins From Bangkok

Guide to Koh Kret, Thailand

Koh Kret (เกาะเกร็ด), also spelled Ko Kret, is a small island in the middle of Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi just north of Bangkok. This man-made island was created way back in the 1700s during the Ayutthaya period, and is known today for its local markets, handicrafts, and food.

If you’re in BKK and are bored of its shopping malls and cafes,  then it’s time to take a day-trip out to Koh Kret. After all, it’s only an hour away from Bangkok.

How do you get to Koh Kret?

You can get to Koh Kret by taking a ferry at various piers:

There is parking available at the nearby temples, but you can also try these forms of public transport:

• Transport vans: You can take a van from different locations, including Minburi Market, Victory Monument, and Ramkhamhaeng.
• Chao Phraya boat: From Saphan Taksin BTS, you will see Sathorn pier. From here, you can take a boat to Nam Non or Nonthaburi pier. Then, hop on a boat transfer that’ll take you directly to Koh Kret pier.

Where is Koh Kret located?

Koh Kret is located around 20km north of the Bangkok city centre in the neighbouring Nonthaburi province. It is a small island in the middle of the Chao Phraya river that is a popular option for locals and foreigners alike for a daytrip.

Keep in mind that many of Koh Kret’s best attractions are only open during the weekends, so plan your trip accordingly. Alternatively, people who want a more peaceful and solitary experience should check the island out on weekdays when it’s less busy.

– Where to eat –

Even though Koh Kret is just a small island, it’s filled with tons of cool cafes and eateries. Here are some recommended spots to check out to fuel up before starting your adventure around the area.

1. Yokyen Kuenbok (ยกเย็นขึ้นบก)

Image credit: ชิลไปไหน

Yokyen Kuenbok is an eatery operating from a 2-storey wood house located beside Chao Phraya River. The restaurant has lots of savoury dishes, desserts, and drinks to pick from.

Image credit: @nanzolia via Instagram

The signature menu item here is their Pad Thai (from ฿85, ~USD3) that had choices of various toppings, from shrimp, squid, and fish.

You can sit and chill out with a river view on both the 1st and 2nd floor
Images adapted from: @yoomaitidbaan and @pandazzbear via Instagram

There’ll also be live music to enjoy here during the evenings, which is a treat to enjoy with a bottle of beer.

Address: Ko Kret, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi 11120.
Opening Hours: 1pm-6pm, Wed-Fri; 11.30am-7pm, weekends; closed Mon-Tues
Contact: +66 9 3423 9497 | Google Maps

2. RONGSI STUDIO (โรงสี สตูดิโอ)

Images adapted from: @amelathebear, @khunkhwan__, and @tttangton via Instagram

Photo buffs will be impressed with Rongsi Studio for sure. This hipster cafe is spacious, offering bright outdoor and indoor spaces for IG photoshoots galore.

Image credit: คนหลงทาง via Facebook

The interior of the cafe is decorated with wicker decor and wooden furniture. And if you’re stopping by in the evening, the outdoor riverside seating is where to be to watch the sunset by the water. 

Images adapted from: BKKMenu and Wongnai

Rongsi Studio offers Thai-Fusion dishes such as the classic Minced Shrimp And Pork Spring Rolls (฿250, ~USD8) that come flat instead. If you’re looking for something more filling, try their Fermented Fish Fried Rice (฿150, ~USD5) instead.

The place also functions as a homestay, with prices from ฿2,500 (~USD76) with breakfast and bicycle-to-rent. 

Address: 68 Moo 5, Ko Kret, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi 11120.
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +66 9 4159 6664 | Google Maps

3. No. 1 Coffee Steak (กาแฟบ้านเลขที่ ๑)

Image credit: edt guide

In order to find this hidden gem in Koh Kret, keep your hawk eyes peeled for the sign that reads No. 1 Coffee Steak (กาแฟบ้านเลขที่ ๑). Once you find it, you’ll be greeted with a balcony seating area that’s right by the canal.

The cafe serves Thai traditional coffee made in terracotta pots starting at ฿25 (~USD0.80). Every visitor is recommended to try Kanom Pang Na Moo (฿39, ~USD1) which is a fried bread topped with seasoned pork paste. 

Images adapted from: edt guide

Steak and spaghetti are on the list too for those in the mood for some Western cuisine. 

Address: 1 Moo 1, Ko Kret, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi 11120
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm, weekends
Contact: +66 8 7509 6279 | Google Maps

4. Kanom Tuay Country (ขนมถ้วยคันทรี่)

Image credit: Tripgather

Anyone who loves old-school collectibles, wooden houses, and country-style decorations, Kanom Tuay Country (ขนมถ้วยคันทรี่) is the place to visit. 

Images adapted from: @tai_wilasinee and @momilm via Instagram

Aside from its IG-worthy interior, you can try their signature item – Kanom Tuay (฿25, ~USD0.80/Set) which is Thai coconut milk custard made from rice flour and coconut milk. 

The dessert comes in two layers of steamed pandan rice cake and salty coconut cream on the top. Glass Jelly in Syrup (฿35, ~USD1) is another item suitable to order on a hot day. 

Address: 15 Moo 6, Ko Kret, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi 11120.
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm, Fri-Sun
Contact: +66 8 1565 0212 | Google Maps

5. Homm tea house (ร้านชาหอมที)

Homm tea house (ร้านชาหอมที) has a menu packed with authentic Thai desserts which are hard to find nowadays. We’d recommend ordering an Afternoon Tea Set (from ฿149, ~USD5) to try various items at once, especially those new to the world of traditional Thai sweets. 

Images adapted from: @hommteafanclub via Instagram and ร้านชาหอมที Homm TeaHouse via Facebook

Pla Hang Tangmo (฿60, ~USD2) is also a special meal to order – this is watermelon and crunchy dried fish. Though this might sound like an odd combination, this used to be a popular item among locals in the past – especially during the summer time.

Unique  drinks to try are Red Ginger Lily Drink (฿55, ~USD2) and Butterfly Pea with Lime (฿45, ~USD1.40) that are both colourful and refreshing. 

Address: 6 Moo 7, Ko Kret, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi 11120.
Opening Hours: 10.30am-4.30pm, weekdays; 9am-6pm, weekends
Contact: +66 8 3995 9147 | Google Maps

– Things to do –

1. Go temple-hopping around the island

Start your day early in the morning by visiting the many temples on Koh Kret. Here are two that you gotta drop by.

Image credit: Preecha.MJ via Wikipedia 

The leaning pagoda, or Phra Chedi Mutao (พระเจดีย์มุเตา) is the landmark of Koh Kret that’s located along the riverside of Wat Paramaiyikawat (วัดปรมัยยิกาวาส). Both locals and visitors respect and believe in the sanctity of the Buddha relics inside. 

This pagoda was constructed around 300 years ago based on the model of the Shwemawdaw Pagoda in Myanmar. It is estimated that this pagoda began to tilt years later according to the last evidence found.

Image credit: @kanet2517 via Instagram

Locals know this Buddha statue as the Tabea Buddha due to its pose. Tabea (ตะเบ๊ะ) means salute in Thai. The 400-year-old statue features a Buddha statue in a seated position with its left hand touching the head as an act of salute. Thailand has only 3 statues in this posture. 

This statue is enshrined in Wat Sanam Neua (วัดสนามเหนือ). 

Wat Paramaiyikawat (วัดปรมัยยิกาวาส)
Address: Ko Kret, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi 11120
Opening hours: 6am-7pm, Daily
Contact: +66 2584 5120 | Google Maps

Wat Sanam Neua (วัดสนามเหนือ)
Address: 24 Chaeng Watthana Rd, Tambon Pak Kret, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi 11120 | Google Maps

2. Cycle around or enjoy a Chao Phraya boat cruise

Aside from walking to different places on the island, visitors can rent a bicycle to travel around or even take a boat cruise to enjoy the chill vibes by the river. 

Image credit: Nunyearyeahz

Bicycle (฿40, ~USD1/day)

You can rent a bicycle at Wat Paramaiyikawat (วัดปรมัยยิกาวาส) and Wat Chimphli Sutthawat (วัดฉิมพลีสุทธาวาส), formerly Wat Pa Fai (วัดป่าฝ้าย). Almost every place can be accessed by a bicycle thanks to cycling paths. Enjoy breezing through nature left and right with shops and eateries hidden along the way, waiting for you to explore.

Image credit: Nunyearyeahz

Boat cruise (Adult ฿70, ~USD2 | Children ฿40, ~USD1)

The journey starts at Wat Paramaiyikawat pier and will stop at different attractions like Baan Kanom Wan, Wat Saeng Market, Baan Batik Fabric, some temples, and souvenir shops. 

3. Craft pottery at Pa Tum Pottery Factory (โรงงานเครื่องปั้นดินเผาป้าตุ่ม)

Image credit: Nunyearyeahz

Pa Tum Pottery Factory (โรงงานเครื่องปั้นดินเผาป้าตุ่ม) has been crafting terracotta pottery for over 100 years and still crafts all of its products traditionally by hand. This is one of Koh Kret’s unique souvenirs to bring home. 

Image credit: โรงงานเครื่องปั้นดินเผาป้าตุ่ม via Facebook

If you’d like to get in on the action, take a mini pottery class to craft your own pottery. Just buy some clay for only ฿50 (~USD1.50), and there will be a professional potter teaching you for free. 

Visit their Facebook to see or order delicate handcrafts from the factory.

Address: Ko Kret, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi 11120
Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily
Contact: +66 2584 5121 | Google Maps

4. Make coffee from scratch 

Image credit: กาแฟคั่วมือ Coffee & Gallery via Facebook

Cuamue Coffee & Gallery (คั่วมือ Coffee & Gallery) is a little coffee roaster and souvenir shop hidden in Koh Kret. The cafe offers customers a DIY Set (฿200, ~USD6) to make a coffee by themselves, right from roasting your very own coffee beans. 

Images adapted from: @coolcurl126 and @rujbt via Instagram

Coffee lovers can enjoy roasting, crushing, slowly pouring water over the beans, and enjoying your handmade cuppa. 

Nearby the sitting area is a small shop packed with t-shirts, tote bags, terracotta coffee cups, and more gifts to bring home.

Address: 56/1 Moo 1, Ko Kret, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi 11120.
Opening Hours: 9.30am-6pm, weekends
Contact: +66 8 6609 5566 | Google Maps

5. Get locally made handicrafts at the community market

Image credit: สถานีเมืองนนท์ : Nonthaburi Station via Facebook

Tons of alleys and walkways in Koh Kret are packed with things to see and do, like street vendors, cafes, and local markets. 

The local market is the spot that you shouldn’t miss in Koh Kret because it will offer you a chance to try what the locals really enjoy. 

Try these eye catching Thai desserts while you’re here too
Images adapted from: @siam_muang_yim and @jajaakanomwhan via Instagram

Other than food and desserts, there are different gifts and souvenirs to buy back home. For example, terracotta decoration and cookware, woodcrafts, house decorations, and more. 

Drinks here are usually serve in terracotta mugs designed to look like cute characters
Images adapted from: THE CONNECT and โรงงานเครื่องปั้นดินเผาป้าตุ่ม via Facebook

Ong-Ang Community OTOP Market in Ko Kret (ตลาดโอทอป หมู่บ้านโอ่งอ่าง เกาะเกร็ด)
Address: WF7Q+6RC, Ko Kret, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi 11120
Opening Hours: 9.30am-5.30pm, Daily
Contact: +66 8 1817 9303 | Google Maps

Enjoy craft beers or get chit-faced at Chitbeer

Image credit: @ton13_rugged via Instagram

There’s nothing quite like enjoying the afternoon sun sipping good quality beer while taking in the amazing riverside views.

Despite their name, Chitbeer has some of the best craft beers available in the country.

And after a long day of walking, biking, and exploring Koh Kret, the chill vibes here are the perfect full stop to your daytrip.

Address: WF5R+P89 Ko Kret, Amphoe Pak Kret, Nonthaburi 11120
Opening Hours: 12pm-9pm, weekends
Contact: +66 8 9799 1123 | Google Maps

Easy day-trip location from Bangkok

Koh Kret is one of the best places for a daytrip from Bangkok. Fall in love with the island by biking around its many bike paths, bask in nature, and learn how to make the island’s famous pottery.

For other daytrips from Bangkok, check out these 5 options for getaways. Alternatively, if you’re looking for great nightlife options in Bangkok, then here are Chinese-themed bars that’ll add a unique flair to your night out.

Cover images adapted from: ค น ห ล ง ท า ง via Facebook, @rongsi_studio via Instagram, edt guide

Article originally published by Petpailin Kirdsaeng on 27 November 2020. Last updated by buranond on 8 March 2024.