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| Ko Kret Island |
Last week I was in Bangkok for my yearly wellness exam at Bumrungard Hospital. I booked an extra day in the event that I needed a follow-up exam. All was well, and I didn't need any follow-ups. So I decided to book a half-day tour through my hotel, Aryiasomvilla (amazing place!). So off I went with a private guide and driver to visit a tiny island 20km north of Bangkok. Needed to get out of the city!
Ko Kret Island is a square-shaped island that you can walk around in 1-2 hours. It was created when a canal was made and is now inhabited by Mon people who retreated from Burma. They fish, make pottery, sell trinkets and generally are self-sufficient.
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| Wat Poramaiyikawat |
There are several Buddhist temples and monasteries on the island.
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| Unopened lotus flowers |
These offerings of lotus flowers and incense are suggested for a tiny fee before entering the temple.
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| Prayer tree |
Outside the temple is a prayer tree. You write a special prayer/message on a ribbon and hang it in the tree. There is one for Dagan, Shara and Gage!
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| Feeding the fish |
Also before entering the temple is fish food for sale. According to my guide, it is important to give back to the universe by buying some fish food and feeding these cat fish in the river.
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| Mon girl selling homemade sweets |
As you walk along the path around the island there are several touristy sheds selling everything from plastic toys to beautiful pottery. I went on a week day and very few merchants were open. Rather nice actually. This girl was dressed in very Western clothes, but wore her hair in the traditional Mon style.
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| Pottery shed |
One of the island traditions is the making of unglazed terracotta pots. The carved designs are quite intricate.
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| Carved pots and clay pit. |
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| Boat "captain" |
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It was steaming hot the day I visited Ko Kret Island so my guide suggested not to walk all the way around, but to take a boat instead. Great idea! You can also get a ride on a motorcycle.
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| Long-tailed water taxis |
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| New Buddha being constructed along the Irawadi River |
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| Candy store! |
We made three stops around the island. This was my favorite. All kinds of unusual Thai sweets made right there. Tasted many, was weary of some, and brought home a couple of containers that are rather strange, but good.
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| Island life |
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Ko Kret Island was a great little get-away from the bustling city of Bangkok. Nothing spectacular, but just what I was looking for.
