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A sign outside Wat Prayura Wongsuwat illustrates
the way to the Princess mother's memorial Park. Just
a five minute walk away, simply follow the green signs.
Just a short boat ride from Thailand's capital, Koh
Kret is like the land that time - and tourism
- forgot. Steeped in culture, this is the perfect
place to escape from the frantic pace of Bangkok for
an afternoon.
No cars are allowed on Koh Kret, and you can walk
around the island - which is a little under 4 kms
in circumference - undisturbed. The smell of traffic
fumes is replaced by a rich, earthy scent. People
sit in the shade beside their houses, completing household
chores and chatting to pass the time. Koh Kret has
an unusual history. The name literally means 'the
land surrounded by water.' It was artificially created
nearly 300 years ago, when a channel was cut through
a bend in the Chao Phraya River to make the journey
to Ayuthaya shorter.
Thousands of Mon people flocked to Thailand in 1757,
when Burmese troops destroyed Pegu, the capital of
Monland. King Taksin the Great of Thailand encouraged
the Mon People to settle on Koh Kret and they used
their skills in pottery to set up kilns, producing
pots, jars, plates and bowls for Thai people. Today,
more than 6,000 people live in peace on Koh Kret.
Worth a visit is Suan Kret Phutt, or Buddha
Park, a beautiful garden in the center of Koh
Kret. Secluded from the road, this is a wonderful
place to sit and meditate, and I spend an hour or
so relaxing and listening to the wind in the trees.
Before you leave, stop at the food market near the
ferry pier to sample some Mon delicacies. Especially
good are Khao Chae; rice in jasmine water, accompanied
by tempura vegetables. This food is refreshing and
delicious and sweet tea is served in clay pots, which
make great souveniers.
I love to finish the day by taking a ferry down the
Chao Phraya River just as the sun sets. Wat
Arun looks spectacular lit from behind by
the warm rich tones on Bangkok's sunset.
Other Attractions:
Housing a total of 52 vessels, the Royal
Barge National Museum is worth a visit, as
are the National
Museum and National Gallery. If you
are looking for somewhere cheap to eat, check out
the vegetarian food section of Chatuchak market, where
all dishes range from 12-20 Baht. Situated near the
MRT and open daily from 8 a.m-2 p.m.
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