Ko-Kret

Friday was a great day as we were over our jetlag and ready to go to Ko-Kret, an island in the Chao Phraya River. The island began in 1722 when a canal was constructed to bypass a bend in the Om Kret branch of the Chao Phraya river. The canal was widened several times creating this separate island. The island serves as a refuge to the Mon tribes who dominated central Thailand between the 6th and 10th centuries. The island has a distinct Buddhist identity and make their own pottery.

We took a water taxi for 5 baht over to the island and got off in the middle of a narrow street having no idea where to go. We did not use the “tourist water taxi” 30 baht which we discovered later dropped you into the heart of the island. So we followed the two locals that were on the taxi with us until we figured out the layout of the island.

  

The island is made of concrete pathways that are wide enough for a bike and people to walk but the island is void of cars. I rather enjoyed the lack of motorized vehicles and the simplicity of meandering thru the walk ways. There was the motorbike taxi though that went up and done the strip a million times as we walked for about an hour. He was always busy delivering the people the 2km to their furthest destination.

 

We passed by several homes on stilts. Mostly every place was built up due to the streams running everywhere.

Vendors selling candied fruits.

Chickens and dogs- he was a healthy one

Cemetery for pottery

Old pottery ovens

and plant life

We finally saw a sign and we followed it to a Wat. We were amazed to see the area open up to several temples, schools, and a marketplace. This is were all the people were. The buildings are so beautifully painted or filled with glass pieces to reflect light. The doors always had an elaborate design to them. This location had several golden buddhas outside the temples.

We walked back the way we came and passed our entrance to the island to follow signs to other Wats.

We passed this school/monastery and Mike was recoding the chant that was being played. The monk beckoned me forward from the top middle window. As I approached he threw out 2 milk cartoons for us. It was very generous and I was stunned. I guess I needed the milk versus all the poorer people on the island. I held on to them until we approached a more deserving family than us. They thanked us gratefully.

We passed the community center and wandered around in there for a wee bit until Mike felt the walkway was not safe. A 2x6 laid across bamboo sticks.

Other sites on the trip.

We ran into a Mon making some pottery.

We had a great time wandering and taking in the visually appealing colors and the sounds of the island.

Later we headed to ISB, International School of Bangkok, where our friends teach. We poked around the area and had foot massages that lasted an hour and cost $7, ahh, perfect. We then had super at an Italian restaurant. I had the spiciest Chicken Alfredo ever.