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The Delights of Koh Kred, Unique Attractions
Koh Kred is the renowned tourist attraction in Nonthaburi province. It is well-known for Mon community. Mon culture and traditions run deep on Koh Kred. The island is located directly north of Bangkok. Tourism of Koh Kred has grown up rapidly in recent years. On weekends and public holidays, Koh Kred is very busy and crowded with many tourists and visitors. Shops and restaurants are full of shoppers and customers. Many visitors enjoy relaxing on the boat for sightseeing around the island; this is another delighted thing to do.
Koh Kred opens from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm. It is one of the most popular day trip destinations accessible from Bangkok. The colourful island still continues to attract thousands of visitors to Koh Kred every week. A bicycle is the best mode of transport on the island.
History
Ko Kred or Kred island in the Chao Phraya River was built from the digging of a canal around a cape of the Chao Phraya River. In 1722, during the reign of King Thaisa of Ayutthaya, the island was called Khlong Lat Kret Noi which meant a shortcut to Kred canal. Later, the current diverted and made the canal wider, the cape there had turned into an island.
Ko Kred has prospered since the Ayutthaya period. It is obvious from the arts of many temples on the island are from that period. However, it may have been deserted when the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya. When Ayutthaya was restored by King Taksin the Great, the King relocated the Mon people to settle down here. The Mon people on the island came during the Thonburi period and during the reign of King Rama II.
Cruising and Refreshing aromas
If the number of passengers on board is fewer than 20, a traditional rice barge is used for this trip, but should the number of passengers be greater, visitors will get the chance to experience a cruise on a traditional Thai vessel made from a hardwood called Hopea. Today, the vessels made from this material are somewhat of a rarity.
From the moment you step on board, a lovely set of fresh aromatic herbs, massage oils, along with a herbal ball await you. A therapist works on relaxing your shoulders; you should quickly start to enjoy the benefits as the serene surroundings provide a source of calm away from the bustling capital.
Along the way, visitors will see lots of interesting riverside shophouses, offering all manner of mouthwatering foods, including snacks and desserts. One dish you should definitely try that is almost synonymous with life on the island is tod man pla ('fishcakes'). The island's version of this dish mixes minced fish with norkala, a plant from the curcuma family, along with other deep fried vegetables and flora.
Before circumnavigating the island, the boat first heads for a nearby klong ('canal'). The wooden homes alongside Klong Bang Bua Thong provide foreign visitors with an idea of a typical Thai riverside residence. One in particular dubs itself a 'house of desserts', where it is possible to sign up for a cooking course, while another specializes in offering meditation courses.
On leaving the canal, the vessel will stop at the temple of Wat Sangsiridham. Here, you can either stop to enjoy a full meal at a food court located in front of the temple, or stay on board for a foot massage or to feed the fish.
As the vessel circumnavigates the island, you can ask the captain to stop at the pier at the temple of Wat Poramaiyikawas, which will allow you to explore the island itself for a while.
An ideal combination
Since there are plenty of walkways, it is possible to just stroll around Koh Kred. However, some visitors choose to rent a bicycle, or just enjoy the view from their vessel. But a trip on foot, or by bike allows visitors to see in greater detail of the island's Mon attractions, such as the cuisine, traditional arts and crafts, and temples. The island's pottery is particularly interesting and it is possible to pick up souvenir items at very reasonable prices.
This particular cruise offers an ideal combination of a relaxing cruise and a relaxing spa visit, all in one convenient package.
For further information on the spa cruise, call Tip Narai on Tel: +66 (0)81 869 2369.
Attractions on Koh Kred
Start with the symbol of Koh Kred, Wat Poramai Yikawat or Wat Pak Ao has many interesting things to see. There is a small castle with a five-tiered roof situated at the pier in front of this temple. It used to house a Mon coffin of a former abbot.
The fascinating temple hall is decorated with items imported from Italy, a European art that was popular during the reign of King Rama V. The king wished to preserve the traditional ways and commanded that this temple recite prayers in the Mon language. Nowadays this temple is the only one that keeps the Buddhist scripture in Mon language. The main Buddha image here is in the Man Wichai posture, the work of Prince Praditsathanworakan who also made the Siam Thewathirat Buddha image. King Rama V praised this images beauty because its face seems alive. Another Mon characteristic here is the Mon-style pagoda that is a replica of Phra That Chedi Mutao in Hongsawadi that is highly revered by all Mons and houses the holy relics of Lord Buddha.
The chapel enshrines a reclining Buddha of the late Ayutthaya period that was decorated with striking mural paintings of royal insignias drawn by Prince Prawit Xumsai. Behind the building is a Buddha image of Nonthaburi province called Phra Nonthamunin from the late Ayutthaya period in the meditation posture on a Mon pedestal (Chong Phara) made by local artisans. In front of the building is a marble Buddha image that Sang Sew Sun, a Burmese, presented to King Rama V. The building is open daily during 08.30 am - 4.30 pm.
The museum exhibits artifacts that include earthen Buddha image, glassware, porcelain, and the Hem in particular. The Hem, a Mon-style coffin, which was made by Colonal Chatwat Ngamniyom, is considered a masterpiece of art. Its superb design and aluminum plate carving have been delicately done. It is believed that the Mons had copied the coffin style of Lord Buddha, which had a straight base, wide top, and narrow sides. The illustration of this coffin is displayed in the museum. The Hem usually contains a dry corpse. A monk Hem has a special feature that it has a window for onlookers to see the corpse inside.
Chao Phraya Express Boat Co., Ltd. organises a day trip cruising to Koh Kred from Sathorn Pier every Saturday and Sunday. Prices: Adult 300 baht, Child 250 baht. For more information, please call 0 2623 6143 or 0 2623 6001-3, 0 2225 3003, 0 2222 5330 ext. 106 or visit http://www.chaophrayaboat.co.th
References: Thai-Asean News Network / Tourism Authority of Thailand
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