Ko Kret, River island in Chao Phraya River, Thailand.
Ko Kret is a river island in the Chao Phraya River with seven separate villages linked by wooden walkways and elevated paths. Houses here sit on stilts above the water, and the island holds several Buddhist temples along with pottery workshops that dot the landscape.
The island was created artificially in 1722 when a king ordered a canal to be dug through the river to improve trade routes. It later became a refuge where Mon people who fled Myanmar established their own community and built their settlement.
The Mon people here keep their traditional way of life visible through pottery-making that happens in open workshops scattered across the island. You can watch artisans at work and see how they shape and decorate unglazed clay vessels using methods passed down through families.
The best way to explore this place is on foot, since narrow paths and wooden bridges between villages are not suited for cars. Small shops and eateries are scattered around, especially near temples and pottery workshops where you can pick up locally made ceramics.
The island is known for a distinctive white temple with a tilted chedi in Mon style that sits at a river bend unlike any other structure here. This unusual temple has become the symbol of the place and a favorite spot for photos.
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