Chao Phraya River

Boat services on the Chao Phraya River which connect Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province of Nonthaburi are operated by two companies : Laem Thong Co. Ltd., and Chao Phraya Express Boat Co.Ltd.  Chao Phya Express Boat’s run daily from Wat Ratsingkhon (a riverside temple in the Yannawa area) to Nonthaburi during 5.30 a.m.-6.00 p.m., the fares range from 4 to 9 baht. During rush hours (6.00-9.00 a.m. and 3.00-6.00 p.m.), the express boat with a red and orange striped flag runs along the same route and stops only at main piers. The fare is 10 baht throughout the route.

Visitors wishing to travel to Pak Kret are able to connect Laem Thong’s boat at Nonthaburi Pier. The service is operated daily during 5.45 a.m.-5.45 p.m.

On both sides of the Chao Phraya River, a tourist can see many magnificent temples and architectural buildings including the First Presbyterian Church, the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard, the Thai Maritime Navigation Company, the Old Customs House, Wat Prayunrawong, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the Royal Boat House.

When arriving at Pak Kret, tourists can travel further to Ko Kret, a small island in the Chao Phraya River. A shuttle boat leaves Wat Sanam Nua, which is located within a short walking distance from Pak Kret Pier during 6.00 a.m.-9.00 p.m. The fare is 2 baht. Returning to Pak Kret, visitors are able to catch a small long-tail boat at any pier around the island for 6-10 baht. The atmosphere surrounding the pier is very calm. Attractions on Ko Kret are as follows:

Pottery Village is located along the pathway around the island. There are some huts where visitors are able to see through the pottery making process. Villagers make various kinds of earthen products for daily use such as pots, mortars, and flowerpots. This is the oldest and biggest source of earthenware in Nonthaburi province. In the village, there is the Ancient Mon Pottery Centre where pottery in various style is exhibited.

Wat Poramai Yikawat was constructed in Mon style over 200 years ago. King Rama V commanded to renovate the monastery dedicated to his grandmother and to construct Phra Maha Raman Chedi (a chedi in Mon style) to house Buddha relics. The principal Buddha of the monastery is carved with marble in Mon style, so it is also called “Wat Mon” (Mon Temple).

Wat Phai Lom is well-known for the magnificent bot (ordination hall) in the Ayutthaya style. Some parts have been changed due to renovation. Behind the bot, there is a chedi in Mon style.

Wat Sao Thong Thong houses an old Ayutthaya style chedi and was the first secondary school in Pak Kret.

Besides, There are many other interesting ancient monasteries most of which were constructed in the Mon and the Ayutthaya styles.