3Observing Mon Culture on an Island
in the Chao Phraya River
The river cruise starts at the boat landing of Wat Paramaiyikawat, with the Monstyle Mutao Pagoda as the symbol. Notable are Western-style mural paintings in the temple hall and unique Mon crafts in the temple museum. The cruise then proceeds along the Om Kret River, which is the original Chao Phraya River, to the lush fruit orchards and toxin-free vegetable plots on the west of the island.
A visit to the Bang Bua Thong, or Dessert Cana is next, with the observation of sweetmeat making. At the Lat Kret (Kret shortcut) river, the densely packed community of Ban Mon Khwang can be seen, where all the houses face the north, turning one side to the river. In conclusion, a visit is made to the ancient Mon earthenware museum, the potter's village, and workshops. For lunch, authentic Mon dishes are served.
1. Genuine Nonthaburi Durian Plantation
One of the few original Nonthaburi durian plantations that survived the natural disaster of 1995 is owned by Boonlert Sakdee. Here one finds genuine Nonthaburi durian breeds known as Durian Nai-Inner Area Durian. These varieties include Mon Thong (Golden Cushion), Kan Yao (Long Stem), Chani (Gibbon), Kop (Frog) and Kampan (Coffer), grown among other fruit trees. During late April to May, visitors can observe traditional durian gathering method of Nonthaburi planters.
2. Khlong Bang Bua Thong
The canal is known otherwise as Khlong Khanom Wan (Dessert Canal), due to the fact that local residents in the past spent their spare time making dessert from toddy palm nuts to be supplied to various events. Even today, the place is a prime source of desserts and sweetmeats for Nonthaburi Province.
3. Wat Saeng Sititham Floating Market
The market, offering food items and fruits, is in operation on weekends and public holidays. For details, contact Tel. 0-2962-5391 or 0-2584-4778.
4. Om Kret River
The original body of the Chao Phraya River, prior to the digging of the short cut, is quiet these days, with occasional passenger boats from Pak Kret pier travelling through various canals and tributaries, and boats selling commodities and food such as noodles and ice cream.
5. Floating Fruit Orchards
Ko Kret, once renowned for delicious lychees, was frequented by King Chulalongkorn and the royal entourage. The soughtafter fruit was named Salakun Lychee, in accordance with the original name of the island. Fruit orchards are presently found in villages 2 to 5, as raised plots of about 160 acres, where durian, pomelo, mango, banana, and santol are grown. There are also toxin-free vegetables in the area. Contact the Ko Kret Tambon Administrative Organisation at Tel. 0-2960-9063.
6. Ko Kret Ceramics Trail
Although not part of the river cruise, the trail is not to be missed. One gets on a motorcycle taxi from Pa Fai pier. The trail starts from Wat Paramaiyikawat to the west, passing the ancient Mon ceramics museum, the Potter's Village, Wat Phai Lom, and Wat Sao Thong Thong, and making a detour to the south, in the Ban Mon area. There remain old workshops and kilns, including some high molds know as the "scorpion kilns".
7. Wat Paramaiyikawat
It is known as Phiamukiatoeng in Mon language, meaning the temple at the tip of a point. A Mon-style Mutao pagoda, the symbol of the temple, was built by the first group of Mon migrants. It now lists outward in the strong current.
