:: Bang Kruai part 2

Phra Sri Nakharin Park is a 40.8-acre park located in Nong Pru, Tambon Ban Mai. A large swamp situated amidst various kinds of trees creates a pleasant environment for all visitors. The lovely park has a mini-garden, a sundial, and a fountain in its center for visitors to enjoy. It is under the management of the Sanitary Zone of Amphoe Pak Kret. It is open daily. Admission is free.

Getting there: From Pak Kret Pier, drive on Tiwanon Road, then turn right at Ban Kon Toeng junction, and continue driving for 2 kilometres.

Wat Sao Thong Thong was formerly called Wat Suan Mak.The temple was the first elementary school in Pak Kret. Behind the chapel lies the highest pagoda in Pak Kret. It is surrounded by two smaller pagodas. Beside the chapel, there are 2 large pagodas; one is a bell-shaped Lankan-style pagoda; another is a square-based pagoda. The chapel has beautiful gold-coloured ceiling murals. The main Buddha image is a plaster image in the Man Wichai posture. The Mon people call this temple "Phia A Lat.”Wat Chim Phli consists of a small attractive chapel, which is still in good condition. The upper part of the chapel has woodcarving depicting an angel riding a chariot surrounded by floral patterns. The doorway has a pyramid (Mondop) shape). The windows are still lovely and the building base is in the shape of a junk's hull. Wat Phai Lom was built in the late Ayutthaya period. A magnificent chapel features wood flower patterns. In front of the building are 2 small pagodas in the shape of a carambola fruit with a square base and plaster designs. Mons call this temple "Phia To.”

Kwan A Man is a Mon cultural centre featuring traditional Mon earthen pottery. The art of making pottery of the Mon people dates back to the Thon Buri period. It is considered the oldest kind of handicraft in Nonthaburi. Its distinctive beauty is now part of the provincial emblem. Along the walkway on the island are some homes that make pottery items for daily use like flowerpots, mortars, jars, etc. Visitors can go inside and browse.

 

Khlong Khanom Wan and other canals have homes that specialize in making sweets for sale and demonstrations to tourists.

Getting there: Take a ferry from either Wat Sanam Nua or Wat Klang Kret. Boats operate between 05.00-21.30 hrs.

Suggested Itineraries on Ko Kret:

Take a ferry from Wat Sanam Nua Pier to Wat Poramai Yikawat, pay respect to the Buddha image that symbolises Nonthaburi and visit the Rama V Museum;

Walking tour from Wat Poramai Yikawat to Mu 6 and Mu 7 to purchase pottery or visit earthen pottery manufacturers and visit the earthen pottery museum;

Rent a boat from Wat Sao Thong Thong to the south of Ko Kret around Wat Yai Sawang Arom, Tambon Om Kret. One goodwill activity is feeding fish in front of the temple where fishing is prohibited. Donations are given to the temple. Afterwards, you can enjoy sweet coconut juice.

Rent a boat to the south of Ko Kret, turn right to Bang Bua Thong canal or Khlong Khanom Wan. Visit traditional Thai dessert villages along the canals. Lovely desserts can be sweet souvenirs.
Travel upwards to the canal's mouth to see the first fire-resistant brick factory in Thailand, en route to Kret Trakan village to Wat Chim Phli Pier to see various agricultural produce. Continue walking to the local makers of earthenware in Mu 1 where there are pottery carving demonstrations. The unique style of pottery here make it great souvenirs. Round up the trip by taking a ferry to Wat Klang Kret on the return.

Renting a boat is a fine way to experience the lovely island. The price ranges from 350 baht to 3,000 baht depending on the distance and the boat size. For more information contact the Poramai Yikawat Pier and for advance reservation contact tel. 0-2584-5012.

:: Bang Yai

Wat Amphawan from the late Ayutthaya period was formerly called Wat Bang Muang. The most striking feature is a wooden scripture hall in the middle of a pond. This most complete example of Thai architecture has 2 rooms. Some of the features of the hall are wooden bars, a two-tiered roof covered with earthen tiles and woodcarving with exquisite designs.



The entrance door is primed with gold leaves, the mullion is crafted into flowers and gourds, above the doors are birds on each side, and beyond them the radiant sun and moon are depicted. At the rear, a tray on a pedestal and wooden Buddha images are housed.

Getting There:

  • The 5-minute ride on a long tail boat from Bang Yai District Office can make the journey.
    By Car Driving on Bang Bua Thong-Taling Chan outer ring road, turn left at Tambon Bang Muang.