Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing district often referred to as Bangkok's 'green lung'. Because it's a Thai market, the
emphasis is on food, and it's a great place for unrestrained outdoor snacking.
To get there, take the BTS to Bang Na and jump in a taxi for the short ride to the pier at
Wat Bang Nam Pheung Nork. From there, take the river-crossing ferry (4B) followed by a
short motorcycle taxi (10B) ride.
The market is a stop on the many bike tours that criss-cross the peninsula, as are Wat
Bang Nam Pheung Nok F , a 250-year-old temple near the pier, and Si Nakhon Kheun Khan Park (
6am-7pm) F , a vast botanical garden with a large lake and bird-watching tower.
WORTH A DETOUR
KO KRET
Bangkok's closest green getaway, Ko Kret (adult/child 299/250B) is an artificial 'island', the result of a canal be-
ing dug nearly 300 years ago to shorten an oxbow bend in the Chao Phraya. Today Ko Kret is known for its hand-
thrown terracotta pots (sold at markets throughout Bangkok) and its food. This island and the pottery tradition
date back to one of Thailand's oldest settlements of Mon people, who were a dominant people of central Thailand
between the 6th and 10th centuries AD. From Wat Poramai Yikawat (Ko Kret; 9am-5pm) F , which has
an interesting Mon-style marble Buddha, go in either direction to find working pottery centres on the east and
north coasts.
Even more prevalent than pottery is food. At weekends, droves of Thais flock to Ko Kret to munch on deep-
fried savouries, kôw châa (a Mon dish combining savoury/sweet titbits and chilled rice) and iced coffee. Arrive
on a weekday and the eating options are much fewer, but you'll have the place to yourself.
Ko Kret is in Nonthaburi, about 12km north of central Bangkok. To get there, take bus 33 from Sanam Luang,
bus 166 from the Victory Monument or a taxi to Pak Kret, before boarding the cross-river ferry (2B, 5am to 9pm)
that leaves from Wat Sanam Neua. Alternatively, the Chao Phraya Express Boat's 'green flag' express goes as far
north as Pak Kret on weekdays between 6.15am and 8.10am, and 3.30pm and 6.05pm (32B).
OR TOR KOR MARKET
(Th Kamphaengphet; 8am-6pm; Kamphaeng Phet exit 3) Or Tor Kor is Bangkok's highest-quality
fruit and agricultural market, and sights such as toddler-sized mangoes and dozens of pots
full of curries amount to culinary trainspotting.
To get here, take the MRT to Kamphaeng Phet station and exit on the side opposite
Chatuchak (the exit says 'Marketing Organization for Farmers').
The vast majority of vendors' goods are takeaway only, but a small food court and a
few informal restaurants exist, including Rot Det , which does tasty stir-fries and curries,
and Sut Jai Kai Yaang , just south of the market, which does spicy northeastern-style Thai.
MARKET
ARTIST'S HOUSE
ART GALLERY
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