Koh Kret is a hidden gem that many international visitors have probably never heard of, even though it's the closest island to Bangkok. Travel journalist Gary Walsh recently explored it.

Koh Kret is anything but a typical Thai island. There are no beaches, no elephant rides, no nightclubs, and no full moon parties. And unlike Phuket or Koh Samui, it's not immediately well-known. So where exactly is Koh Kret?

In fact, it's the closest island to Bangkok, only about 30 kilometers upstream in the Chao Phraya River from the center of the Thai capital. And even the journey there is an experience.

Weekends are the best time to visit Koh Kret, as a market selling food and handicrafts springs up along a narrow path in the densely populated part of the island. Koh Kret was created in 1722 by the construction of a canal that bypassed a bend in the river. The resulting island was eventually settled by the Mon people from central Thailand, whose distinctive pottery is still produced and sold on Koh Kret today.

There are several ways to reach the island, but the most scenic is the Chao Phraya Express boat from Bangkok to Nonthaburi. The crossing from Saphan Taksin Pier takes just over an hour and offers magnificent views along the way. It costs only 14 baht (about 60 cents). From there, you can take a taxi (around 100 baht) to Pakret and then a ferry or longtail boat (for 2 to 10 baht) to the main village.

The island is dotted with temples (wats), of which Wat Poramaiyikawat, with its dilapidated, whitewashed Mutao Pagoda, is Koh Kret's most striking landmark. A walk along the only road that crosses Koh Kret takes about two hours. Those who get tired can rent bicycles or take a motorbike taxi. There are no cars on the island.

Away from the few villages, you could be anywhere in rural Thailand. A walk will lead you to isolated wooden huts, banana plantations, small lakes, pottery kilns, secluded temples, and even a home brewery – Chit Home Brewery – with the cheeky slogan: "It's good chit."

The market offers Mon pottery, clothing, souvenirs, amulets, toys made from old beverage cans, cooking utensils, sweets, arthritis remedies – practically everything imaginable. The market also has a lot to offer in terms of food: numerous small restaurants and countless stalls entice visitors with delicious treats, including Thai fish cakes.

Few foreign tourists venture to Koh Kret, which is primarily popular with Thai day-trippers. And that's precisely what makes it so fascinating.