Last weekend, I had the opportunity to take my family on a short trip to Pak Kret, Nonthaburi. The main goal of this trip was to take my husband's parents on a relaxing vacation and to introduce our little one to the world for the first time. Since we were staying at the Buddy Oriental Riverside Pakkred Hotel, which is conveniently located for families with young children and elderly members, Pak Kret was the perfect destination for our trip. Staying in the Pool Villa with 2 bedrooms (12,000 baht per night) was an extra special treat. The hotel is also located close to "Koh Kret", which allowed me to create a unique family trip that I'm excited to share with you today. Let's go!
Our family drove our own car to the resort from Bangkok. Public transportation is also available, but it may be a bit inconvenient. The resort is located quite deep inside, right next to the Chao Phraya River. It was a bit hot on the day our family visited. If you choose to stay here, I recommend dropping off your passengers to check in first and then circling back to park your car. There will be staff to drive you in a golf cart and help carry your belongings to your room. It's super convenient!
The Resort's Ambiance
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a distinct aura of old-world Thailand. The resort boasts a Colonial Thai design, with the "Fort of Sirisamphan" as its architectural centerpiece. This replica of the Phra Sumeru Fort adds a unique touch to the property. The resort's decor further enhances the experience with a collection of antique and rare artifacts, transforming it into a miniature art gallery. Check-in time is 2:00 PM onwards, after which guests can explore their rooms.
The Master Suite: A Luxurious Retreat
This spacious and charming master suite boasts a king-sized bed adorned with a welcoming elephant towel sculpture, showcasing the room's creative touch. The white-painted wooden walls create a clean and airy atmosphere, while ample windows allow natural light to flood the space. A dedicated vanity area provides ample space for personal grooming, while ample storage and a television ensure a comfortable stay. Multiple conveniently placed electrical outlets cater to all your electronic needs. This room is the perfect haven for parents, offering a tranquil and luxurious retreat.
The other room is significantly smaller and adjoins a separate study for quiet work. The three of us, parents and child, sleep in this room, which actually has two single beds pushed together with some adjustments to the mattress.
The bathroom is a highlight for the little one. The bathtub is very wide, it's like a jacuzzi. Next to it is a shower room. If you don't mind, you can shower together. I actually wanted a mirror that would fog up when someone was using the shower, so we could shower together, but it's completely transparent, so I don't dare. So we take turns using the bathroom, haha.
After leaving the guys at the hotel, we took Mom on a trip to Koh Kret. Dad didn't come along on this trip, so there are no photos to share. Here's a screenshot from the YouTube video we posted.
We left around four o'clock and walked to the ferry pier, which is located in a temple not far from the hotel. The taxi fare was less than 50 baht, but I don't remember the exact price.
The money collection point is only on one side of Koh Kret. In fact, there are many things to see and do on Koh Kret. Just walking around to worship the Buddha is likely to take up the whole day, as there are more than 8 temples located on this small island. There are bicycles available for rent for the whole day at a price of 40 baht. There is also a pottery factory, a sweet canal, and a boat trip. If I have the chance, I will go back and collect them all. On the day we went, we only had a little time to walk around and survey the area. As a city dweller, I was amazed by the cheap goods and the old things that are hard to find in the city anymore. The starting price is only 10 baht, which is amazing. We had a lot of fun shopping.
The local cuisine here is truly unique, with everything prepared in the "Mon style." According to community members, they are Thai Mon, not Burmese Mon. Traditional local cuisine and wisdom have been preserved and passed down through generations, resulting in a distinctive and charming collection of food and crafts. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend visiting. The street food is fantastic, and every restaurant you visit will leave you satisfied.
Looking for New Year's gifts or souvenirs? Come and shop here. The pottery is beautiful and very worth buying.
Some foods are packed in clay pots and we can buy them with the pot. Here's a sneak peek at the price.
While strolling through the market, I stumbled upon a collection of adorable children's traditional Thai attire. Unable to resist, I purchased a set for my young niece, who looked absolutely charming in it during school events such as Wai Kru Day and Tak Bat. If the opportunity arises, I will undoubtedly purchase another set. The outfits are simply too adorable to pass up!
After returning from Koh Kret, it was already evening. So we took our family to have dinner near our accommodation at the "Two Sides of the Canal" restaurant, which is already quite famous in this area. Let's take a look at the restaurant's atmosphere first. If you want to take beautiful photos and watch the sunset, it is recommended to come around 5:30 PM. The light is perfect. The restaurant will be bustling in the evening. If you come early, you will get a different kind of romantic atmosphere.
The meal consisted of four dishes. The first dish was deep-fried dough sticks stuffed with a filling, priced at 180 baht. It was served with a dipping sauce similar to that used for crab and shrimp dumplings. The dough sticks were filled with a minced shrimp-like filling, topped with crab meat and an orange-colored ingredient that could not be identified. The reviewer noted that they do not eat seafood often.
Dish 2: Mieng Kway Teow (250 Baht)
This dish resembles "Kway Teow Lui Suan" but without the ingredients pre-wrapped. Instead, it provides a variety of fillings for you to customize your own bite-sized rolls. The flavors are well-balanced, and the rice noodles are soft and chewy, not too firm or mushy. While it can be a bit messy to eat, it serves as a good appetizer or light meal. A single serving can be quite filling.
The third dish is the current recommended menu of the restaurant, a small size of braised pork tendon Tom Yum priced at 190 baht. It is served with hot steamed rice and is incredibly delicious. The taste is similar to braised pork noodles, but it is a Tom Yum stew. The pork is very tender and juicy, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it melts in your mouth.
The final dish, another must-try, is the "stir-fried snakehead fish with chili and ginger." I must say, I've never had it this delicious anywhere else. My experience with stir-fried snakehead fish with chili and ginger at restaurants has been minimal. I usually buy the curry version in a bag, and this is a world of difference. The snakehead fish is fried until crispy, and the stir-fried curry paste is perfectly balanced. Paired with steamed rice and salted egg, it's the ultimate indulgence. As you read this, you've probably noticed that the photos are suddenly beautiful again... I have to give credit to my husband's father. With him around, every angle looks stunning. This restaurant also has live music, making it the perfect all-rounder. You can come with anyone without breaking any rules. It's great for family gatherings, romantic dates, or even casual hangouts with friends.
Upon returning to the resort at night, the communal swimming pool has designated hours of operation, ensuring that no noise from swimmers will disturb your sleep. However, we were unconcerned as we had access to our private pool.
When we stayed at the pool villa, we made the most of the swimming pool. My son seemed to enjoy it the most, playing in both the pool and the bathtub, day and night. He even dragged the adults around him to play with him (haha). The room also had very strong Wi-Fi. I was able to upload photos and have fun, and I even said that the internet was much faster than at home. My husband jokingly said that we should come here more often because the fast internet is too expensive for what we need (hahaha). The swimming pool here is really big, even with 5 people swimming, there is still plenty of space to move around. At night, you can call and ask them to turn on the pool lights so you can swim. During the day, it is also very private. You can wear a bikini and swim without worrying about anyone looking at you.
After waking up in the morning, we played in the water for about half an hour before feeling hungry. We then took turns showering and went to have breakfast prepared by the hotel. It was an American buffet with a mix of Thai dishes. There was something for everyone, regardless of age or taste preference. The selection was truly comprehensive.
The restaurant is located next to the shops on both sides of the canal. It is divided into a terrace and a restaurant, so you can choose to eat according to your preference for other meals. However, the hotel's breakfast is served in the same restaurant. Everything tastes good, not bad, and everyone can eat until they are full. I recommend the guava juice, which is a must-try if you stay here. It is so delicious that you must have at least 4 glasses.
It was time to check out before noon and prepare to go home. We called for help to carry our luggage from the room. My son didn't seem to want to go back. He was excited all the time. Since he woke up, he didn't take a nap even though he usually takes a nap before noon at home. He ran around until it was time to check out and still stopped to play at various points. It was hard to get him in the car, and the adults were tired. For this trip, I give Buddy Oriental Riverside Pakkred a perfect score. I confess that I have never stayed in such a premium trip. It also met the needs of everyone in the house perfectly. My father, who likes to take pictures as a hobby, had a lot of fun finding angles (the area is really huge). My mother, who likes to look at OTOP products, went shopping at Koh Kret until she was tired. My husband, who likes to recharge on a soft bed, would have almost enjoyed it if the little one hadn't been chasing him all the time. I, Khao Sua, like to experience new things, and today I've had my fill.
This is another place I would recommend trying if you have a family and want to bring your elders for a relaxing vacation with your little ones. This place ticks all the boxes, even exceeding expectations. If you have the chance to stay here, don't forget to explore the nearby communities for new adventures. I believe there are still many hidden gems to be discovered in this area. ^^
For those who want to see a video compilation of all the activities, we have a clip for you to watch.
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This article was sponsored for accommodation and meals, but I was not paid to write the review. All opinions are 100% based on my own and my family's experiences. You can find more information about the accommodation and activities at
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Friday, September 27, 2024 10:39 AM