BAANYA HOMESTAY Ko Kret

A clear window looking out over the river gave my room a really peaceful feel. I loved the homestay and would come back on another trip to Thailand. The staff were attentive, too. When I couldn't walk much, they arranged a local motorbike taxi to take me around, and they offered earplugs for people bothered by the boats passing at night. The place is a refreshing break from Bangkok's noise and chaos, yet only 40 minutes from the city center. I don't speak Thai, but buying a ticket at a small port counter was easy. It cost 20 Baht per person and took me straight to Ko Kret. I understand the island was granted to the Mon people by King Rama after a historical upheaval. The room was a bargain, just 20 bucks for a big space. There's a self-serve fridge with free drinks, sandwiches, butter, and different jams. The kitchen has a toaster, basic coffee supplies, and simple seasonings like chili powder, soy sauce, salt, and sugar. Breakfast was a hard-boiled egg and minced pork rice porridge in a Thai-style lunchbox, which was interesting. Free bicycle rental and laundry service are available. Bring your own bath soap, since they only provide hand soap.

The owner is taking on far too much and is literally running the whole resort by herself. For a busy place like this, it seems unfair that she has to manage alone. She was so kind, though, and took great care of us. When we wanted to get to a restaurant by boat, she called the boat taxi for us. It's such a cozy, cute place, and a quiet island escape right in the middle of Bangkok. Breakfast was homemade and lovely. My only complaint is how hard the owner is working. She deserves at least two or three staff members helping her. 😞

Best place on Ko Kret. Lovely, clean space and great service.

A lovely little break from busy Bangkok.