Koh Kong (Koh Kong) is a distinctive ancient community situated in the middle of the Yom River in Kong Krailat District, Sukhothai Province. It features a sandbar surrounded by the old and new branches of the Yom River, forming an island-like area created by a past river meander cut-off, with a history spanning over 130 years.

In the past, Koh Kong was the location of the first Kong Krailat District Office, with Phraya Kong Krailat as its first district chief. It was situated opposite the San Chao Pho Dab Thong shrine, a revered spiritual center for local residents, reflecting its significant roles in both governance and belief.

The Ban Kong area was once a central hub for waterway trade in the Yom River basin. Junks and cargo boats passed through to exchange goods such as rice, dried fish, salt, and agricultural products, leading to economic prosperity before land transportation took over. Today, remnants can still be seen through old wooden houses, riverside community layouts, and ancient markets.

The villagers' way of life remains closely tied to the Yom River, with primary occupations including freshwater fishing, making fishing tools, and traditional boat building. Tourists can observe the making of fish traps (Sai), weir traps (Lob), cast nets (Hae), fishing nets (Uan), as well as fish processing such as fermented fish (Pla Ra), dried fish (Pla Haeng), and shredded fish (Pla Yong), which are local specialties.

The houses are characterized by their high stilt foundations to accommodate seasonal floods, during which water inundates certain areas, making boats the primary mode of transport. The community has built small wooden bridges connecting to the mainland and uses Wat Kong Krailat as a crucial access point, where villagers park their cars before taking a boat to the island.

Currently, Koh Kong is a royal property, home to about a dozen households. It distinctly preserves its traditional way of life, serving as an example of a Living Riverside Community.

A key highlight of the area is Wat Kong Krailat, the spiritual heart of the community. Inside, visitors can find a Buddha image in the Maravijaya posture and ancient artifacts, as well as a beautiful viewpoint where the two branches of the Yom River converge.

The morning atmosphere is bustling with local life, including fishing, sun-drying fish, and trading goods within the community. It is ideal for tourists seeking to experience a Slow Life pace and cultural tourism.

Koh Kong is therefore not just a tourist destination, but a place that profoundly and uniquely reflects the relationship between people, water, and culture.

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How to Get There

• Car: From Sukhothai city, take Highway No. 12 towards Phitsanulok for approximately 20 kilometers until you reach Kong Krailat District. Then, turn into the Kong market area and continue to Wat Kong Krailat to cross over to Koh Kong.

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Travel Tips

• Recommended to visit between 08:00 – 10:30 AM to witness the morning local life.

• During the flood season, it is advisable to check water levels and travel conditions in advance.

• Recommended to explore the old wooden houses and ancient market area to experience the authentic atmosphere.

• Don't miss buying the famous local specialties: fermented fish (Pla Ra), dried fish (Pla Haeng), and shredded fish (Pla Yong).

• Please dress respectfully when entering the temple and respect the community's way of life.

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Admission Fee:

• Free (donations at the temple are welcome, as per your faith)

Opening Hours:

• Open daily: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Temple and community area)