New Cultural Route Links Bangkok Palace to Koh Kret Arts Hub
A new cultural tourism route connecting Bangkok's Grand Palace to Koh Kret in Ayutthaya opens August 12, offering free shuttle buses and access to Thai art museums celebrating the late Queen Sirikit's royal vision through master craftspeopl
The 'Koh Kret Arts, Land of Siam' project is a new cultural and arts tourism route connecting the Grand Palace in Bangkok to Koh Kret in Ayutthaya Province. The project is run by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports through the Tourism Authority of Thailand in partnership with the Sirikit Foundation. It opens to the public and tourists from August 12 to December 26, 2025, with free shuttle buses operating Wednesday through Sunday, one trip per day.
Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenwrakul led an inaugural tour group by bus from the Grand Palace to Koh Kret, visiting key sites including the Khon Learning Building, the Arts of the Land Museum, and the Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial House, which house exceptional Thai artwork and craftsmanship knowledge.
According to the minister, Koh Kret is not simply a venue for displaying art, but a space reflecting the royal vision of the late Queen Sirikit through the work and skill of Thai artisans. The route opening offers Thais and tourists worldwide the opportunity to see the heart, wisdom, and value behind Thailand's finest art.
The 'Koh Kret Arts, Land of Siam' route is designed to let travelers experience not just the beauty of finished works, but learn the creative process behind them—from training and craftsmanship to knowledge passed down across generations—connecting tourism with genuine conservation and preservation of Thai heritage.
The route launch marks the beginning of broader long-term development plans. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Sirikit Foundation, and working teams are planning to develop Koh Kret into a 'national cultural landmark' despite its significant cultural assets remaining relatively unknown.
Development will include designing new tourism experiences, organizing activities reflecting the site's identity, and bringing the stories and processes of craftwork to life. Private businesses will be invited to develop shops, services, and activity spaces appropriately, extending visitor spending and encouraging repeat visits.
The key aim is to make Koh Kret a place where people can spend time, learn deeply about master Thai craftsmanship, and transform cultural assets into economic opportunity that creates jobs and income for artisans and communities while preserving this superior knowledge.
'This project will not happen just one day and end,' the minister said. 'We will make Koh Kret a living, active place with new reasons for people to return. Our goal is to make this location a cultural landmark that Thai people take pride in, and another must-visit destination for tourists worldwide.'
