Bang Kachao – Cycling in Bangkok’s “Green Lung”

Located in Samut Prakan commune, Bang Kachao is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Actually composed of Bang Kachao and Bang Nam Pheung, this peninsula formed by the loop of the Chao Phraya River is an area preserved from the real estate madness of the region.

At night when arriving by plane, it is particularly visible!

The reason being that in 1977, the government wanted to create a local version of Sentosa Island in Singapore. To do this, they put in place strict building regulations prohibiting any construction exceeding a certain area as well as a certain height.

But suffice to say that given its location close to the city center and the surface area, many real estate developers are making eyes at the authorities to relax these rules. There is still a hotel in this area, located on the edge of the river and respectful of the environment, the Bangkok Tree House.

Bang Kachao, the Bangkok of yesteryear

Bang Kachao is rich in wildlife with a diverse range of native animals and plants, and has been a laboratory for wildlife study by conservationists and nature lovers.

Visiting by bike is the best solution, traveling the small paths through the vegetation and greenery that the peninsula offers is refreshing, be careful not to fall because the paths in question, in addition to being narrow, generally have no barriers (or at least only on one side).

The whole, with its lush vegetation, gives an insight into what Bangkok and the region once was, a marshy, humid area, filled with forest with multiple trees where men lived simply and essentially from fishing.

What to visit in Bang Kachao?

If Bang Kachao is an ideal place for a bike ride there are also some interesting places to visit. The first one being close to the quay by which I arrive, the Sri Nakorn Khuan Khan Botanical Park. In addition to being able to relax on the edge of the lake and in the shade of the trees, you can observe monitor lizards, birds but also, and I just learned this while doing research for writing this article, there is a old fort, Pom Phlaeng Faifa, built 200 years ago and open to the public located within the grounds of this park.

There are of course also several temples as well as a church (also well hidden...) including Wat Bang Nam Phueng Nok and its old rustic building. Temple which is located not far from the market considered as a floating market bearing the same name (Bang Nam Phueng)

Even if for me it has nothing to do with a "real" floating market like Lat Mayom for example (which I could write an article about soon) it remains a pleasant setting to eat, enjoy a coffee and sit down to rest your calves (if you are on a bike that is)

Wat Bang Nam Phueng Nok

Canal near bang nam phueng market.

You can also stop not far from the house indicated with a sign "OTOP" (One Tambom One Product), with a photo it will be clearer (thanks Google maps...)

This house is run by a very friendly and welcoming lady (who is looking to sell the place by the way) you can learn how to make incense sticks if not buy some, there is a garden with mango trees at the back.

To end the visit you can go to the banks of the river, there is a welcoming population and even a mini restaurant that is very Thai style.

How to get to Bang Kachao

There is a main pier, starting from Sanphawut Road (an extension of Bang Na) to the Bang Nam Phueng temple I mentioned above.

There is also my more practical option, from Wat Klong Toei Noi, located as the name suggests in this district along the river. The temple is right next to the port of Bangkok in a small alley (see map).

The easiest way is to go by taxi. But it is possible to get there by bus. You have to go to the Bangkok Port Bus Terminal. Buses of lines 4, 47, 72, 162 and 180 pass there. To know which one to take from your starting point, there is an excellent site listing all means of transport in Bangkok, including the map for each bus line.

For example, if you are staying near Khao San Road or Tha Tien Market (near Wat Pho), you need to take bus line 47, which passes via Ratchadamnoen Avenue where the Democracy Monument is located.

You should see this when you arrive on the bus.

Once you arrive at the port of Bangkok (you should have a kind of blue toll booth, where the bus should turn around and then leave), it's time to get off. Take the first street on the right after the 7/11 (there are 2 side by side). At the end, you will arrive at the dock leading to Bangkok Kachao.

De there, we cross for 10 baht the outward journey via a small long tail boat.

The advantage of this option is that there is a shop with bikes available for rental right at the quay once the crossing is made. Count 60 baht per day depending on the bike, which also includes a bottle of water and, upon your return, a refreshing wipe!

Then, it's up to you to discover Bang Kachao (remember to check the brakes and general condition before leaving).

The "captain".

Navy sailors.

From the pier, Wat Klong Toei is just across the street.

In the middle of the Chao Phraya River on the way back.

Some people even bring their bikes.

If you were wondering what is this green spot on Google Maps now you have the answer! Do you know this place? Does it make you want to go for a bike ride?