Even if Bangkok is my favorite city in the world, I know it can be “intense” to say the least.
But part of the reason why Bangkok is so amazing is there is many ways to escape from the urban jungle when you need a break.
And if the first thing that might come to mind are parks like Lumpini, Benjasiri, and Benjakiti, there’s actually one place in Bangkok that is even greener.
It’s called Bang Krachao.
An untouched land covered by a luxuriant jungle that is one of the most unique and relaxing place you can find in the capital of Thailand.
So if like us you’re in need for a break or you want to discover a new side of Bangkok, go explore Bang Krachao.
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What is Bang Krachao ?
Bang Krachao (prononce Bang Kachao) is a man-made island located on the other side of the Chao Phraya river, south of Klong Toei district.
Called the Green Lung of Bangkok because of its shape and vegetation, Bang Krachao has remained pretty much untouched by urbanization and is now protected from big development and constructions to preserve its nature.
Most of the land is covered by mangroves, coconut trees, luxuriant jungle, and people’s life and vibe there is much more like in the countryside or on the islands than Bangkok.
That makes Bang Krachao the perfect destination to escape the traffic and the pollution, and get a change of scenery, without even leaving the city.
How to get to Bang Krachao ?
The best way to get to Bang Krachao is to take a boat to cross the river from Klong Toey pier, near Wat Klong Toey Nok,
The boat cost only 20฿ and the pier is a short tuk tuk or motorbike taxi ride from Queen Sirikit MRT station.
Or you can also get there by taking a boat from Chong Nonsi or Bang Na pier.
And if you feel adventurous, you can even take a taxi or drive to Wat Khanlad located at the south of the island and explore Bang Krachao from south to north.
Things to do in Bang Krachao
Bang Krachao is perfect for a day trip and have enough things to offer to keep you busy for a full day.
Rent a Bike
When you arrive by Khlong Toey Pier you’re immediately greeted by a bike rental shop.
Even if you could take motorbike taxis to get around, bikes are by far the best way to get around Bang Krachao.
And they’re super cheap.
Only 60฿ (about 2.5$) for the day.
And all you need is an ID and cash to rent the bike.
Also pack some water, snacks and some sunscreen to survive the ride.
Even if the bikes are not in top condition, they’re good enough for the trip. But if you want more comfort, you can ask for a mountain bike instead for only a few extra baht.
Visit Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan park
Also known as Bang Krachao park, Sri Nakhon Khuen Khan park is the main attraction on this side of the river.
The park is free and cover about 200 rai (90 acres) with water ponds, mangroves, and a beautiful green jungle.
It’s a good place to relax, and it’s a popular spot for bird lovers.
But the best thing to do is by far to bike around the park.
There’s a really cool bike track that goes around and across the park with beautiful wood bridges and even a dirt road of about 1km inside the jungle with a secret shop lost in the middle of the coconut trees where you can buy delicious coconut shakes (open from Friday to Sunday).
Bike around
When you’re done with the park, turn left as you leave it and keep biking around Bang Krachao.
We biked around for a few hours with no plan and I feel like it’s the best way to explore the area.
Everywhere you go you are surrounded by beautiful nature and smiling faces, it is so refreshing.
On top of that, if you haven’t been to the countryside of Thailand yet, you’ve got a chance here to experience the Thai way of life and vibe you can find outside the cities or on the islands and really what makes Thailand so unique.
And as everywhere else in the country, you will encounter a bunch of cafes and restaurants everywhere along the road, so get lost and stop whenever something catches your attention.
Stop for a cafe
Or a tea, a fruit share or whatever you’re into.
The heat is no joke in Bangkok, even when you’re far from the traffic and in the middle of the nature.
That’s why nothing feels better after a few hours biking than to stop by a cafe to get a refreshing Thai tea or Iced Coffee.
After a quick look on google maps, we stopped at I-Suan on the way back to the pier and I would absolutely recommend them for their delicious desserts. (100% worth the trip)
Do a bike tour
Another way to discover Bang Krachao is to do one of their famous bike tour.
It’s a good way to learn more about the area, the history, the communities that live there, how and why it was turned into an island, and why it’s such an amazing place.
We didn’t get a chance to try it this time but we will definitely go back for that.
Klook.comStay in Bang Krachao
It seems obvious when you’re biking around Bang Krachao that it’s the ultimate place to get a break from Bangkok, without really leaving Bangkok.
If you want to stay somewhere really quiet, surrounded by a green jungle but don’t have the time to go to Chon Buri or Kanchanaburi, Bang Kachao is the perfect place to catch a break and relax.
Just look at this photo from the eco-friendly hotel Tree House.
Yes, that’s right, that’s in Bangkok!
Here are 2 places to stay in Bang Kachao that seem absolutely amazing;
- Bangkok Tree House for a unique experience
- or At Baan Suan for a more budget-friendly option
And there are a few other options on Booking.com and Airbnb.
There you have it.
Now you know why Bang Krachao is one of the best places to visit in Bangkok and perfect for a short day trip from Bangkok, without really leaving the city.
Just when you think you know everything about Bangkok, there are always new things to do and explore.
If you got any questions about it, please feel free to ask them in the comments.
And if you’ve been there, let me know what was your favorite part.