Bang Krachao, Bangkok, Thailand | Cycling, Floating Market, Park

Ways to Experience this attraction

Bangkok: Khlong Toei Market & Bang Krachao Island Bike Tour

4.0 hour

Deals start ₹6,726

4.8 /5

56 ratings

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Bangkok: Bang Kachao E-Scooter Jungle Tour

3.0 hour

Deals start ₹3,455

4.8 /5

71 ratings

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Tuk-Tuk, Longtail-boat and Rickshaw Bangkok jungle Tour

5.0 hour

Deals start ₹7,589

4.7 /5

15 ratings

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Bike in the community near Bangkok

4.0 hour

Deals start ₹8,249

0 ratings

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Bang Krachao, Bangkok Overview

Sometimes spelt Bang Krajao, Bang Krachao is located in the Phra Pradaeng province. It was once the home of a small Burmese population when they first came to Thailand. On a map, you’ll recognise Bang Krachao as a horseshoe-shaped, island-like area cut off from the mainland by the Chao Phraya River. The only way to reach this green paradise is by boat or ferry. With laws against constructing buildings or commercial factories in place, Bang Krachao remains commercially undeveloped in the best way possible – preserving the culture and natural surroundings.

The locals live in traditional Thai wooden houses, cars are replaced by motorbikes and cycles, and concrete seems like a foreign thought! Locals live at a leisurely pace, showing us the most relaxing aspect of ‘island’ life. Even though Bang Krachao may seem small, there’s plenty to be explored. Just rent a cycle and pick a path! From traditional Thai temples and old houses to picturesque sceneries and fantastic wildlife, this place has something to offer every kind of traveller. Because of its proximity to Bangkok city, you can even get back to your hotel before nightfall!

Bang Krachao Cycling

Bang Krachao is one of the few places in Bangkok that you won’t find any cars. The roads and walkways here are specifically for two-wheelers like cycles or scooters. When you get into Bang Krachao from the pier, you’ll find plenty of shacks and shops, ready to rent out cycles. As the area of Phra Pradaeng is prone to floods, the local people live in houses built on stilts. Most of the walkways and bridges are elevated. It may seem daunting to walk or ride on these seemingly fragile paths, knowing that there’s nothing but water below, but you’ll be surprised by the confidence of the locals, whizzing past you on scooters are 80 kilometres an hour! With a little practice and determination, you’ll be driving along like them in no time. Of course, don’t forget to be careful!

Cost:
Per Hour: THB 50
Per Day: THB 100

Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market

Although Bang Krachao is a somewhat lesser-known getaway from the city life of Bangkok, it is most popular on weekends. Every Saturday and Sunday, they host a local market by the river known as the Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market. It’s a wonderful place to get a sense of authentic Thai life. You can expect to get some great food and shopping done here. While most markets might charge you a ‘farang’ (foreign) premium price while shopping, the floating market’s prices are quite fair. Not only can you buy pretty souvenirs and trinkets, but you can also enjoy fresh local food at the stalls here.

Timings:
Saturday, Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM/Sunset

Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Gardens

Much of this place’s greenery can be attributed to the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Gardens located here. From sprawling lakes and lush flora to picnic spots and bike trails, it’s a paradise of its own. Best of all, it’s open to the public free of charge. The lake is home to plenty of fish species, and you’re allowed to buy some fish food from the stalls and feed them. Cycles are allowed inside, but you’ll have to leave your motorbikes at the parking lot outside.
You’ll generally find it to be a peaceful area (like most of Bang Krachao) where you can enjoy a quiet moment and fresh air. Of course, this isn’t always the case. As home to many exotic birds and insects, Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Gardens can be noisy at times. It’s a popular attraction for bird watchers who love to marvel at the park’s many winged creatures. When riding around here, the sights and sounds might even make you mistake Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Gardens for an actual rainforest!

Bangkok Tree House

While cycling around this area, you’re likely to find a beautiful little structure that seems to be the only sign of modern construction at Bang Krachao. This place, called the Bangkok Tree House, is an eco-friendly boutique property. Spanning three floors of glass walls and wooden panes on stilts, it’s one of the more high-end accommodation options in the area. Of course, with an A/C restaurant that serves Thai fusion food as well as vegan options, it’s also open to anyone looking for a little bit of rest and recharging. Bangkok Tree House is located right by the river. Although the first few floors have air-conditioned rooms, the main attraction is on the upper decks. Here, you would come across open-air rooms that offer spectacular views of the river and greenery of Bang Krachao. The prices are perhaps on the higher side, but at this place, you’re paying for the view and the overall ‘premier’ experience.

Tips

There aren’t many signs in Bang Krachao in English, and most locals don’t speak the language either. It’s a good idea to pick up a free map at metro stations or the pier and keep your phones charged so that you can check Google Maps in case of any confusion.
Be sure to pack sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water for this day trip as it can get scorching and humid. It’s preferable to wear light clothing and wear comfortable shoes.
Although bicycles are available for rent per hour, it’s best to rent them for the whole day. Exploring Bang Krachao’s cycling trails will take at least an hour and a half – and that’s without any stops!
Aside from the floating market, there are lots of little restaurants and coffee shops around the area. There’s a famous shop called Oz Coffee owned by a Turkish man that is considered a must-visit. Amongst locals, it’s known as ‘farang’ (foreign) coffee.

Bang Krachao Bangkok Thailand — Bang Krachao in Bangkok, Thailand (Source)

Much like Lumpini Park in the city centre, this area manages to radiate calm and quiet excitement at the same time. Home to lush greenery, beautiful lakes, long cycling trails, and even a floating market, the little-known inlet of Bang Krachao is a spectacular find for anyone seeking peace and silence in Bangkok.

How To Reach Bang Krachao

You can reach Bang Krachao from its north or south entrance. Because of this, there are multiple ways to reach this green haven. If you’d like to enter from the north, you can use the MRT system to reach Klong Toey station. From here, you can reach Klong Toey pier (also called Tha Pa-Sri Pier) by taxi or public transport at Wat Klong Toey Nok Temple. This would cost approximately THB 50. From the pier, you’re bound to find plenty of boats and ferries heading to Bang Krachao for around THB 5-20. If you find that you’re quoted a higher price, don’t hesitate to bargain!

Another way is to enter from the south. If you take the BTS system to Bang Na station, you can take exit 2 to grab a taxi to Sanphawut Pier. From there, you’ll find ferries going to Bang Krachao for around THB 10. When entering this side of the ‘island’, you’ll be pretty close to Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Gardens and can reach the floating market by cycle or bike for THB 30.