Yearning for a Tranquil Escape: Exploring Bang Krachao, Bangkok's Green Oasis

Amidst the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, a yearning for respite and rejuvenation often arises. Fortunately, a haven of tranquility awaits just a stone's throw away: Bang Krachao. This verdant island, aptly nicknamed "Bangkok's Green Lung," offers a sanctuary of nature's embrace, promising a refreshing escape from the urban clamor.

Despite its proximity to the city, Bang Krachao boasts a unique geographical feature – its resemblance to a basil leaf. This peculiar shape belies its vital role in purifying the air of Bangkok, acting as a natural filter for the city's polluted atmosphere. However, its location within the boundaries of Samut Prakan province adds an intriguing layer to its identity.

The allure of Bang Krachao is undeniable, igniting a desire to explore its verdant trails and immerse oneself in its serene ambiance. Yet, doubts linger – will companions join this adventure? And, more importantly, can this journey be undertaken without the expertise of a seasoned cyclist? The questions multiply, but the unwavering determination to embark on this expedition remains steadfast. The prospect of experiencing Bang Krachao's tranquility is too enticing to resist. The only question that remains is when this transformative journey will commence.

Based on other reviews, it is recommended to arrive early to enjoy the fresh air. However, we started our journey late in the morning. Our first stop was Wat Khlong Toei Nok, where there is a ferry pier. We had to take a ferry to the other side. Initially, we thought that such a small pier would have a ferry, and that it would be crowded. But when we arrived, bought tickets, and waited for the boat, we were surprised to see a very small long-tailed boat. We didn't have time to take a picture, but when we got on board, it felt very relaxing. Fortunately, there were only two of us on board.

The feeling is so chill, the cool breeze, the occasional splash of water, but the feeling I got was so overwhelming that I think everyone should go and experience it for themselves. It takes less than 10 minutes to reach the other side... Khamnan Khao Pier... We were confused... Are we in Bang Krachao already? When we saw the Welcome sign, yes, we were really in Bang Krachao.

We encountered numerous bicycles available for rent at reasonable prices, along with a tourist map of Bang Krachao. Honestly, I haven't ridden a bicycle in a long time. I wondered if I should ride or have someone take me as a passenger. Questions arose. However, upon examining the map, the distances appeared manageable. I felt confident I could handle it. With a sense of excitement and a desire for personal relaxation, I decided to ride.

With two bicycles ready, we set off. We led the way, wondering if we would get lost. We had a map, so we weren't too worried. The first part of the ride was enjoyable, with a comfortable breeze despite the approaching midday sun. As we continued, however, we started to sweat. Checking the map, we realized how far away the Bang Nam Phueng market was. While we hadn't been hungry at the start, we now felt like devouring the entire market.

The next destination was full of attractions: Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market, Herbal Incense House, Tie-Dye House, Garden Cafe, Thai Fighting Fish Museum, Si Nakhon Khuan Khan Public Park, and most importantly, Bangkok Tree House. We kept cycling, following the navigation. The voice from behind kept reminding me to be careful of cars, not to cycle in the middle of the road, to stay close to the edge, and not to brake when going uphill... 55555 That's probably what felt good about it... A little off topic.

And then we arrived at Bang Nam Phueng Market, with the sound of music that seemed to beckon people in the vicinity, including us, to come and listen. As we entered, we saw elderly people sitting and listening to music at the Bang Nam Phueng Music Square. This market is famous for its wide variety of food, so much so that we didn't know what to eat. We opted for boat noodles with pork crackling and then continued walking to find something else to eat. There was an abundance of choices, and we ended up with grilled squid eggs in pandan leaves, which were delicious. We strolled around, stopped by the restroom, and prepared some drinking water for our onward journey.

The map, signs, and our intuition all guided our path, leading us to adjust our route as we went. The actual ride was quite long, with hot weather and occasional breezes. We hadn't cycled in a long time, and we're not regular exercisers. But we persevered, knowing that the natural beauty and destinations we sought would be worth it. Along the way, we couldn't help but soak in the atmosphere, nature, and houses, which helped to alleviate the fatigue.

Lost in the winding alleys, we stumbled upon the charming Bangkok Tree House. The narrow path, teeming with pedestrians, demanded a delicate balancing act. After a thrilling journey, we arrived at the picturesque cafe, only to be met with a bustling crowd. Undeterred, we ventured further, discovering the equally delightful Phop Rak Na Bang Nam, nestled by the river. Despite its allure, the throngs of patrons prompted us to retrace our steps to the Bangkok Tree House. Seeking respite in the air-conditioned haven, we indulged in delectable treats and refreshing beverages, preparing ourselves for the adventures ahead.

And so we continued our journey, fearing that we wouldn't have time to visit several other places. On the way back, we rushed and missed the entrance again, as usual. This made us miss the opportunity to visit the Incense House and the Tie-Dye House. If we had turned back, we were afraid of wasting time. So we decided that there must be a next time. We then headed to the Thai Fighting Fish Museum, which is on the same route as the Si Nakhon Khuan Khan Public Park. However, we visited the museum first because we were afraid it would be closed.

The Thai Fighting Fish Museum is a unique learning center dedicated to the rarely seen Siamese fighting fish. It serves as a breeding and rearing facility for a diverse range of fish species, many of which are difficult to find elsewhere. In this modern era, such a sight is truly uncommon. One question that arises is the purpose of the bricks separating the fishbowls. Initially, one might assume it aligns with the saying "staring at each other like fighting fish, soon they'll be pregnant." However, this is not the case. When fighting fish see each other, they fight, which can be exhausting. Therefore, the bricks are placed to provide them with a comfortable and independent environment. The museum boasts lush greenery, a coffee shop, a souvenir shop, beautiful traditional Thai houses, and informative signs detailing the history of the museum and the Bangkajao area. It also appears to offer locations for pre-wedding photo shoots.

Leaving the Thai Fighting Fish Museum, we cycled back to Srinakarin Dam Public Park, which we thought would be the most shaded place in the late afternoon. Before entering, we encountered a bridge that required a significant amount of effort to climb due to its steep incline, especially for novice cyclists like us. However, upon entering the park, we were not disappointed. It was incredibly lush, with a beautiful and inviting cycling path. People were walking, running, and cycling in various styles and at different paces. We continued cycling until we reached a scenic resting spot. Initially, we were skeptical about its beauty, but after climbing up to admire the view and taking photos, we understood why it was a must-visit spot for relaxation and photography.

We continued cycling, this time with a large group of riders. We followed them because there were no maps or signs, and we assumed they knew where they were going. The path was like a forest trail, with gravel, rocks, dirt, and tree roots. It was narrow and required our full attention. As we rode, I thought to myself, "This must be what they mean when they say life is full of obstacles." When we finally reached a smooth path, it felt like heaven. It was truly a beautiful route. We eventually reached an exit, but after cycling almost all day on various trails, my legs were exhausted. I decided to rest before crossing the high bridge back. I let the others go ahead. When I finally crossed the bridge, my legs were so tired that I almost fell. But I was determined to reach the person waiting for me, so I kept going. I slowed down and fell behind, but someone turned around and waited for me to catch up, just like they had before.

We barely made it to the pier on time, as it was about to close. On the way back, there were many people waiting for the boat, and it was packed when we finally got on. Once we got back on land, all I wanted to do was rest my legs. But it made me realize that no matter how tired we get, we can always overcome it if we set our minds to it. And the tourist attractions will always be beautiful, because we have people by our side to create good memories with. There may not be many pictures this time, as we had to keep paddling the whole way. Thank you for this travel project, and we hope to come back again and share more travel experiences with you. ^_^