Bangkok's Green Lung: Cycling through secret Bang Kachao
Sometimes, you only need to escape the bustle of a metropolis for a few minutes to discover a completely different world. The mere mention of Bangkok conjures up immediate images: teeming streets, screeching tuk-tuks, countless scooters, and a skyline of concrete and glass. Yet, in the midst of this urban ocean, there is a place that moves to the rhythm of a bygone era: Bangkachao, often referred to as Bangkok’s “green lung.”
The Leap Across the River
The journey there already feels like a mini-adventure. After a short ride to Klong Toey Pier, I board a small wooden ferry with my bicycle.
For a few baht, we ferry across the broad, brown Chao Phraya River. Once on the other side, the city suddenly falls silent. No more engine noise, no jostling cars. Instead, I am welcomed by a labyrinth of narrow walkways on stilts—slender paths perched high on concrete pillars above dense jungle, banana trees, and winding canals.
Through the jungle on two wheels
My trusty rental bike squeaks softly as I turn into the first narrow lane. The paths here are often no more than a meter or two wide—and you’ll usually look in vain for any guardrails. To the left and right, mangrove forests and tropical plants are reflected in the calm waterways. Time and again, huge monitor lizards—leisurely sunning themselves on the bank—cross my path. Although the bumpy tracks require focused steering, every meter feels like a voyage of discovery far off the beaten tourist track.
In harmony with nature
After a while, I cycle into Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park. It is a wonderful place to take a breather. I ride along raised wooden walkways through the shady canopy; birds are chirping, and fish are gasping for air in the large pond. Locals sit in the shade, fishing leisurely or waving a friendly greeting as I cycle past. Time seems to have stood still here.
Bettas
The famous Siamese fighting fish (*Betta splendens*) have a long tradition in Thailand, particularly in the region around Phra Pradaeng and Bangkachao. Here are a few sentences about them that you can easily incorporate into your text or use as a brief digression:
In Thailand, fascinating fighting fish are deeply rooted in the country’s culture and history. Originally native to the shallow waters and rice paddies of Southeast Asia, they have been bred in the region for generations. With their vibrant colors and veil-like fins, they are often referred to as the “Jewels of the Orient.” In Phra Pradaeng, there are even small galleries and breeding centers dedicated to these impressive creatures, showcasing how closely nature and local tradition go hand in hand.
A piece of authentic Thailand
To wrap up my tour, I stop at a small, sleepy market by the riverbank. An ice-cold Thai iced tea revives my spirits as I watch the boats drift by on the river. Bangkachao is not a place for spectacular temple complexes—it is a place for a genuine, unspoiled sense of nature and tranquility right in the heart of Thailand.
A tip for your readers: It’s best to rent a sturdy bicycle right at the piers in Bang Kachao and plan on spending half a day exploring the area.
