Bang Kra Chao (บางกระเจ้า) is located in Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province. It is not far from Bangkok, located just on another side of Chao Phraya River. It is the largest green area near Bangkok known as “The Best Urban Oasis of Asia” and "Bangkok Lung".
The wind coming from the sea passes this area before reaching Bangkok. Therefore, the greenery purifies the fresh air and forwards it to Bangkok. This area is sometimes called "pig stomach" because it is shaped like it.
It is a natural hidden place and a popular holiday destination for those who have little time but want to relax in the green area with a fresh air. The activity that shouldn’t be missed there is cycling. The area is less touristy and very peaceful. You'll love it.
We started this trip by spending all morning at Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market.
Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market is situated along the canal. This floating market is very popular with locals and only few tourists could be seen hanging around there. The lifestyle of local villagers can be seen at the market. The market is quite big and has many interesting things on offer - delicious food, drinks and snacks.
After that, we paid homage at the Wat Bang Nam Pheung Nai Temple (วัดบางน้ำผึ้งใน) which is located just in front of the market.
For this trip we have chosen to rent a bicycle for cycling around the area. There are many shops offering to rent a bicycle in front of Wat Bang Nam Pheung Nai. The fee is 30 baht per hour and 60-80 baht per day. Renting a bicycle for all day is really worth it.
Get ready to experience the simple lifestyle of the villagers.
There are signs of attractions showing the distance to them along the way.
You should be careful while cycling because the main road should be crossed few times and there is no lane for bicycles on the road. A variety of plants can be seen while cycling around. If you’ll get hungry or tired, there are more than enough of restaurants and cafes to sit down and have a bite on the way.
We ended up at a beautiful park called Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden (สวนศรีนครเขื่อนขันธ์).
It has an area of over 200 rai (79 acres), built for purifying the air. It is a park dedicated to relaxation, exercising and studying the ecosystems of local and nearby area. There is a large pond with a long wooden bridge leading to a peaceful area and a space for feeding fish in this park. You can also rent a bicycle at the shops in front of the park. The park is also a popular spot for birdwatchers who don't want to go far from Bangkok. You can find a 7 meters high bird watching tower in the park. This park can be accessed in 2 ways: from Soi Phetchahung 33 (ซอยเพชรหึงษ์33) and from Soi Phetchahung 57 (ซอยเพชรหึงษ์57). Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm.
Another interesting place to visit while in the area is Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery (พิพิธภัณฑ์ปลากัดไทย). The concept of building this museum was not only making a place for learning more about the fish, but also setting up a place of cooperation in community. Here you can find not only fighting fish but a variety of other fish species kept in the back zone. There is also a cafe and souvenir shop located in front. It is open on weekends and public holidays from 10 am to 5 pm. No admission fee. You can park your bicycle outside.
For other green areas in the capital of Thailand check Parks in Bangkok.
