Bang Krachao 2023: Everything You Need To Know About Exploring Bangkok's Green Lung
+2023 guide with updated prices, opening hours and opened businesses.
Bang Krachao, also known as Bang Kachao, is a man-made island surrounded by the Chao praya river. Every weekend, nature lovers and people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok flok over to this urban oasis. There are so many trees and vegetation in Bang Krachao that it has gained the nickname of Bangkok's green lung, partially also due to the fact that it counters the city's carbon footprint through its huge amount of tamarind, mangrove, and palm trees that seem to eat up the city's air pollution.
There are many things to see, experiences to have, and food and beverages to be consumed and enjoyed in this little piece of tropical countryside, and this post contains everything you need to know about everything there is to do in Bang Krachao in 20223.
How to Get to Bang Krachao?[Piers - Bridges]
How to Get Around Bang Krachao? [Bicycle - Motorbike - Stand-up Paddle - E-scooter - Canoe]
Things to Do and See in Bang Krachao [ Park - Hidden Spot - Fish Gallery - Floating Market - Temple]
+Timing and things to keep in mind
🗓️Try to go either Saturday or Sunday: the market closes during weekdays, and due to the pandemic, some businesses are currently choosing to only operate on these two days.
⏰A lot of cafes and restaurants will randomly close around 4 pm due to Covid
🆔Don’t forget your ID or driving license if you want to rent a Bicycle/Scooter/Motorcycle
🧴Wear sunscreen (Unless you like mask tan lines)
🧢Wear a hat (Because the sun might cook your head)
🦟Bring mosquito spray (Unless you like blood being sucked out of you)
💧Don’t forget to hydrate yourself (Thailand Heat is real)
+How to get to Bang Krachao
-From your accommodation to the piers:
You have several options in Bangkok, from using the metro, renting a scooter, or hiring a tuk-tuk or taxi. You could also walk if you enjoy sweating profusely. My favorite way of getting around is via Grab - think of it as the Southeast Asian version of Uber - which has different vehicles options. The fastest option is GrabBike: a scooter taxi that will save you money, time, and dignity as you won’t get the extra premium for being a foreigner.
-from the piers to Bang Krachao + from Bangkok via the bridges to Bang Krachao
[1]Bang Na Pier
+Use this option if you’re coming to Bang Krachao with your own scooter/bicycle as the boats give access to these vehicles.
+The ferry will take you to Wat Bang Nam Phueng Nok port which has the ‘Ood Cola bike’ rental shop to its left.
+One way price: THB 4 (0.12 US$)
+Operating hours: Everyday: 5:00am–9:30pm
[2] Klong Toey Nok (Pho Thong) Pier
+You'll mostly get smaller longtail boats that can only fit a few people.
+The boats can transport bicycles on them but not scooters.
+You can ask your boat driver to take you to either the pier that has 'M-bike' rental shop next to it or to 'Raft House Pier,' which has a restaurant with a view of Bangkok and 'Pae Jaeb Bike rental' shop next to it.
+One way price: THB 10 (0.30 US$)
+Operating hours: 24/7
[3]Crossing pier
This is a fishing pier that doubles as a transportation pier. I can’t find any information on it at the moment, but I’ll check it out when I’m back in Bangkok later this February and update the article. This pier will take you to the ‘ferry landing tom Rama3’’ which doesn’t have any bike or scooter shop rentals next to it.
[4] Bhumibol 1 Bridge and Bhumibol 2 Bridge
This is your only option if you're using a car and want to get to Bang Krachao on your own. These bridges connect at the island's smallest segment but keep in mind that it takes around 30 minutes by car to reach the central area of Bang Krachao from them. Factoring in Bangkok's crazy traffic, getting to these bridges in the first place will take even longer.
+how to get around Bang Krachao
[1]Renting a Bicycle
+ You will need to give them an ID for them to keep while you have their bikes. As of 2022, they don’t accept passports, so make sure to get an actual ID card. I handed over my international driving license, so you could also try your luck with that.
+Make sure to test your bike’s brakes and wheels before you rent it.
+Price: THB 40 (1.20 US$) for shops near the piers. THB 30/35 for shops near the park (0.90 US$). Pre-pandemic pricing was about 100/150 bat per day.
[2]Renting a Motorbike
+You can rent motorbikes at most bike rental shops. Alternatively, just ask the bike rental shop owners if they know anyone from whom you can rent a scooter. The only issue with motorbikes is no set price, even during the pandemic. You could land one at 50 THB per hour or 250 THB per hour, depending on your luck. So make sure to ask for a lower price.
+This option is interesting since it will allow you to explore all of Bang Krachao much faster, but keep in mind that the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park is not accessible to motorbikes, so you'll still need to rent a bicycle there or walk.
[3]Stand-Up Paddle
Wanderlust Explorer SUP Tours offers a stand-up paddleboarding experience in the waters of Bang Krachao. This is a unique way to explore the area with a view of Bangkok’s skyline on the horizon.
+Price: THB 1 850 [55.32 US$]
+Contact: 084 235 4615 + Facebook messenger + Instagram DMs
+Instagram: @wanderlust_explorertours
+Headquarters: Adress link.
[4]Renting an E-scooter:
+Bikery E-scooter also provides guided scooter tours
+Price: 1 hour: THB 200 (5.97 US$), Extra hour: THB 50 (1.49 US$)
+Contact: 081 827 9998 + Instagram DMs + Facebook messenger
+Instagram: @bikery_escootertours
+Only open on Sundays: From 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
[5]Canoe trip through the canals
+Ban Klang Suan Bang Ko Bua homestay offers motorized canoe trips around the island through the canals. Prices vary.
+Contact: 090 986 7987, the person answering you might not be comfortable speaking English, so you try to contact them through your accommodation instead.
+Things to do and see in Bang Krachao
1.explore Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden
The park is made up of a myriad of luscious green tropical trees, canals, and boardwalks. The roads are mostly cemented, but some on the park's outer edges are still made up of dirt. You can check out my video to get a feel of the environment. There are several bridges connecting islets and many nooks where you can park your bicycle next to wooden platforms with descriptions in both English and Thai about the surrounding flora and fauna. Popular attractions include:
The Birdwatching tower.
Walking along the river on the wooden paths.
Feeding the fish - you can buy fish food from several vendors that usually hang out near the lawn or the park entrance.
Enjoying a small picnic on the grass lawn next to the lake.
There are also a couple of hidden gems in the park in the form of cafes and bars overlooking small canals in the middle of trees.
+Hidden gems Cafes:
+Park Entrance: Free
+Park operating hours: Everyday 5:00am-7:00pm
2.ADMIRE THE SKYLINE AT Khlong Phi Lok
This is another area full of trees and cemented boardwalks, but it is much harder to find and consequently less known and crowded. As you get closer to the site, you'll find a couple of handmade signs with "Klong Pé Ruck" written on them, follow them and hope for the best in true adventure style. You can also watch my video if you want to see how the entrance looks like. Khlong Phi Lok is as green and luscious as Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park, although nowhere near as big. Its main appealing point is the fact that it is home to the best view of Bangkok's skyline from Bang Krachao that you can get.
3.check out the Siamese Fish Fighting Gallery
This rather odd place is not open due to our old pal Covid-19, but I still wanted to include it on this list because it seems to sporadically open at random. You can call them to check or cycle there when you finish visiting the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden, as it is only a few minutes away from it.
The Siamese Fish Fighting Gallery isn't particularly impressive, and some of its fish tanks are a bit dirty. Still, it's a nice place with generous space, benches and stairs, and a moderately extensive collection of Siamese fighting fish, known for their vibrant colors and long flowing fins.
+Price: Free. They ask for donations for fish food.
+Opening hours: Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Mondays to Fridays: Closed.
4.eat and shop at Bang Krachao Floating Market
This market has ‘floating’ in its name because it’s right next to the canal but is actually very much earth-bound. There used to be boats coming to and from the watercourse, but the pandemic ended that. Regardless of its floating inclinations, this market is primarily a food market with a couple of attractions like slingshooting and target shooting scattered throughout its area. The food varies, there are plenty of beverage and dessert options, and if you manage to come early, it will be lively-ish.
One also used to be able to rent kayaks there, so ask around if this interests you (but the pandemic theoretically ended this activity).
+Opening hours: Saturdays and Sundays: 8:00 am-4:00 pm. Mondays to Fridays: Closed.
5.admire the Temples
There are many temples in Bang Krachao, like most parts of Thailand. Although they are all beautiful, they're pretty typical and non-descriptive, so I won't recommend seeing one in particular except for Wat Bang Krachao Klang if you feel like it. Although the building of this temple is typical, it's surrounded by signs bearing quotes such as 'All life is an experiment,' 'A good name is better than riches,' and 'A good book is the best of friends.'
6.Get lost in random passageways
I’m pretty shy when it comes to wandering through streets that don’t look like streets because I don’t want to disturb or trespass on residential areas. However, in Bang Krachao, this rule apparently does not apply. You’ll see many random concrete roads leading into the jungle or towards different paths. These roads welcome pedestrians, scooters, and bicycles alike, so don’t be shy and go ahead and wander. You might just find something extraordinary.
+where to eat or have a refreshing drink in Bang Krachao
1.sabaidee cafe greenfarm
This cute little coffee place is located near the national park and serves as the perfect stop for a refreshing drink after some cycling. The cafe sits on an organic melon farm, so make sure to taste their super sweet melon or to try out some of their homegrown organic vegetables.
Instagram: @sabaidee_greenfarm + Geotag
🥄Menu: Link.
⏰Opening hours: Fridays to Sundays: 8:00am-6:00pm, Closed on Mondays to Thursdays
📱Contact: 090 960 3838
2.Hiddenwoods
As the name graciously suggests, this cafe is very much hidden in the woods, and you might have a bit of a hard time reaching it. The journey will be worth the small struggle as you’ll be greeted by a garden, a wooden pier, and the cafe itself, which is quite modern-looking. Hiddenwoods is different from other cafes in the area as it is much bigger. Overall, this is a great place to relax and unwind after exploring Bang Krachao as it offers views of the city and river with plenty of seating, food, and drink options to pick from.
Instagram: @hiddenwoods.bkk + Geotag
🥄Menu: Link.
⏰Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays: 10:30am-6:00pm, Closed on Mondays.
📱Contact: 090 974 8234
3.The Ozone Cafe & Homestay
The Ozone Cafe is home to turkeys, ducks, trees, rabbits, and sometimes, humans. There are several small rivers in its garden with wooden boats you can use for free. The cafe also has bamboo huts scattered throughout its space where you can enjoy a good drink or a hearty meal.
Instagram: @ozonebangkrajao + Geotag
🥄Menu: Link.
⏰Opening hours: Fridays to Sundays: 8:00am-6:00pm, Closed on Mondays to Thursdays
📱Contact: 081 429 8239
4.the Bangkok Treehouse
Bangkok Tree House is probably the most popular and well-known (at least among foreigners) cafe in Bang Krachao. While the design of the building is charming and the view is very romantic: trees give way to the river, the menu is overpriced, and dare I say, not worth it. One would enjoy staying at this accommodation overnight because it is quite beautiful, but the cafe on its own isn’t particularly noteworthy.
Instagram: @bangkoktreehouse + Geotag
🥄Menu: Link.
⏰Opening hours: Cafe: Everyday 9:00am-6:00pm. Restaurant: Everyday 12:00am-6:00pm.
📱Contact: 082 995-1150
5.Baanlungau Coffee&Restaurant/ Uncle Ooh
This is another waterfront restaurant with great views of the river and Bangkok. The food is good, and the atmosphere is quite friendly. If you’re lucky, you might even get the chance to enjoy some live music here.
Instagram: Geotag
🥄Menu: Link.
⏰Opening hours: Everday: 11:00am-10:00pm
📱Contact: 099 025 2222
6.Coconut Lane
Coconut Lane is a small cafe with a very cool architectural design and open-air concept. You can sit and relax in their outdoor patio overlooking their garden and enjoy the (mostly) western food they serve.
Instagram: @coconut_lane_bangkok + Geotag
🥄Menu: Link.
⏰Opening hours: Mondays and Fridays: 10:00am-6:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays: 8:00am-6:00pm. Tuesdays to Thursdays: Closed.
📱Contact: 065 641 5898
7.Baan Makham Bang Nam Pheung
Baan Makham Bang Nam Pheung has an incredibly peaceful atmosphere. It offers home-cooked meals in a ground-elevated modern building that manages to blend in with the surrounding nature perfectly.
Instagram: @baanmakham + Geotag
🥄Menu: Link.
⏰Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays: 10:00am - 4:00pm. Mondays: Closed.
📱Contact: 098-828-0983
8.pobrakbangnampueng
This restaurant combines a wonderful view of the river and skyline of Bangkok with delicious Thai food. There are several seating options right next to the river and the pier, making this place particularly noteworthy during sunsets.
Instagram: Geotag
🥄Menu: Link.
⏰Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays: 10:00am - 4:00pm. Mondays: Closed.
📱Contact: 081 847 6300
+where to stay in bang krachao
Bang Krachao has a lot to offer. As such, it is worthy of consideration as an overnight stay. You could also consider this island as a nice little romantic (or platonic) getaway from Bangkok as it serves as the perfect weekend escape plan from the city. Alternatively, you could choose to stay more long-term in one of the hotels next to the piers and go to Bangkok whenever you feel like it. Whatever your inclinations, here are some of the best accommodations in Bang Krachao.
baan makham
Baan Makham was designed with nature in mind: it was built as a series of elevated platforms and connecting passageways to preserve the original trees and vegetation of the surrounding area. This lovely oasis in a quiet and peaceful area of Bang Krachao serves as the perfect refuge for visitors wanting to experience peacefulness while sipping on a cup of coffee or tea next to tamarind trees.
Instagram: @baanmakham + Geotag
🐕Pet friendly: No.
📱Contact: 098-828-0983+ Line: @baanmakham
💳Starting: THB 3 500 [105$US]
📎Recommended booking site: Link.
Arttra Villa
This lively boutique hotel houses both a pool and pier overlooking the heart of Bangkok. It is also home to an amazing rooftop where you can admire the sunset while sipping on one of the many cocktails that they offer. The atmosphere here is usually more lively than laidback.
Instagram: Geotag
🐕Pet friendly: Pets are allowed. There is no fee for bringing pets to stay.
📱Contact: 093 564 2915
💳Starting: THB 1 965 [59$US]
📎Recommended booking site: Link.
Mae Rim Nam Homestay
Don’t expect luxurious treatment or sophisticated decor here. Mae Rim Nam Homestay is an informal, no-nonsense family-owned homestay with an incredibly friendly atmosphere. The property is located in a place where many fireflies seem to gather. As such, they offer boat firefly tours at night.
Instagram: Geotag
🐕Pet friendly: N/A
📱Contact: 081-820-6211
💳Starting: THB 1 000 [30$US]
📎Recommended booking site: You need to call them to book a room. Alternatively you could try sending them a message on their facebook account (not a page).
88 homestay
88 Homestay is tucked away inside a canopy of trees that allows it to blend in with the surrounding trees, birds, and squirrels perfectly. Try to get a room with a patio if you can, as you'll get to enjoy the outdoor shade and sounds of nature.
Instagram: @88homestay_bangkrachao + Geotag
🐕Pet friendly: Pets are allowed. Pets may be charged at the accommodation.
📱Contact: 086 889 2098
💳Starting: THB 1 100 [33$US]
📎Recommended booking site: Link.
Bangkok tree house
Bangkok Treehouse is probably the most famous property on Bang Krachao as it is very popular amongst Instagrammers. Although a pricier option, you do get what you pay for if you stay here: magnificent views of the city, wooden outdoor showers, nature-inspired interior design, and architecture, as well as terraces equipped with a mattress where you can enjoy a well-deserved nap.
Instagram: @bangkoktreehouse + Geotag
🐕Pet friendly: Pets are allowed. Pets may be charged at the accommodation.
📱Contact: 082 995-1150 + Line: @bkktreehouse
💳Starting: THB 3 000 [90$US]
📎Recommended booking site: Link.
The Ozone Cafe & Homestay
The Ozone is a homestay that also houses a couple of duck residents on its premises. Many canals cross its garden, so the owners bought a couple of small wooden boats you can use to paddle around. The venue is very well laid out, with small bamboo elevated platforms scattered throughout the property where a good meal or book can be enjoyed.
Instagram: @ozonebangkrajao + Geotag
🐕Pet friendly: Pets are allowed. Pets may be charged at the accommodation.
📱Contact: 081 429 8239 + theozone2019@gmail.com
💳Starting: THB 3 000 [90$US]
📎Recommended booking site: Call them or email them, or contact them via facebook messenger.
Baansuanklaikrung Bangkachao
This hotel is renowned for its big charming garden and the brutalist architecture touches of its double rooms. You can book small boat trips across nearby rivers through them. The overall atmosphere is pleasant with a friendly and caring staff.
Instagram: @baansuanklaikrung + Geotag
🐕Pet friendly: Pets are allowed. Pets may be charged at the accommodation.
📱Contact: 093 159 1989
💳Starting: THB 1 600 [48$US]
📎Recommended booking site: Link.
Coconut Lane
Coconut Lane is a lodging and cafe located on a family-owned plantation. It constitutes of beautiful modern rooms with minimalistic furniture and decor imbued with wooden accents and warm colors. This property offers a very chill and laid-back atmosphere surrounded by trees and small natural river canals.
Instagram: @coconut_lane_bangkok + Geotag
🐕Pet friendly: No.
📱Contact: 065 641 5898
💳Starting: THB 3 000 [90$US]
📎Recommended booking site: Airbnb, or you can try calling them or sending them a message via instagram dms or facebook messenger.
