Escape the concrete jungle to the well-reserved oasis of Bang Krachao to bike in the woods, try local delights, and get your hands dirty with engaging workshops
Bangkok has its share of good parks where urbanites can relax and enjoy fresh air in a verdant green setting, but none of them compares to Bang Krachao. Located in the southern outskirts of Bangkok, the 16-square-kilometer man-made island is known as the “green lung” of the Thai capital with a shape resembling the organ. Its mangrove forests, ponds and natural environment provide a sanctuary for a variety of flora and fauna.
Over the last few years, the government has put a lot of effort into preserving the area and promoting it as an eco-tourism destination. Environmentally-friendly hotels and cafés have sprung up in Bang Krachao, and more outdoor activities are hosted on the island to attract visitors.
Getting there is already an adventure. You have a few options, but we recommend taking the skytrain to BTS Udom Suk and then riding a tuk tuk or motorcycle to Wat Bang Na Nok before boarding a boat to Bang Krachao. This way, you see different parts of Bangkok and experience the various modes of transport available to the local residents.
There’s a long list of things to do in Bang Krachao. Most people start by cycling around the island to get a better feel of what it offers and its natural attractions. If you don’t fancy working up a sweat, you can have a leisurely visit to the weekend market to shop for souvenirs and local delicacies, visit a museum, or play with farm animals.
Here are a few tips on how to best enjoy Bangkok’s green lung.
RECOMMENDED: Fill up your lungs with clean, fresh air at Bangkok’s best public parks—and discover more sides of the Thai capital with ‘Reconnect with Your City.
Stop by Udom Suk and Bang Chak for a morning boost and find out why these two neighborhoods are drawing in the crowd. Both areas have recently seen the rise of new condominiums and office buildings and have benefited from the opening of tech center True Digital Park. Get your fill of donuts with unique fillings at Drop by Dough, or go slow and simple with specialty cuppas at SLOW by CASA LAPIN.
From Udom Suk, take a tuk tuk to the pier and get on a boat that will ferry you to Wat Bang Namphueng. Bang Krachao’s most popular Bang Namphueng Weekend Market will greet you as soon as you disembark. Indulge in a spread of local street food and handcrafted goods prepared by friendly locals before getting on a bike and cycling around the island.
The cycling paths take you to the Siamese Fighting Fish Museum and Si Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden, where you can view nature to your heart’s content. You can also access Get Growing Community Farm by bike, a family-friendly playground where you can enjoy the outdoors with adorable animals.
Before you know it, the sun is about to set, and it’s time to make your way back to the city. Hop back on the skytrain and consider getting some refreshments at True Digital Park near BTS Punnawithi. The park is now home to the headquarters of several tech giants, including Huawei and Tinder, as well as exhibition halls where you can update yourself on the latest gadgets and technology. If you’re not too exhausted, wander down its wide jogging trails and bike lanes.
If you’re visiting Bang Krachao during the weekend, include a side trip to BITEC. Accessible by BTS Bang Na, the massive exhibition hall always hosts exciting events, including fairs where you can buy goods at amazing bargains. Don’t forget to check the schedule of events to see what’s going on.
Calm your senses at Bang Krachao and relax your body at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, currently the only Marquis hotel in Bangkok that offers an all-around experience of meeting, playing, dining and sleeping under one roof. Located on Soi Sukhumvit 22, the hotel is well-connected to the city’s main attractions, such as Benchasiri Park, and the tourist-friendly neighborhoods of Asok and Phrom Phong. Cozy up in one of its spacious guest rooms, which come equipped with world-class amenities and invigorating views of Bangkok skylines. Take in fresh air and good vibes amidst the nautical setting on Sirimahannop, the restaurant and bar run by Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park wherein a gigantic 50.50-meter-long three-masted ship is turned into a uniquely-designed venue for you to unwind with Thai-inspired sundowners and cool riverside breezes.
The hotel is also home to all-you-can-eat dining room Goji Kitchen + Bar and rooftop venue ABar, and elegant Korean-American restaurant Akira Back.
As a bonus, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is situated in close proximity to the BTS skytrain, making it easier to explore interesting destinations like Bang Krachao.
And if Sukhumvit is your go-to area for comfort stay, keep your Bonvoy updated with a stay at the new Courtyard by Marriott Sukhumvit 20, which has just opened, boasting contemporary décor and walking distance to the BTS station. This May, Sukhumvit 101, one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Bangkok, will welcome the all-new Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit 101. Set in a classic European mansion building, it offers spacious and versatile spaces for longer stays.
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