When you think of Thailand’s capital, skyscrapers and smog are probably the first things that spring to mind. But did you know you can access a lush urban oasis just an hour or so away on public transport?
Bangkok’s Green Lung, known locally as Bang Krachao, is a wonderful escape from the hustle of the city and can easily be visited independently on a day trip from the city centre. Forget the expensive tours, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting to the Green Lung on a budget and how to make the most of your time there!
Green Lung, Bangkok – Bang Krachao Travel Guide
Bang Krachao, Bangkok Map & Resources
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An Introduction to Bang Krachao
The first thing that you need to know about Bangkok’s Green Lung is that it isn’t technically part of the city. It lies in the Bangkok Metropolitan area which encompasses Samut Prakan Province, where the Green Lung is located.
Bang Krachao spans 1,891 hectares and is home to six smaller sub-districts, all located in Phra Pradaeng district: Bang Numphung, Bang Krasob, Bang Yo, Bang Ko But, Bang Kachao and Son Khanong.
Formed by the bend in the Chao Phraya River, the geography has created a kind of lung shape, earning the area its name. The Green Lung is hugely impacted by sea tides which have created an estuarine ecosystem from a mix of seawater, freshwater and brackish water. This means the whole area is rich in biodiversity, making it an absolute dream day trip for nature lovers.
The area has been recognised for its conservation value and as such, construction is regulated and no building is allowed to surpass the height of the treetops. Despite being a stone’s throw from Bangkok city, you rarely feel like you’re in an urban area, with the trees obscuring the views of the surrounding skyscrapers.
Fun Fact!
The Green Lung is estimated to release around 6 million tonnes of oxygen every day and absorbs up to 6,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year! This makes the area hugely important in Thailand’s attempts to work towards a more climate-sustainable future.
Best Time to Visit Bangkok’s Green Lung
The best time to visit the Green Lung is during the week when it is quietest. The weekends are when the locals tend to visit so the whole area feels much busier. The downside of visiting the Green Lung during the week is that you’ll miss the floating market, which only takes place on Saturdays and Sundays.
Where to Stay Near Bang Krachao
Accommodation is dotted all over the Green Lung but you should check your nearest entry point (be that by pier or bridge) before making the journey. Some areas are only accessible by narrow concrete walkways which means heaving bulky suitcases could be a problem. We recommend travelling light when possible or reaching out to your accommodation in advance to ask the best way to get to them.
The most notable accommodation in Bang Krachao is the Bangkok Treehouse. These eco digs offer travellers a stay they won’t forget in a hurry, with contemporary units overlooking the surrounding jungle scenery. Rooms have all the mod-cons and offer a unique stay – this is definitely one of the best places to stay in the city if your budget stretches.
In a similar ballpark price-wise, there are also the fabulous hiddenwoods. Guests love the exclusivity of the resort and the opportunity to chill out by the pool. The rooms are conducive to relaxing, with comfortable beds and cosy blankets.
Baan Glangsuan Bang Kobua is a good mid-range option which comes with plenty of perks including free bicycle rental. The owners are super friendly and really help you to get the most out of your time in the Green Lung.
A good budget-friendly option is 88 Homestay, a friendly guesthouse with a beautiful garden setting. As with all the properties in this area, its rural location is a selling point. If you are a light sleeper who does not enjoy the sounds of the jungle, consider relocating to the city. We recommend making the most of the free bicycle rental to get around.
Things to Do in the Green Lung, Bangkok
1. Explore the Waterways by Kayak
Kayak hire is available from Baanrongmai Canal Front Cafe & Homestay. The cost is approximately 100THB for one person and for two people sharing a boat, the price starts at 150THB. There is no time limit on rental (though I am sure that if you try to keep it overnight there may be issues!).
2. Take in the Views on Two Wheels
The Green Lung is undoubtedly a cycling destination. As well as tourists clad in lycra, you’ll also see plenty of locals pootling about on two wheels. The extensive boardwalk network combined with the quiet roads makes this an ideal place to explore by bike, even if you are not the most confident. Remember that they ride on the left in Thailand and stick to designated bike lanes. (See below for more information on bicycle rental.)
3. Visit Si Nakhon Khuean Park and Botanical Gardens
Si Nakhon Khuean Park and Botanical Gardens is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Bangkok’s Green Lung. You can get around the park by cycling or on foot. If you want to do the latter, there are plenty of places to leave your bicycle.
Traverse the network of boardwalks, keep an eye out for wildlife and marvel at the mangrove forests. Do make sure to read the information boards too, they provide a lot of context for a visit to the park.
4. Go Birdwatching
Thailand is home to a myriad of fascinating birds and you will find that there is plenty to see if you keep your eyes peeled and stay quiet. Si Nakhon Khuean Park and Botanical Garden is the best place to spot birds in Bang Krachao. While binoculars help (and sadly there is nowhere to rent them at the park – yet), the Merlin app is also great for identifying species by sound alone.
5. Visit the Bangkok Treehouse
Even if you are not staying at the wonderful Bangkok Treehouse, you can drop in for a snack or a drink. While definitely more expensive than other cafés in the area, the views from the rooftop are worth the extra dosh. I recommend one of their delicious mint and lime smoothies – they are very refreshing on a humid Bangkok day!
6. Check out the Floating Market
If you know anything about Thailand already, you’ve probably heard of its famous floating markets. Let’s clear one thing up though, Bang Namphueng Floating Market is not really a floating market. It is actually just a market next to a canal.
Despite this, a visit to the floating market is undoubtedly a fun thing to do. If you want to catch the action, make sure you visit on a weekend. The market is officially open from 8 am-4 pm, however, as is always the way in this part of the world, you should take schedules with a big pinch of salt!
7. See Wat Bang Nam Temple
If you’re not yet sick of temples, make sure to check out Wat Bang Nam. Dripping in gold and with a rather jolly Buddha statue out front, this is within eyeshot of the Bang Na pier drop-off, making it a convenient stop. As always, remember modest attire when visiting temples in Southeast Asia.
How to Get to the Green Lung, Bangkok
Bang Krachao is incredibly easy to get to from the centre of Bangkok and there are a few ways to make the journey. We recommend picking the best choice for you based on your proximity to public transport.
By Car:
You can order a Grab, the ride-hailing app of choice in Thailand, to take you straight to the Green Lung. This will be the most costly option, especially if you are coming from the tourist part of Bangkok close to Khao San Road. This is because you have to drive to the west side of Bang Krachao, which is where the bridge is. We always encourage travellers to use public transport over taxis as the city can get really snared up, especially during peak times.
By Boat:
There are a few jumping-off points to catch the boat to the Green Lung. The best option for you will depend on where you are staying in the city and whether you are closer to a BTS or MRT line.
Bang Na: If you’re closer to the BTS, travel to Bang Na station. The journey will be cheap but the exact cost varies depending on where you are travelling from. Expect to pay under $2USD per person. When you arrive at Bang Na station, you can either hail a Grab or taxi from there or walk 30 minutes to Sanphawut Pier. When you arrive, board the boat and pay when you depart at Bang Krachao. The journey costs around 10THB per person. This is the cheapest pier to depart from and you will be dropped close to the Bangkok Treehouse. While you’ll be further from other attractions like the botanical gardens, there are bikes to rent at the pier so getting around from this entry point is easy.
Khlong Toei: This is the most popular jumping-off point for travellers heading to Bang Krachao independently. Hop on the MRT and depart at the Khlong Toei station. From there, you can hail a taxi for the 10-minute journey or walk to Wat Khlong Toei Nok Pier which will take around half an hour. The boat ride is slightly more expensive than Bang Na, costing from 20THB per person. This is the closest drop-off point to Si Nakhon Khuean Park.
Chong Nonsi: Unless you are staying in this area (which you’re unlikely to be unless you have a local contact), I wouldn’t recommend departing from here. It is the furthest from the public transport options which can make it time-consuming and expensive to get to. If you find yourself at this pier, you should expect to pay somewhere between 20-50THB per person for the boat journey.
Getting Around the Green Lung
The most popular way to get around the Green Lung is to rent a bike. Bicycle rental is available all around Bang Krachao for reasonable prices. If you’re planning on basing yourself on the island, make sure you check in advance because many hotels offer free rentals for their guests.
For day trippers, bicycle rental is likely to cost somewhere between 50-100THB for a standard bicycle. Be warned, you are unlikely to end up with a state-of-the-art machine here, the best you can hope for on the cheaper end of the scale is working brakes and decent tyre pressure – and even that’s not guaranteed, so check both before you set off!
If you’re a little more picky about the quality of the bike, there are other options available, from mountain bikes to electric bikes and even e-scooters. Bear in mind that you will pay significantly more to rent these.
When renting a bicycle, you will usually be required to leave your ID as a deposit. Fear not, this doesn’t have to be your passport, a driving licence or other form of photo ID should be accepted without issue.
Top Tip!
If you rent a bicycle from the same people that run Bang Na Ferry port, you will get a free return boat ticket and drink once you’ve returned the bike. This is a nice way to save a few extra baht!
While parts of the Green Lung are walkable, the area is vast so if you’re averse to renting wheels, you’ll be pretty much confined to the area near the ferry port or your drop-off area. If you’re not willing to hop on a bicycle, this may not be the best trip for you.
Have you visited the Green Lung? Share your experience with us in the comments!
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South East Asia Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind Winging The World, a blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks. In recent years, Sheree has also taken on the role of editor at South East Asia Backpacker.
