Bang Krachao guide: How to go and what to do on Bangkok’s Green Lung

Named the “Green Lung” of Bangkok, this artificial island is perfect for any time of the year. Here’s our guide to all the best things to do in Bang Krachao.

When thinking of Bangkok, many may this image of high-rise buildings and urban sprawl, with traffic jams and malls on every street. Bang Krachao, however, is a 180-degree turn from those things. The nickname “Green Lung” comes from the artificial island being a bend in the Chao Phraya river, shaped similarly to a lung. If you look at the area on a satellite map, Bang Krachao is mostly green, due to its strict conservation laws.

Whether you’re planning a tour or getting lost and exploring what the area has to offer, you’ll surely be charmed by Bang Krachao. Here is our guide for the next time you visit.

[Hero and featured image credit: Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden/Facebook]

Bang Krachao guide: How to go, and what to do at Bangkok’s Green Lung

How to get to Bang Krachao

The quickest and easiest way to the island is by boat. To reach Bang Krachao, there are three piers from Bangkok you can choose from:

1. Khlong Toei Pier – This is the most popular method to reach Bangkok’s Green Lung, as it is reachable by a 10-minute taxi or bike ride from MRT Khlong Toei station.
2. Pier, Wat Bang Na Nok – Preferable if you’re coming from the farther side of town; reachable by a 10-minute taxi or bike ride from BTS Bangna station.
3. Longtail to Green Lung – A very small pier in Chong Nonsi with a longtail boat transporting you back and forth. It is much harder to reach compared to other options, so we’d only recommend this option if you’re already staying in South Sathorn/Yan Nawa area.

Bang Krachao is also reachable by car by taking the Bhumibol Bridge from the southwest side of the island. Although, it is a much more expensive method from Bangkok CBD, and there are not a lot of parking spots available in the island.

What to do in Bang Krachao, and how to get around

Bicycle rental shops are commonplace and spread throughout the island, with one at each of the piers, another at the public park, and more. Each bike rental shop will have their own prices, and you may need to deposit some sort of ID. Note that smaller paths on the island can have you drop into the water, so always be careful as you ride around, and these bike shops normally close in the late afternoon.

If you want to opt for something other than a bicycle, there are motorcycle taxis available throughout Bang Krachao. Walking is also a valid option for many visitors, as the pathways are generally safe, and great for soaking in the environment.

Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden

The park is the Bang Krachao experience. There are bike paths for you to manoeuvre around, boardwalks that go across the waterways, a huge lake with a wooden bridge, and a mangrove forest. Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park is also a great spot for bird watching. You can take a break inside one of the gazebos over the water, and buy food to feed the pond fish. Entry is free of charge.

Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market

Not so much the conventional floating market you may expect, and more of a market along a canal, but definitely one of the places to put on your itinerary. Stalls lined up selling lots of foods and fresh ingredients, along with souvenirs, clothing, and more, make up the heart of the experience. Sometimes, there are live music stations, too. Note that the market is open on weekends, from 7am-4pm.

Other things to do in Bang Krachao

Bang Krachao is one of those places you can explore on your own and see where it takes you. There are cute restaurants and cafes throughout the island, including Baan Baan Bang Krajao which serves seafood dishes by the river, Sabaidee Greenfarm & Cafe offering teas, coffees, and organic products, as well as Coffee Toys, a relaxing cafe with rustic charm and collectibles adorning the walls.

Staying overnight in Bang Krachao is also a great choice, as there are charming homestays and boutique hotels. Popular choices include Bangkok Tree House, and Coconut Lane.

Tips, and what to look out for

• It is always hot in Thailand, and here, it is no different. Especially if you’re planning to arrive outside winter months, wear a breathable shirt and sunscreen.
• Expect to spend at least half a day on Bang Krachao, including travelling to and from the CBD. Boats are usually available until before 8pm, so plan accordingly.
• As bikes are one of the more common ways to get around Bang Krachao, look out for stray paths that are harder to navigate, as well as motorcycles sharing the pathways.
• We do not recommend booking tours, as this is an area easy to navigate yourself, and the restaurants and cafes are very tourist-friendly. Nonetheless, tours are easier if you don’t want the hassle of planning, but can cost around THB 5,000 compared to a solo journey that could cost THB 500 or less.