HIDDEN GEM in Bangkok city : Bang Krachao AKA Bangkok's Green Lung

This video explores Bang Krachao, known as Bangkok's "green lung," a significant green area within Bangkok city. It's described as an island-like patch, accessible by a ferry for 40 baht return. The common activity there is renting a bicycle to cycle through quiet, peaceful pathways amidst lush green nature. Before heading to Bang Krachao, the speaker enjoyed breakfast at Rung Rueang pork noodles, a local spot recommended by the Michelin Guide for over 50 years. The classic pork noodles were praised for their tender pork, high quality, affordability, and quick service. After breakfast, the speaker took a Grab scooter to Wat Khlong Toei Nok Pier, the easiest and most popular crossing point to Bang Krachao from central Bangkok. The ferry ride is quick, lasting only a few minutes, and runs frequently. Upon arrival, bike rentals are readily available, making it a perfect starting point for exploration. The speaker rented a bicycle for 100 baht, which allowed for use until 6:00 p.m. A deposit of an ID card or 1,000 baht is required for the rental. The bicycle chosen was a high bike, suitable for the speaker's height. The entrance to Bang Krachao was noted for its pleasant, very green appearance. The speaker immediately expressed a love for Bang Krachao, highlighting its abundant greenery and the surprising fact that such a serene, peaceful landscape is only a 3-minute boat ride from the city center. The first stop was Small River House, a charming old-school wooden cafe on stilts by the river, surrounded by green. The interior was described as retro and beautiful. The speaker ordered a Thai tea and enjoyed the scenery. The cafe's terrace offers a beautiful view of the river and Bangkok city. The owner, E, was friendly and pointed out that the back of the cafe, which is also his house and his mom's house, serves as the last gas station on the river before leaving Bangkok City. This makes it a significant point where the city fades into ports, factories, and eventually the open sea, marking the end of the city's urban landscape. Next, the speaker visited Si Nakhon Khuean Botanical Garden, a public park with free entrance. The garden features landscaped grounds, natural forests, bike paths, shaded trails, and lakes, showcasing diverse plant species. However, the speaker's honest opinion was that the botanical garden, while beautiful, is smaller than it appears. It was suggested that cycling around the entire Green Lung area is more beautiful and interesting than spending too much time in the botanical garden itself. For lunch, the speaker stopped at a local, traditional wooden noodle shop on stilts along the river. This family-run spot had an old-school charm with simple wooden tables and a riverside view. The fish noodles, served in a clear, flavorful broth with fresh herbs, were unexpectedly delicious. The menu focuses on classic Thai noodle dishes and home-style comfort food, offering a feeling of stepping back in time. The video then provided more details about Bang Krachao. It is described as a lush, protected area within a bend of the Chao Phraya River, which almost completely wraps around it, separating it from urban sprawl. Its largely undeveloped state is due to conservation efforts from the late 20th century, aimed at protecting Bangkok's air quality and green space. It is connected to the mainland by only one bridge, which limits heavy development and helps maintain its quiet, rural character. The area features elevated wooden walkways and cycling paths through dense tropical greenery, coconut palms, and small local communities, serving as a hidden escape where Bangkok slows down and nature takes over. The final stop of the day, after returning the bicycle and heading back to the city center, was a famous pork satay restaurant in Bangkok. The pork satay was described as amazing and a perfect ending to a beautiful day spent in Bangkok's Green Lung.