Escape to Bangkok’s Green Lung
Two sheels, tasty meals and farm fun in Bang Kachao
Words: Kankanit Wichiantanon
Photos: Kankanit Wichiantanon & Shutterstock
As city slickers with a passion for both urban living and the great outdoors, it’s only natural that after the chaos of the Big Mango, we start dreaming of lush greenery and clean air. That’s when the hidden gem of Bang Kachao pops into our minds.
Dubbed Bangkok’s Green Lung, Bang Kachao is actually a man-made island nestled in the Phra Pradaeng district of Samut Prakan province, just south of Bangkok. The island was formed when a canal was constructed across a loop of the Chao Phraya River to ease river traffic and navigation.
Although it is located in a different province, its charming nickname comes from its close proximity to the city, just a short drive or boat ride away. And that’s what makes this place perfect for a one-day escape.
Covering approximately 16 square kilometres, Bang Kachao is a natural treasure trove of farmland, mangrove forests, and wetlands.
Home to farming and fishing communities, as well as cultural and natural attractions like Wat Bang Nam Phueng Nok, Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market, and Si Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden, Bang Kachao offers a glimpse into traditional Thai life. For tourists and city dwellers alike, it provides a refreshing contrast to Bangkok’s rapidly growing concrete jungle, all without requiring a lengthy journey.
On this visit, we took a relaxing 30-minute cab ride straight to the heart of Bang Kachao. However, fans of river trips can catch a cheap and convenient ride from the piers at either Wat Bang Na Nok or Wat Khlong Toei Nok or from other nearby piers that offer rides to the island.
We kicked off our adventure with a visit to Bang Kachao Farm, an organic enterprise where zero-waste practices take centre stage. Guests can enjoy a farm tour featuring six different zones. We began with a peek at how Yanagi mushrooms are expertly grown and nurtured. Next, we marvelled at the Eartworm station, where these tiny heroes transform organic matter into rich compost, fuelling growth in the Seedlings and Vegetable Growing zone.
We then visited the Duck, Chicken, and Geese area to see how these feathered friends help manage pests and provide nutritious feed for fish in the surrounding pond. In the Zero Waste zone, we learned how the farm cleverly repurposes food scraps and waste into compost for use on the property and for sale. Finally, we met the friendly Stingless Bees, who help pollinate the plants and enrich biodiversity across the farm. At the end of our tour, we discovered how every zone plays a vital role in maintaining the farm’s zero-waste ecosystem.
The venue also offers cooking classes and fun workshops on making salted eggs and eco-prints using plants, as well as a café-restaurant serving dishes and drinks crafted from ingredients harvested on the farm. Seeking an enjoyable and educational day trip in Bang Kachao? This is a fantastic place to start.
To keep our adventure rolling smoothly, we rented a bike for our next destination. One of the best things about Bang Kachao is how easy and affordable it is to rent bicycles from various spots around the community. We snagged a bike for just 50 baht, and our transportation for the rest of the day was sorted. On our trusty steed, we zipped around this green oasis, making our day of exploration a breeze.
As self-confessed caffeine addicts, we can’t survive more than three hours without a fix, so our next stop was Coffee Toys. This whimsical café is a haven for coffee lovers and toy collectors alike. Every nook is filled with a delightful collection of toys lovingly gathered by the family who runs the place. Stepping into the café is like entering a time capsule that whisks you back to childhood, all while savouring a perfect brew.
With a caffeinated turbo-boost, we pedalled over to Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market. This bustling market is a street-food sanctuary brimming with comforting Thai dishes, snacks, and sweets. Umami aromas embraced us as we waltzed past each lively stall, fascinated by the live cooking spectacles. The Baa Bin stall seduced with the sweet-smelling coconut pancakes while the Khanom Tan stall dazzled us with the sunshine-shaded toddy palm cakes, freshly steamed on the spot. The market also showcases locally grown produce, clothing, jewellery, and more, making it a great spot to savour and shop for local flavours and crafts.
Just when we thought we’d had our fill of snacks and desserts, our insatiable appetites led us to Kuenwang The Garden Boutique Eatery. This local gem is a must-visit for savouring royal Thai cuisine and long-forgotten recipes, with a menu that rotates seasonally, based on what’s blooming in their garden or neighbouring farms.
As we stepped into their well-tended little garden with its rock-laid pathways, we were greeted not by a feast but a charming surprise: a traditional Thai paper-cutting art workshop led by Grandma herself. She showed us how to create a simple paper decoration, Phuang Ma Hot, but what stole our hearts was her genuine smile and warm hospitality.
Next, we were ushered into the dining room for a beautifully curated Samrub Thai Kuenwang – a delectable feast featuring the season’s specials prepared with traditional flair and just a hint of new twists by the creative cook, Jutinut Tassanasonwicharn. We highly recommend their Maroom Rak, a dish of deep-fried moringa pods so irresistibly crunchy that you’ll find yourself reaching for more and more. Another standout is the Ma Hor Som Kaew, a delightful appetiser that explodes with flavours in every bite. Made with tangerine, bilimbi, and sweetened minced pork, it perfectly balances sweet, sour, and salty notes for a truly refreshing treat.
With bellies full and taste buds happy we hopped on our trusty bike and pedalled off to satisfy our inner child at Get Growing Community Farm.
This jungle playground feels like a childhood dream brought to life. The first eye-opener is the gigantic wooden horse and the water monitor lizard sculptures, which double as interactive play elements. Slide down from the horse into the mud pond for splashing fun or climb inside the water monitor lizard for a mini-adventure.
The venue features various zones, including a café and a zoo area where you can feed an ostrich and chickens or collect fresh eggs. Get Growing Community Farm also has a dog playground where your pups can run, play, and even swim. Additionally, the farm offers woodworking workshops for kids and plot rentals for city dwellers to grow their own vegetables. It’s a delightful spot where fun, creativity, and nature come together for kids, adults, and pets alike.
After soaking up the playground fun, we dove into some artistic adventure at The Ozone Bangkrajao. This garden café is nestled in a picturesque slice of Bang Kachao, with trees dotting the landscape and charming canals winding through the venue.
If you’re in the mood for some art therapy, head to the second floor for painting sessions where you can unleash your inner artist while sipping on your favourite drinks and enjoying comforting treats. Not into painting? No problem! You can relax with a meal by the canal or take a leisurely paddleboat ride.
For workshop enthusiasts, we recommend Baan Toop Hom Samoon Prai. Immerse in a world of creativity with their herbal incense stick and tie-dye workshops, where you can craft your own unique items using locally sourced herbs.
As the sun began to set, we savoured the last rays of daylight before biking back to the pier. If a one-day adventure isn’t enough, consider a stay at Bangkok Tree House. This unique spot blends the charm of a treehouse with the comfort of a hotel, offering a stylish retreat bathed in fresh air and forest tranquility.
By the time we reached the pier at Wat Bang Nam Phueng Nok, we were already reminiscing about a day filled with farm, fun, delicious food, and lively activities. We couldn’t help but start planning our next escape to this lush haven, away from the city’s skyscrapers and traffic jams.