Bang Krachao ‘a sight for sore eyes’

Bang Krachao is actually one of six tambons located in an area where the river makes a ‘u’ shape after flowing through the capital. The area has, on the whole, been spared from the rapid and uncontrolled development and industrialization synonymous with “the City of Angels”. The area boasts lots of unspoiled villages and, like being out in the countryside, visitors will find plenty of coconut trees and orchards.

Over recent years, there have been efforts to promote local tourism in the area.
Villagers have teamed up to organize a weekend market at Bang Nam Phueng. Many of the visitors to the area are residents of Bangkok.

The orchard owners offer their fruits and other products for sale along the banks of the river. At the market, you can find a wide range of handicrafts, as well as noodle dishes and local deserts. There are plenty of easy going and inexpensive eateries, and you can even enjoy a spot of messing about on the water by renting out a boat. The more adventurous visitor might also consider taking a bike along. It’s a perfect environment for cyclists as there is very little traffic, while different birds provide a beautiful, natural soundtrack along the way.

Bang Nam Phueng village head Aphorn Phanthong pointed out that the area had only been wired up to electricity a few years ago. “When I was young, I used to look in awe at the lights on the other side of the river at night,” she said.

Phuyai Aphorn explained that recently villagers had decided to open up their residences to visitors with a homestay program. The program allows visitors to spend a bit more time in the area, and they also get the use of a bike to further explore Bang Krachao’s temples and markets as well as the area’s large park – Suan Si Nakhon Khuen Khan. Visitors can feed the fish, jog along the park’s trails or even rent a kayak. If you just want to relax, it’s a great place to “people watch”, and many local families also visit the park, sitting under the trees for shade or maybe to have a picnic.

Other possibilities for those experiencing homestay in Bang Krachao include a visit by bike to Ban Thoop Hom, where you can see incense sticks being made. The architecture of the old chapel and ordination hall at Wat Bang Nam Phueng Nok are also well worth checking out, while it is also worth considering a visit to the nearby night market.

source :.thailandoutlook.tv