Phra Pradaeng – Bangkok, Thailand's Secret Oasis
Discover Bangkok’s Hidden Natural Areas
Oct 24, 2009
Situated across the Chao Phrya River, Phra Pradaeng is a step into rural life, and offers a quick escape into nature only 15 minutes from downtown Bangkok. Very few people make the trip to Phra Pradaeng which adds to its allure as a quiet place for people looking for a relaxing afternoon. Although Bangkok is cited as a concrete jungle, Phra Pradaeng provides ample evidence that an exquisite natural setting can easily be found nearby.
Cycling in Bangkok, Thailand
Disembarking from the local pier, bicycles may be rented all day for 100 baht. The area is level, allowing for easy biking, while optional paths allow challenges for more confident cyclists. Narrow concrete paths line canals shadowed by towering palm leaves and weave throughout the area providing visitors a glimpse into local lives. Birds, butterflies, and Mangrove trees lining the road contribute to the idyllic setting as few cars pass through this area.
A few Bangkok cycling tours pass through Phra Pradaeng which has several local attractions. A large park, a quick 15 minute walk from the pier has a tower where visitors can see Bangkok’s skyline fringed over a sea of trees. The area boasts a large Mon population, and local cultural activities may be viewed. A Siamese fighting fish gallery is also nearby providing quiet grounds for relaxing as well. Winding around the roads, construction on various townhouses and mansions can be seen as the area is slowly changing.
Criss – crossed with waterways and fruit tree gardens, Bangkok’s largest green area is quiet with streets lined with wild flowers. Small shops and homes dot the area where visitors can buy water or take a quiet break. Phra Pradaeng also has a large number of tame stray dogs which pose no problems for passing bicycles. Locals are friendly and helpful in providing directions to the various sites in the area as well.
Floating Market – Bangkok, Thailand
Phra Pradaeng also possesses a floating market on the weekends a short bicycle ride away from the Ban Ka Chao pier entry point. This floating market (Talaat Nam Bang Nam Phun – Rare Honey Floating Market) has few boats these days but presents the bustle of a Thai weekend market that few foreigners journey to see. There is a tremendous amount of food available as visitors consume noodles along the river. In addition to small restaurants, Thai sweets and delicacies may be purchased throughout the area. Local Thai handicrafts and stunning orchids are also available.
Going to Phra Pradaeng – Bangkok’s Green Lung
Accessing the area with Bangkok’s best cycling is quite easy. From the Phrom Phong Skytrain station, descend and take a taxi to the Khlong Toei Port (Tha Reau Khlong Toei). From here enter the alley next to the 7 – 11 store towards the large temple. The path leads along the temple wall and following it to the end will take you to the local pier. Saying you want to go to the park (suan) is sufficient, but locals refer to the area across the river as Bang Ka Chao. A ferry will cost 5 Baht while a small boat costs 10 – 14 Baht. At the pier visitors can begin to walk, rent a bike, or convince a local boatman to take them along the river to observe river life.
Phra Pradaeng was voted as Asia’s Best Urban Oasis by Time Magazine in 2006.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
