Bang Krachao: the green lung of Bangkok and the city’s last great natural area

Bang Krachao, known as the green lung of Bangkok—since the area on the map actually resembles the shape of a lung—is not exactly within the administrative limits of the capital, but in the neighboring province of Samut Prakan. Even so, it is part of the city’s metropolitan region. The peninsula is formed by a wide bend of the Chao Phraya River and is crossed by main canals such as Khlong Lat Pho, Khlong Bang Nam Phueng, and Khlong Phae, along with an extensive network of smaller khlongs (water streets), streams, and wetlands that interconnect ponds, water surfaces, and marshes scattered among gardens, orchards, and mangroves, creating a hydrological web that sustains riverside life and keeps the soil fertile. Within this preserved area lies the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park & Botanical Garden, with central lakes, wooden walkways, shaded trails, and observation towers, where vegetation combines mangroves, estuarine species such as nipa palms and mangrove apples, botanical gardens, and cultivated areas, composing a powerful and quiet nature right in the middle of one of Southeast Asia’s largest cities—Bangkok.

The Bangkobua Community and its relationship with water

Within Bang Krachao, the Bangkobua Community offers experiences that bring visitors closer to local life and the history of the region. Traditional houses keep the ground floor open to allow water to flow during seasonal floods, and the canals that cut across the community, such as Khlong Chakriya and smaller internal waterways, once served as main routes for transportation and irrigation. Activities such as natural dyeing workshops, kayak trips through the canals, and guided bike rides allow tourists to explore the geography of the area, traveling rivers and walkways, learning about aquatic ecosystems, and about the way of life adapted to the waters that shape the lush landscape.

Concept of community-based tourism

The idea is to use tourism as a tool to preserve the canals and generate income for the community, maintaining water-based life without relying on cars, only using boats for transportation. The community also promotes culture, local comfort, and agricultural activities near the Chakriya River, which created a connected canal used as a main route in the past. Today, visitors can explore the canals on boat tours, observe the landscape, and learn about the history of Khlong Kongkak.

Sustainability and local products

Initiatives include the use of natural materials and plant-based dyes, food production with reduced waste, transportation of supplies without polluting fuels, and replacing plastics with biodegradable alternatives. In addition, bicycles and guided tours encourage community tourism, promoting direct interaction with the environment and collaboration between residents and visitors.

Cleaning and preservation of the canals

To keep the canals clean, a system called Red Dragon was developed, made with recycled plastic bottles, which collects floating waste and prevents trash from falling into the water. The community also produces and sells handicrafts and cultural products, such as spices, oils, and balms, serving as souvenirs and strengthening the local economy.

International recognition and relevance

During the Global Meaningful Travel Summit, held between Bangkok and Krabi, the Bangkobua community was presented as an example of sustainable tourism within the “Green Bangkok” experience, bringing together experts to discuss community tourism, inclusion, and environmental preservation, highlighting the importance of Bang Krachao as a model of balance between the city, nature, and the people who build tourism.

Report: Mary de Aquino.

Photo: Candy Krajangsri.