Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
BANGKOK'S GREEN LUNG
Joey Tulyanond is Chief Greening Officer at the Bangkok Tree House (
Click here
), an ecofriendly resort on the
Phra Pradaeng Peninsula.
How would you describe the Phra Pradaeng Peninsula?
Serene and undisturbed. Geographically, the area is
an island that is separated from Bangkok by the Chao Phraya River. Physically, it's as if the peninsula is lost in
another time - in fact, if you wanted to see what Bangkok was like 200 years ago, this is the place to visit.
Why is it called Bangkok's 'green lung'?
The people there are blessed with having a tropical jungle in their
backyard, in addition to some very unique neighbours, from turquoise kingfishers to timid turtles.
What kind of people live there?
Mostly local farmers and plantation owners, but more recently Bangkokians
weary of city living and expats yearning for a slower and simpler life.
What kind of activities can visitors do there?
A stroll through the lush green walkways along the fruit orchards
always does it for me, but the weekend floating market Bang Nam Pheung Market (
Click here
), the 200-
râi
(about 80 acres) botanical park Si Nakhon Kheun Khan Park (
Click here
)
and the dilapidated but stunning
250-year-old Bang Nam Pheung Nok temple (
Click here
) are also worth a visit.
How does one get around?
Bicycles, which can be rented at various locations, and which can be borrowed at the
Bangkok Tree House.
Is it difficult to get to there?
A skip on the BTS, a hop on the taxi and a jump on the green ferry and you are
there.
