Bang Kachao – More Than Just Klong Paths.

Date: 16 December 2012

Distance: 15kms

Time:

This is more of a whole bike ride, rather than a klong path discovery tour. I had read about this unique part of Bangkok on the net, and wanted to check it out myself. I conducted a couple of exploratory rides to find the elusive wharf for the long tail boat ride across the river. That in itself is a story. Maybe one day. Having found the place, I planned the trip with my friend Mark. He had been there previously, but by car. The area we are visiting today is a peninsular joined to the mainland by a small causeway on the south western corner. To enter that way, you must first cross the Chao Phraya River and double back a way through the local streets to find it. Mark and I have done the crossing by bike on another of our journeys. It’s coming soon, so keep an eye out for it. We set out riding through the streets and arrived at Klong Toei Wharf. It’s right down the end of a small soi. Bit hard to locate. The entrance to the jetty looks like you are entering someone’s place. Sorry, but I failed to get a picture. It should be clear enough on the map below for you to find. You cross the river in a small long tail boat. 20 baht is the price for bike and rider. Only a short trip and you arrive, hopefully, safe and sound.

Start point. You can rent basic bike here.

At the wharf there is a small shop where you can rent some basic bicycles. Looked to be in working order. Here it is also possible to buy snacks and water if required.

Then, it’s off….. Up past the motor bike taxi area, there are roads and paths leading in all directions. Decisions to be made with no real idea where they will lead. Google Map doesn't have all these paths, and almost no sign-age. Down to right into the jungle and swampland we go. The paths are mostly elevated, and in reasonable condition. A little narrow, and this could put inexperience riders off. Taking things slow and easy, progress was at a reasonable pace. We passed a few locals walking and on bikes. All friendly and happy to say hello with a smile. Encountered some wildlife consisting of swamp birds and medium sized Water Monitors. After a short while, the path just disappeared into the rising waters. With that, a U turn, and retraced our track for a while.

My friend Mark deciding which path to ride.	These machines are available all over the place.
So many paths going every-which-way.	Some of the paths are in poor condition, but most are OK.

Still off the sealed roads, we rode on until Wat Bang Kachao Nok appeared through the jungle. Not a large Wat, but an still interesting stop for a few photos.

Wat Bang Kachao Nok

Wat Bang Kachao Nok

Now back on one of the main roads of the area, we travelled south east. Mark, having been to this part of the area previously, he knew of a coffee shop he wanted to share with me. Homemade Coffee. A nice iced latte and a well deserved break.

Nice Coffee Shop.

Ice Latte.

After our well earned rest, we rode on. Along the main road that basically goes up the centre of the peninsular, Mark was trying to find a Floating Market he has been to a few years ago. As you will see on the map, we actually passed the turn and had to double back. This is something you do a lot of when exploring.

Anyway, after this short detour, we managed to find what he was searching for. We parked the bikes, locking them together with both our chains, and set off on foot to enjoy what the market had to offer. The market “floats” on Klong Bang Nam Phung. Although, nothing actually floats. The market has outgrown the Klong, and has spilled over consuming a much larger area. On the weekends there are droves of Bangkok dwellers out looking for a good time, so it can be very crowded. We enjoyed some local food and just walking around. The people here as so friendly. Nice change to the big smoke. There is a small section that has actually been build across the Klong giving a slight impression of “floating” Still all-in-all, a nice side track, and isn't that what we are searching for. I would like to come back here one day and spend longer eating and looking around.

Nice communal rest area.

Some beautiful bike on display.

The floating bit, that really isn't.

After the market diversion, our travels took us past Wat Bang Nam. A Wat that doesn't seem to have any web presence what so ever. Sorry no links. It houses a school, so I presume it has great significance to the local residence.

Moving more quickly on our return home. Mark had an appointment back in Bangkok, so we had to move. My trusty old “soi bike” (Cheap, heavy and ugly bike) was fighting me back. Once back across the river, I let Mark increase his pace, which left me in his dust. Oh well. From Mark and my travels today we didn't really find any Klong Paths. There are numerous elevated paths crossing the whole area, but I’m troubled to say that they follow any recognisable klongs. Klong Bang Nam Phung basically cuts the peninsular in half from west to east, but we didn't find any paths of merit. Stay tuned, because this area could be another whole project in the making. I, for one, love this place. So close to the heart of Bangkok, but a million miles away in beauty and tranquillity. I will definitely be returning to explore more and try a revisit to the Floating Market. I already know there is a large park available, and a small area dedicated to Eco style hotel accommodation. Edit: Paths plotted on OpenStreetMaps 20Dec14.

Map Legend

Red Line	Bike Track – Could be Klong Path
Yellow Line	No Bike Path
	Coffee Shop
	Floating Market

Klong Ton and Klong Phra Khanong

This ride was far from a successful addition to the Klong Project. But, in a way, it wasn't a failure either.

A good ride of reasonable length, but no ridable Klong Paths. We add this to out database of "No Paths", and ride on.

So to be clear, from the junction of Klong Saen Saep and Klong Ton near the Phetchaburi Road Bridge, going south past where it joins Klong Phra Khanong adjacent the Phra Khanong Market there are no ridable Klong Paths.

Check the map, marked in yellow.

From a short Klong Path looking back to Phetchaburi Rd Bridge.
(Path not marked on map.)

(Ridden 13th December 2012)

Map Legend

Red	Bike Route (Could be Klong Path)
Yellow	No Bike Path

Klong Saen Saep and Klong Khamen

This track consists of one of my earlier jaunts (Klong Saen Saep - A small adventure), with a few extra klongs and kilometres added. Some traveling along roads and a small excursion through a office estate also include to make the whole ride a round trip. Now we are getting organized!

So, the track starts under the road bridge on Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Soi Thonglor), at the northern end. Turn right under the bridge and go through the car park. Follow the klong along the southern, right hand side. Once again, beware of waves from the boats as they go by, if the tide is high. The track here is in good condition.

At the bridge / water gate, pick up your bike and climb over the bridge.

One of the passenger ferry.

Looking back at water gate after crossing.

Wide path that veers left at klong junction.

After making your way around the bridge structure, you must duck under a low height underpass that leads to the path that follows the klong further.

Low under pass.

The path now clear and wide meanders along for a while. You pass a small klong on your left, but the path looks very uninviting. There is also a path on the other side, but it has more bridges to manhandle your bike than the side I travelled along.

Wide and clear.

Small uninviting klong.

Small uninviting klong.

The path, wide and clear, follows the long for some time. People jammed into the many ferry boats taking them on their way to work or perhaps a market. I’ve not ridden in this mode of transport, but a friend has, and found them an exciting and cheap way to get to the Chao Phraya River. I believe you cannot get the whole way there, but close enough.

Siroyul Ibadah Mosque

After a short distance, the path seems to disappear. Actually, it's hidden by a local resident's pot plant collection. Because of the foliage, and a small gate, you could be mistaken for thinking that the path has stopped. Here, you must demount you trusty bike and walk through the tight squeeze. Once through, you are presented with a path shaped I a wide arc. Why, is the first thing that came to my mind. But anyway, and interesting find. Ride the arc and just prior to an arched bridge, the path splits left. This is the point we will move onto the smaller Klong Khamen. Before we venture down this, I left the bike and crossed the arched bridge by foot and walked to the opposite corner of the klong entrance. Just for a look see. The path along Klong Saen Saep continues as far as I can see. That for another day.

Hidden Path	Curved path.
View back to curved path.	Up the Klong we go.
	Entrance to Klong Khamen.

The path is much narrower and is covered in dog crap. Close Encounters of the Turd kind! But an adventure, is an adventure. The water in the Klong is also much fowler. The path has many small huts etc dotted along the left side. A few of the locals came out to see what I was doing, but my Thai being extremely limited, I went on my way with strange stares and laughter. This is what I search for.

Typical small bridges.	The jungle tries to overgrow the path.
Start of Bike Path.	End of Bike Path.

As ridding along, a small klong was discovered going off on the left side. So, while I was in the area, I decided to explore it. It didn't go very far at all. I now know that this is part of Klong Chuat Yai. Like most of the paths along the klongs, they just seem to end. Maybe they have run out of construction material, or some of the older ones, have literally just fallen into the water. This particular one just seemed to end.

The surprise Klong Chuat Yai.	It just ends!

A private road running through what seemed to some type of Office Estate allowed some quick distance towards our starting point. The security guard paid no attention as I passed, but I did see him turn taxi and motor bikes away. Almost zero vehicle traffic around. Almost like a ghost town.

Deserted Office Estate.

The remainder of the ride was along busy, dirty, smelly roads. The path taken is clearly shown on the map below. The ride was fantastic, and did wet my appetite for many more exploring adventures.

(Ridden 12th December 2012)
Edit: Paths plotted 20Dec14.

Bad Hair (Bike) Day

All set for another day of Klong riding and exploration.

Put my riding gear on,  water bottle filled and down to the garage to get the trusty bike. All excited about what the day will have installed, and you guessed it (you didn't?), flat rear tire. Not just under inflated, but flat as a tack.

Well, hey, these things happen, don't they?

Rolled the bike out into the light, flipped her over and removed the back wheel in seconds. Pulled the tube and found a small opening in the seem. Made in China. Say no more!

I retrieved my spare tube from it's stowage pouch under my saddle, and commenced to unfolded it. What's all this white liquid pouring all over my shoes? The spare was one of these high tech thingys that have a self sealing compound inside. Joe's No-Flats self sealing tube, to be exact. Brand new and already split and spilling it's insides all over me and the ground. These are not cheap by any means. Again, these things happen.

But wait, there's more.
My troubles continue.

Wanting to get my bike operational again, I thought a quick trip to the local bike shop was in order. So off I zoom down to Bang na and tried Sang Charern and Bang Na Bicycle, both on Sukhumvit Road, to no avail.

It seems that the tube is very large. For a very large wheel. The markings on the tube were 700 x 47/52. Speaking with another rider in the shop, he said he had never heard of this size, and I must have bought internationally. No I said, from ProBike near Lumphini, Park. With a smile and shrug, he suggested I go there then.

I went back to my condo to contemplate my next move. Give up for today, or press on? Deciding that today was as good as any, just as I was leaving the entrance, another rider passed me by on his Mountain Bike. I thought, what the heck, and ran after him. Explaining my dilemma, he suggested World Bike at Udom Suk. Praying this would save me from the long haul to Lumphini Park, I went to check there. It's just around the corner really. Suffice to say, the same "no have" response and a laugh.

So Lumphini Park is was to be. It is a fair trip from my place, and through some of the worst traffic spots in Bangkok. Luckily for me, it was Sunday, and the trip was not as bad as it could have been.

When I approached the counter staff, they mumble the same "no have", I spat the dummy. "Hey, I bought the bloody bike here, so you had better have spares." It took some effort to find a sales person who was willing to help. After some time, she worked out an equivalent tube. Bontrager Presta 48 29 x 1.75 - 2.125. Bought 2 (at 170 baht each), and a repair kit, and back home I trundled.

I have yet to check, but I'm thinking that if I knew the equivalent sizes, I could have bought something local. Anyway, I was happy to have gotten something.

It took about 20 minutes to fit the tube, then wheel to bike. A quick ride around the condo to make sure all was well, and back into the parking garage for another day.

It was a real shame I couldn't get out on a ride. The weather in Bangkok was perfect for riding. Not too hot, the sun not so strong, and being a Sunday, not too much traffic.

So after the excitement of the day, I made a little time to research and learn something about the round things that keep me moving over the ground. Still don't know much as the information I found is pretty sketchy. I'll keep looking.

Bicycle Thailand website has a great interactive index of many bike stores.
Here is the link http://bicyclethailand.com/bike-stores/

Excuses Excuses

Hi.

As you may have noticed, it's been a few days since my last post.

Here are my excuses:

1. I've started my posts using rides from years ago. I want to document all the paths I have discovered. Some of these may be short, as the posts so far show. As I go through to more recent, I hope I have learnt a thing or two, and more detail in the both text and maps, and the photos will be helpful to anyone trying to follow these treks.
2. As I have used several tracking apps over the period, to endeavor to find the best, each old track needs to be imported and modified in different an unique ways to prepare the data into the format I have chosen for the blog. This takes an enormous amount of time. Sometimes, just finding an image and preparing it can take 30 minutes!
3. I am also still searching for the best way to document my rides and discoveries. This, I hope, will allow quick posts to this blog once the backlog is cleared.
4. My mapping is being limited by the software I use. I am trying some work arounds, but it's very tedious.

So, my friends. Bear with me.

Keep checking back, or better yet, follow my blog to receive updates as posted. Place comments on all you read. The good, the bad and the ugly. I would like this blog to become a resource that can be used by as many people as possible.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Klong Saen Saep

My next outing was really an addition to the previous. More discovery along Klong Saen Saep. I have even managed to find some photos of this track.

It's starting point is exactly the same as before, but this time a westerly heading from under the bridge.

Again, the path is clear and wide enough to easily navigate. The stepped, pedestrian bridges that traverse smaller klongs make it necessary to stop and manhandle your bike, but these are few.

Several pedestrian bridges require the manhandling of your bike.

A ferry carries passengers to the other side. Is seems to be only for people, but a bike or two could be carried I would think.

A small man powered ferry is available to cross the klong.

This track is only 1.3kms, and abruptly comes to an end at some construction work. The workers, are having a break and I enjoyed watching the scene with the promise of an extension to this path.

(I have been told that this work has been completed, but I have yet to see for myself.)

Construction work ends today's track.

(Ridden 24 October 2012)
Edit: Path plotted to OpenStreetMaps 20Dec14.

 

Klong Saen Saep - A small adventure.

The path along Klong Saen Saep was a very early adventure to find my way into the commencement of my little project.

This track ventures both ways, east and west, from under the road bridge at the north end of Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Soi Thonglor). This road bridge is just before Phetchaburi Road.

As seen, from the track I have put on Google Maps embedded below, I took the east direction and followed the path through the car park of the adjacent apartment building.

It is a narrow, but well maintained path that is used by many local residents. It can be a little wet if the klong water level is high and one of the ferries zooms by.

Towards the end of  my brief track, you must carry your bike across a bridge / water gate. Not too bad. Then continue along the other side of the path to the Petchaburi road bridge.

Although the path does wind it's way around the bridge structure to continue for kilometres, I chose to end this short, but interesting journey here and return home by regular roads.

I have some pictures, but was unable to locate them. I will edit this post when found.

The Bridge / Water Gate

(Ridden 22nd October 2012)
Edit: Path plotted on OpenStreetMap 20Dec14.

Welcome

Hello all and welcome.

I am just getting started, so please be patient.

Over the coming days and weeks, I will add content, which I hope will be informative and interesting. Soon there will be the inclusion of links to tracks I have ridden and this should make finding and riding these much easier.


Feel free to comment, and add your own discoveries.


Join me, as I make my way through the streets of Bangkok and beyond.