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