When we think of Bangkok, what usually springs to mind is a sprawling concrete jungle with heavy traffic and busy streets. While there are some parks to enjoy, the very concept of ‘fresh air’ will seem quite an alien concept in this city of towering buildings and exhaust fumes billowing from the countless vehicles. Mention getting some peace and quiet in Bangkok and people might think you’ve gone a little mad, or that you are planning on a quiet night in. What many residents and visitors certainly don’t expect to find is a tropical jungle right in the heart of the city. Head to Prapadaeng, though, and this is exactly what you will find.

Prapadaeng is a district right in the heart of Bangkok that is often referred to as the green lungs of Bangkok, and it is easy to see why. While the surrounding areas are spewing out carbon monoxide and other pollutants, Prapadaeng is releasing oxygen, helping the city to breathe.

A Different World

One popular way to reach the area is by a small ferry. As soon as you have reached the other side of the river, it is quite clear that you have arrived in a very different world to that on the previous side. Concrete and asphalt are replaced by trees and swamp, and you could almost forget that you were in Bangkok at all. When you get off the ferry you will see a shop renting bicycles for just 100 baht a day. You don’t have to rent one if you prefer to walk, but there is a lot of ground to cover so choosing to rent will be a good idea.

Once you set off into the green lungs, you will soon find yourself immersed in a thick tropical jungle. At times, the only reminder that you are in civilization at all is the raised pathways/cycleways that keep you clear from the swamp just below. Along the way, though, you will encounter the small shops and homes of people that live in the district and you can get an insight into their way of life.

Photo credits: Flickr

Fishing Fish

There is no set route that you must follow in Prapadaeng, but for many people, one of the first features they come across is the Siamese fighting fish gallery. As you would expect from the name, here you will find numerous stunning specimens of Siamese fighting fish. Each one is in a separate bowl because, as their name suggests, they are prone to fighting each other. You will also find various others fish species, lots of information on the fighting fish and also some history on the Chao Phraya river.

Photo credits: Pixabay

Botanical Gardens

When you have passed through the fighting fish gallery, you come to the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden. This is a large area of semi-wild forest with swamps and lakes, with a wide range of vegetation including aquatic and semi-aquatic plants. You are also quite likely to meet some of the other residents of the area, including the large monitor lizards that make the gardens their home.

Photo credits: Pixabay

This region of Prapadaeng has also recently had a modern cycle route built around its perimeter, a route which proves popular with local cyclists in the area. Also look out for the observation towers that give you an excellent view of the whole region from above.

Floating Market

The name of the Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market is somewhat misleading as it is not a floating market at all, but a market that has been built on stilts. Regardless, it is still in a very picturesque location in keeping with the surrounding area. Here, you will get a chance to try the local wares at great prices to get refreshed and refueled after your journey so far. The riverside restaurants you will find here are a great way to relax and make a pleasant change from the restaurants elsewhere in the city.

Photo credits: Pixabay

All in all, Prapadaeng makes a great escape from the noise, the exhaust fumes and the general hustle and bustle of the city. The area can be enjoyed on foot or by bicycle and at your own pace. Prapadaeng is surprisingly little known and the tourist companies appear to have overlooked it, for now at least. This means an opportunity to get away from the masses and make the most of what is a naturally beautiful part of an otherwise heaving metropolis.