Nature & Wildlife in Bangkok

Falling coconuts, papaya groves, Buddhist temples, nine-foot-long pythons and miles of bike-friendly elevated sidewalks snaking through the jungle: Welcome to Bang Krachao, a smog-free, government-protected oasis of green that the mighty Chao Phraya River wraps around.This verdant island is all the more remarkable because it is across the river from Bangkok. The contrast between "Bangkok's Green Lung," as the palm-choked, lung-shaped Bang Krachao is known, and the concrete jungle on the opposite bank could not be more striking. Downtown Bangkok's central Silom business district is only about six miles away.- Visit the largest fresh market in Bangkok- Take a tuk-tuk to the pier- Cross the Chao Phraya river by long-tail boat- Explore the Jungle of Bangkok by rickshaw- Enjoy a delicious Thai meal in a local restaurant- Visit a non-touristy Buddhist temple