Away from the hustle and bustle,the crowds and concrete condos of Bangkok, on the banks of the Chao Phraya is Phra Phradaeng.The small society and market are a stark contrast of the gridlocked roads of Sukhumvit. People have named the are Bangkok’s ” green lung “.
These are the places it’s worth coming to Thailand for,feeling like you have discovered a small city before the high-rise condos and shopping malls took over the skyline of Bangkok.
One of the first things you notice on arrival is the human powered rickshaws, one of the only places in Bangkok that widely use this mode of transportation.
Most of the local produce is sold in the nearby Bang Nam Pheung weekend market which is a quick river boat journey away.
The area of Phra Phradaeng Town is populated by Mon people, they settled here centuries ago and it’s one of the few places where Mon traditions can still be distinguished from Thai culture.
Where
One of Bangkok’s most noticeable landmarks, the Bhumibol Bridge looms over the small town, which is part of the Samut Prakarn province, the town lies between Thonburi and the peninsulas countryside.
The town itself is unique and full of characters,food and small alleyways not disnailar to the back streets of Chinatown.
Getting there
There are three boats that can take you to Phra Pradaeng,The first is Bang Na pier which is located near Wat Bang Na yok, a short taxi ride from Udom Suk BTS. The second Rama 3 port near Chong Nongsi and there is a 3rd pier at Bang Kachao which is from the Klong Toei pier.
You can find Phra Phradaeng Town here
A Chinese temple situated in Phra Phradaeng Town
A local newsagents with loads of character
Phra Phradaeng Town is awash with street sellers and color
Riding the Songthaew
A local Rickshaw surrounded by traffic
The people and the buildings are full of character
Chill out time at a local temple with a game or two
Hungry?lots to eat and drink at the local market