The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is promoting low-carbon tourism routes along Phadung Krung Kasem Canal in Bangkok to encourage tourists to partake in responsible tourism through activities that reduce their carbon footprint.
TAT, with cooperation from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), conducted a fam trip on 19 August 2023 for Japanese media and bloggers, as well as representatives from Destination Management Companies (DMCs) to showcase a fun way for tourists to help protect the environment as they explore local attractions and enjoy fun activities along Phadung Krung Kasem Canal.
The trip started with cruising by electric boat from Hua Lamphong Station Pier to the first stop at Wat Thewarat Kunchon Worawihan. This temple was constructed during the Ayutthaya period and has become a royal temple since the reign of King Rama IV the Great. The temple is famous for the mural painting, the principal Buddha image Phra Phuttha Devaraj Phatimakorn, and Phra Phuttha Devaraj Neramit image.
The cruise continued to Nakhon Sawan Pier to visit the 100-year-old Nang Loeng Market, one of Thailand’s first inland markets. As well as enjoying street food, activities at this stop included the Khon costume embroidery workshop at Ban Narasin, a major Khon performance troupe during the reign of King Rama VI.
The tour then continued with a walking tour and café hopping along Nang Loeng and Nakhon Sawan Road. The stops included Mamueng Café, inspired by an optimistic cartoon character created by Thai artist and famous in the East Asia market; Bangkok 1899 House, designed by the Italian architect of Ananthasamakhom Throne Hall; Na Café, a hidden stylish zero-waste café and pub; a fried banana shop at Nang Loeng intersection; Nang Loeng Art, a photo shop specialising in the handmade painting of locket photo that has been passed on for 100 years; and Buddha & Pals Café & Jazz restaurant situated in an old-style building of Bangkok.
The tour ended at the Thai Railway Museum, a small museum for train lovers near MRT Hua Lumphong.
Phadung Krung Kasem Canal is one of Bangkok’s oldest canals, being constructed in 1851 during the reign of King Rama V the Great to expand Rattanakosin Island to the eastern side where many significant communities and temples have been situated until nowadays. The canal is a working waterway still used by commuters to traverse the city.
The BMA electric boat operates daily, free of charge. Every 20 minutes on weekdays from 06.00-09.00 Hrs. and 16.00-19.00 Hrs., and every hour on weekends and public holidays from 08.00-19.00 Hrs. (TAT)
