Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden (Bang Kachao)

Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden is a 148-rai (23.7-hectare) public park opened in 2003 in the northern part of Bang Kachao, the river-bend island in Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan, that is often called Bangkok's green lung. It was created under a government scheme to conserve the island, is supervised by the Royal Forest Department, and PTTEP has restored about 40 rai of forest here as an eco-learning site. People come to cycle the shaded 2.2 km bike trail, walk the boardwalks and a wheelchair-accessible trail, climb the birdwatching tower above the canopy, and look for kingfishers, egrets, water monitors and fireflies among the mangrove apple trees; more than 100 bird species have been recorded. Access is by ferry across the Chao Phraya, most simply from Khlong Toei pier near Wat Khlong Toei Nok, a short taxi ride from MRT Khlong Toei, with bicycles for hire at the landing for about 100 baht a day. The park opens daily from 05:00 to 19:00 and entry is free.