The Last Ancient Canal Orchard Near Bangkok
A Family Journey into Sustainability, Biodiversity, and Community Life in Chachoengsao
“Responsible travel begins when children can learn directly from nature and local communities.”
At SiamRise Travel, sustainability is not only part of our work, it is part of our family life. Recently our family, Koi, Homkwan, Panhug, Fine and I visited the Ancient Canal Orchard Community Network in Chachoengsao, a hidden gem along the Bang Pakong River located only 1.5 hours from Bangkok.
This area is one of the last remaining traditional “Suan Thong Rong” canal orchard landscapes in Thailand. The community is shaped by a rare ecosystem where freshwater, saltwater, and brackish water naturally meet, creating extraordinary biodiversity and rich agricultural traditions passed down for generations.
Today, more than 1,200 rai of ancient canal orchards remain protected by local communities who continue preserving their environmental wisdom and cultural heritage.
Learning from the Community
What makes this place special is not only the landscape, but the people behind it. The community by a local conservation group called “Bang Waraangkoon” has spent years protecting local ecosystems, preserving orchard culture, and developing community-based tourism through learning experiences called the “Canal Orchard Classroom.”
Visitors can explore topics such as:
- Wetland ecosystems
- Biodiversity and food security
- Traditional farming wisdom
- Community culture and local livelihoods
- Sustainable tourism practices
“Travel becomes meaningful when local communities are part of the experience not just the destination.”
Exploring Thong Rong Market with the Kids
During our visit, we explored “Thong Rong Market,” a local community market held only once a month. The market brings together local food vendors, artisans, Thai massage services, and hands-on workshops for visitors and families.
One of our favorite moments was watching the kids join a DIY bracelet workshop. It became a simple but meaningful activity that encouraged creativity, patience, and focus.
Another unforgettable highlight was tasting more than 50 varieties of local mangoes. Even as Thai travelers, it was our first time discovering such incredible diversity in one place. For children growing up in Bangkok, this experience became a fun and eye-opening lesson about food biodiversity and local agriculture.
Eco-Friendly Market Management
One thing we truly appreciated was the market’s eco-friendly approach. Many vendors used biodegradable areca palm plates instead of single-use plastic containers, helping reduce waste while supporting more responsible tourism practices.
The market showed how local communities can create tourism experiences that balance environmental responsibility, local income generation, and cultural preservation together.
“Sustainability does not always come from big projects. Sometimes it begins with small community actions.”
A Perfect Destination for Educational Travel
This visit also reminded us why communities like this are ideal for Educational Travel and “Field Trip with Impact” experiences. Located close to Bangkok and easily connected with destinations like Pattaya or Khao Yai, this community offers meaningful learning opportunities for:
- Schools and universities
- International educational groups
- Families seeking meaningful travel experiences
- Travelers interested in sustainability and local culture
At SiamRise Travel, we believe travel should create positive impact for travelers, local communities, and future generations. And places like this remind us that the best classroom is sometimes outside the city, surrounded by nature, local wisdom, and community stories.