Missing Mom, Returning Home to Bang Bo 1/15: Taking a Two-Legged Boat Ride Home, Bringing Gifts for Mom to Receive Blessings

Missing Mom, Returning Home to Bang Bo 1/15: Taking a Two-Legged Boat Ride Home, Bringing Gifts for Mom to Receive Blessings

Bang Bo, Samut Prakan Province, is my hometown, mr.hotsia, who has been connected to the Samrong Canal waterway and the riverside way of life since childhood. Whenever I miss my mom and hometown, I usually choose to travel back in the closest way to nature — that is, taking a two-legged boat ride home, passing through waterways that tightly link the past and present. It's not just a journey but a true experience of local life.

This two-legged boat ride starts from Bang Bo Market, an ancient market along the Samrong Canal that still retains much of its classic charm. Although roads have developed far beyond, this old market remains full of the charm of riverside shops that have been open for many generations, similar to the 150-year-old Bang Phli Market that I have shared before.Read more hereAt Bang Bo Market itself, there are many souvenir shops perfect for choosing gifts for mom.

The gifts I usually choose are Bang Bo salted fish, a local specialty famous nationwide and internationally. The salted fish here are plump because the brackish water in Samrong Canal supports red plankton, the favorite food of the fish, giving them a unique delicious flavor. I grew up raising salted fish at home by the canal branches of Samrong Canal, so I understand the dedication and care of the locals who raise these famous salted fish.Read more about Bang Bo salted fish

After preparing the gifts, I board the boat from the Bang Bo Market pier. The two-legged boat ride means first paddling a small boat across a narrow canal to a motorboat waiting in the larger canal. This two-legged boat ride is not complicated but an experience I want everyone to feel because it brings a sense of peace, simple life, and closeness to nature that is rare nowadays.

While cruising the Samrong Canal, you will see traditional riverside houses. Some have private piers, others small fruit gardens grown by locals for their own use. The lifestyle here remains closely tied to the waterway as in the past. Although modern roads support contemporary life, Samrong Canal still serves as the vital artery nurturing this community warmly.

When the boat reaches home, I bring the gifts to my mom. On this special occasion, I get to sit and talk with her, receiving her blessings, which is very auspicious for me, mr.hotsia, on this trip home. Receiving blessings from mom is not just about good luck but a warm feeling that energizes me for every journey ahead.

If you want to experience this way of life, try planning a trip to Bang Bo. Besides tasting authentic Bang Bo salted fish, there is an ancient market to stroll through, enjoy shopping for souvenirs, and take a two-legged boat ride like me, mr.hotsia, who loves this hometown.

Additionally, Bang Bo has fun stories I have shared before, such as the 'Catching the Fool' competition, a local activity full of fun and challenge.Read about the 'Catching the Fool' competition with Mr. Hotsia On Tour in Bang BoThis is another lively and interesting aspect of the community.

If you travel to Samut Prakan, don't forget to visit the 150-year-old Bang Phli Market, not far from Bang Bo. This ancient market still preserves the atmosphere of a riverside community lifestyle very well.See details of Bang Phli Old MarketI, mr.hotsia, assure you that visiting here will let you experience the true lifestyle and culture of the canal-side community in Samut Prakan.

Finally, I leave you with a video clip I recorded on this trip so you can see the real atmosphere of taking a two-legged boat ride home to Bang Bo, sharing gifts with mom to receive blessings. Watching it will feel like traveling with me, mr.hotsia, yourself.
Click to watch the video "Missing Mom, Returning Home to Bang Bo 1/15: Taking a Two-Legged Boat Ride Home, Bringing Gifts for Mom to Receive Blessings"