Ban Rakas

Ban Rakas by the canal where I grew up and never forgot.

If you ask me, 'Where is Ban Rakas?' the answer is in the blood and memories of mr.hotsia since childhood. I was born and raised by a small canal that locals call “Chuat Ta Noi.” It is a small side canal flowing into Ban Rakas Canal, the main canal of Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province. Ban Rakas Canal flows onward to Samrong Canal, which connects the Chao Phraya River and Bang Pakong River.

My life has been tied to water since childhood. I learned to swim in the canal, rowed a boat to school, bathed, and mainly used water from this canal. Although nowadays Ban Rakas Subdistrict has roads reaching the front of houses, the lifestyle here remains truly that of canal people. Boats are still the main mode of transportation, and vendor boats still pass in front of houses daily without change.

The charm of canal life and the beauty of nature near the city

I always say Ban Rakas is the answer to a simple and peaceful life. The air is fresh, with rice fields and canals on both sides. Although only 32 kilometers from Bangkok, it feels like being in a genuine countryside. Locals still tend small vegetable gardens in front of their houses, grow holy basil, and flowers bloom by the canal in winter. That image has stayed with me forever.

I am proud to be born a farmer’s child, fishing since I was young. This place is not just a home but life itself. I want to preserve the beauty of the waterfront, vegetable gardens, and canal people’s way of life on the internet, in case one day this lifestyle disappears or changes.

Ban Rakas Canal, the connection of lifestyle and old markets

Anyone who has read my story about the 150-year-old Bang Phli Old Market will understand how locals here live with the waterways. These old markets arose along Samrong Canal, which connects to Ban Rakas Canal. Locals row boats to shop, see doctors, or run errands. Vendor boats constantly pass in front of houses, a familiar sight.

Bang Phli Yai Market, Bang Phli Noi Market, and even Bang Bo Market all bear traces of canal people’s lifestyles. I have also joined the fun of the 'Ai Ngo' fishing competition in Bang Bo (read story'Ai Ngo' Fishing Competition with Mr.Hotsia On Tour, Bang Bo), an activity reflecting the ongoing canal life.

Bang Bo Salted Fish and the flavor I grew up with

Ban Rakas is not far from the famous Bang Bo salted fish source known nationwide. I have told the story of Bang Bo salted fish many times because it is one of my prides. I was born and raised with those big salted fish swimming in Ban Rakas Canal. The delicious taste of Bang Bo salted fish comes from the brackish water rich in red worms, their favorite food.

The fish farming way of life here is still carefully preserved. Although rice fields have decreased, fish ponds and salted fish farming remain a main occupation of Ban Rakas people. I want everyone to experience this story through my articles and try Bang Bo salted fish here themselves.

My real experience with canal life and canal markets

I clearly remember in the evenings vendor boats would row past the house selling fresh vegetables, fruits, fish sauce, or snacks. Locals would call the boats to buy. I love this atmosphere because it makes me feel deeply connected to nature and community.

Traveling to Ban Rakas is not difficult. You can access it easily by main roads, but I recommend trying to row a boat or use public boat services once to truly experience the charm of canal life.

Ban Rakas from the perspective of an independent traveler like mr.hotsia

For me, the joy of traveling is experiencing the real life of locals, not just visiting prepared tourist spots. Ban Rakas is a great example of canal life that remains harmonious with time and nature.

I enjoy independent travel, not big tours, because I want to spend time talking with locals, tasting local food, and seeing authentic lifestyles. Ban Rakas is one of the places I love and want everyone to know.

If you want to experience more old markets and canal atmosphere, try visiting150-Year-Old Bang Phli Marketwhich is nearby, and if you like fun activities like fishing competitions, I recommend the story'Ai Ngo' Fishing Competition with Mr.Hotsia On Tour, Bang Bothat I have shared.

A message to all fellow travelers

Ban Rakas has taught me that happiness doesn’t have to be far or luxurious. Just living with nature, being with loved ones, and experiencing traditional lifestyles that are our roots. I hope this article helps everyone see the value and want to visit Ban Rakas.

For those interested in local food stories, I recommend checking outSpicy Holy Basil Sauce by Mr.Hotsiawhich is one of my family’s legendary recipes that I carefully created from my travel experiences and flavors I truly love.

Thank you for reading, and I hope Ban Rakas will be one of the destinations that lets you 'Travel with Satisfaction' like me, mr.hotsia.