Visiting Mae Bang Bo

Visiting Mae Bang Bo on Mr.Hotsia's journey back to his hometown

Bang Bo, Samut Prakan Province, is not just a transit point for many traveling to the airport or Bang Na Road. For me, Mr.Hotsia, who was born and raised here, "Bang Bo" is the first home full of real-life stories, the lifestyle of riverside villagers, and unique flavors hard to find in today's world.

I clearly remember that as a child, my home was next to Ban Rakat Canal, a tributary of Samrong Canal, which is the main waterway of Bang Bo District used to raise the nationally famous snakehead fish.Bang Bo Snakehead FishEveryone knows it. The snakehead fish here are plump because the brackish water suits red worms, their favorite food, making the taste of Bang Bo snakehead fish exceptional and unique. I used to swim in the canal and play with those fish as part of my daily life.

Bang Bo Market: An old riverside market that preserves the real life of the community

Bang Bo Market is another place I want to invite everyone to explore because it reflects the riverside villagers' lifestyle that still continues. In the past, locals used boats as the main means for trading and traveling. Old riverside markets like150-Year-Old Bang Phli Marketor Bang Bo Market are markets born from a lifestyle deeply connected to the waterways.

I strolled through Bang Bo Market in the morning. The smell of fresh fish and dried snakehead fish lined up for sale mixed with the bargaining voices of vendors reminded me of the past when I heard the sound of rowing boats passing in front of my house. Some shops still sell goods like in the old days — fabrics, household items, traditional healers, and fertilizer shops. The vintage tractors I saw as a child remain. Everything still carries the scent of the past well, although some new shops have appeared to accommodate tourists.

The lifestyle of Bang Bo villagers and fishing experiences with Mr.Hotsia

The lifestyle of Bang Bo people has been tied to water and fish since the grandparents' generation. I myself have experienced traditional fishing, especially using the “Ai Ngo” trap with friends in the village, which was a lot of fun.Ai Ngo Fishing Contest with Mr.Hotsia On Tour, Bang BoIt's a memory I always cherish.

We use the Ai Ngo, a traditional fish trap resembling an old-style fish cage, placed in the canal in front of the house, then wait for fish and shrimp to get caught. The next morning, we check who caught more fish. It's fun and teaches real local fishing techniques. I received advice from Thid Kae, a community expert, to place part of the Ai Ngo above water to keep the fish alive and trap them effectively.

Local food and flavors: Krapow Sauce from Mr.Hotsia's hometown

Those who follow me know I have a special love for the hometown dish “Pad Krapow.” In Bang Bo, there is a secret recipe my father used to make for me as a child. The Pad Krapow here doesn’t include yardlong beans, the sauce isn’t watery, and it must be spicy with the aroma of real holy basil leaves. I brought this experience to create and open the “Krapow Sauce” shop in Chiang Rai and also produce the sauce for sale. I intend to bring back the traditional rustic taste of Bang Bo.Krapow Sauce by Mr.hotsiaIt is something I am proud of and want everyone to try.

Connecting with nearby city experiences and community lifestyles

When talking about Bang Bo, we cannot ignore the old market in Samut Prakan, Bang Phli Market, as both places reflect the riverside lifestyle that still continues.150-Year-Old Bang Phli Marketis a great example of a canal-side market that has preserved its antiquity as well as Bang Bo Market.

Additionally, Bang Bo is portrayed through the story ofBan Rakata riverside community full of memories and the lifestyle of local people. Returning to experience this atmosphere makes me feel like I have traveled back to a happy childhood surrounded by nature and simple living.

Summary: Visiting Mae Bang Bo is not just going home but experiencing life

For me, Mr.Hotsia, visiting my mother in Bang Bo is not just a family visit. It is a return to my roots, savoring fresh snakehead fish flavors that are hard to find, and witnessing the villagers' lifestyle that has been strongly preserved.

If you want to know Thailand in a deeper dimension, not just typical tourist spots, I recommend strolling through Bang Bo Market, trying traditional fishing, and tasting the unique Pad Krapow. It’s an unforgettable experience.

Follow more stories about journeys and riverside lifestyles on my channels. If you want to learn more about Bang Bo snakehead fish, I recommend readingBang Bo Snakehead Fishwhich I wrote earlier.

Please enjoy the videoVisiting Mae Bang Boas a visual memory and real atmosphere from my hometown, Mr.Hotsia.