Things To Do
in Ban Khlong

Ban Khlong is a tranquil riverside village in central Thailand where water channels weave through markets and traditional homes. Daily life centers on temples, family-run eateries, and slow-paced strolls along the canal. Visitors are met with warm hospitality and easy access to nearby nature and heritage sites.

It serves as an authentic base for exploring rural Thai culture away from the crowds of bigger towns.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Ban Khlong
morning
:

Arrive at Ban Khlong and immerse yourself in the warm Thai hospitality. Check into your accommodation and prepare for a day filled with exploration. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local eatery, savoring the flavors of Thailand.

afternoon
:

Start your journey with a visit to the nearby rice paddies, engaging with local farmers and learning about their cultivation techniques. Indulge in a freshly prepared lunch at a hut overlooking the fields. Spend the afternoon embracing the natural beauty of the landscape as you take a guided cycling tour through the countryside.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a stroll alongside the river and revel in the picturesque views of the tranquil waters reflecting the vibrant colors of dusk. Experience a traditional Thai dinner at a riverside restaurant, where you can sample delicious local dishes. End the evening with a cultural performance, showcasing local music and dance.

day 2
Cultural Discovery
morning
:

Visit the local temple, Wat Ban Khlong, for a spiritual start to your day. Engage with the monks and learn about the significance of Buddhist rituals in Thai culture. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and tranquil gardens that surround the temple.

afternoon
:

Head to the village market to experience the vibrant local commerce. Sample street food, buy handmade crafts, and interact with the friendly locals. Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Thai dishes using fresh ingredients from the market.

evening
:

Join a traditional Thai cooking session and have fun preparing and tasting your own dinner. Once at the outdoor dining setup, converse with your fellow participants as you share stories and recipes. Wrap up the night star-gazing while enjoying a delicious meal under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-12
Coffee/tea$1-3
🚌Local transit (one-way)$0.5-2
🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night)$25-60
🛍️Markets/snacks$3-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet and authentic rural Thai experience
  • Affordable prices and friendly locals
  • Limited nightlife and international dining options
  • Fewer English-speaking services in remote areas
  • "Sawasdee krub/ka" - Hello
  • "Khob khun krub/ka" - Thank you
  • "Khor thot krub/ka" - Sorry/Excuse me
  • "Hong nam yoo nai?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Raa-khaa tao rai?" - How much is this?
  • "Pood pasa Ang-grit dai mai?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Chuai duay" - Please help

Places to Visit in Ban Khlong

Visit one of these nice places.

Wat Ban Khlong Temple Complex

Historic temple with wooden architecture, lotus ponds, and soft morning light.

Riverside Docks at Dawn

Colorful boats and fog over the canal create atmospheric reflections.

Old Market Street

Cramped alleys with shophouses, hanging lanterns, and candid street scenes.

Sunset Viewpoint over Rice Fields

Footpath or small road leading to a hilltop overlooking terraced fields.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ban Khlong

Ban Khlong’s cuisine centers on river fish, fragrant herbs, sticky rice, and family-run kitchens. Expect balance among sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors, with fresh produce from the markets.

Ban Khlong Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tom Yum Goong

Spicy sour soup with prawns or freshwater fish, aromatic herbs, and lime leaves.

Must-Try!

Som Tam Thai

Green papaya salad with chilies, lime, palm sugar, and peanuts.

Pad Kra Pao Moo Sap

Stir-fried basil pork with garlic and chilies, served over jasmine rice.

Khao Niao Mamuang

Mango sticky rice dessert with coconut sauce.

Pla Tod Nam Pla

Deep-fried river fish with a tangy fish sauce dip.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Riverside Morning Market

Bustling stalls selling fresh fruit, cooked breakfast, and regional snacks along the canal.

Evening Market by the Temple

Street food lines the walkway with grilled meats, spicy salads, and sweet treats.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area has a tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid summers, a rainy season bringing heavy showers, and a cooler dry season in the winter months. Temperatures typically range from around 22-35°C (72-95°F) depending on the season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple Etiquette

Dress modestly, remove shoes where required, and keep voices low; avoid pointing feet at sacred objects.

Greetings

A wai is appreciated; return the gesture with a slight bow of the head.

Monarchy and Religion

Respectful language about the royal family and Buddhist beliefs; avoid public criticism.

Safety Guide

Safety

Common-sense safety: watch for petty theft in crowded markets, stay hydrated in the heat, be cautious on rural roads at night, and wear appropriate sun protection. River activities should be done with reputable guides to ensure safety.

Tipping in Ban Khlong

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; round up the bill or leave small tips in cafes and guided services.

Payment Methods

Cash is king in most stalls; some restaurants and hotels accept credit cards or mobile payments (PromptPay/QR) in larger towns.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and dry with peak temperatures; stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Rainy Season

June–October brings heavy showers; landscapes are lush but expect humidity and occasional flooding in low-lying paths.

Cool Season

Pleasant and comfortable, especially mornings and evenings; ideal for outdoor exploration.

Nightlife Guide

Ban Khlong at Night

Ban Khlong offers a quiet nightlife with riverside cafes, small street food stalls, and occasional live traditional music. It is more tranquil than big tourist towns, focusing on relaxing evenings by the water rather than club scenes.

Hiking in Ban Khlong

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park Trails

Forest trails with birdwatching and scenic viewpoints.

Khao Kho Ridge Trail

Mountain vistas and cool-air hiking a few hours away by road.

Airports

How to reach Ban Khlong by plane.

Phitsanulok Airport (PHS)

Domestic flights; about 1.5-2 hours by road from Ban Khlong.

Sukhothai Airport (THS)

Limited domestic flights; drive about 1–2 hours to reach the region.

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)

Bangkok gateway; further away but connected by road/rail.

Getting Around

Walkability

Town center is walkable with riverside paths; longer distances require a scooter or local transport. Sidewalks may be uneven in older areas, so watch your step.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Thai residents

Predominantly Thai farmers and families living in rural and temple communities.

Domestic travelers

Thai visitors exploring regional culture and nature.

Expats and long-stay visitors

Smaller presence seeking eco-tourism and cultural experiences.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Muay Thai

Local gyms and training opportunities common across central Thailand.

Football

Community leagues and casual matches in town squares.

Cycling

Popular on rural roads and along the river.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light in the village; expect occasional congestion around markets and during festival times. Public transport includes songthaews and local buses; private taxis are available in larger towns nearby.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ban Khlong.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose plant-based dishes; ask for tofu or mushrooms in stir-fries and curries; many markets offer fresh vegetables and rice.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics are available in Ban Khlong; for more serious care, head to a larger town with a hospital and private clinics.

Discover Thailand

Read more in our Thailand 2025 Travel Guide.

Thailand Travel Guide