2025-03-02
In a step towards more sustainable tourism, Bangkok has launched a new project with electric boats in Khlong Bang Luang, one of the city's historic canals. The initiative aims to reduce pollution, preserve the local lifestyle and make the area more attractive to visitors.
A modern solution for traditional waterways
Khlong Bang Luang is known for its traditional wooden houses, floating markets and artist quarters. In the past, the canal was bustling with long-tail boats powered by petrol and diesel engines, but over time these have contributed to water pollution and noise. The new electric boats offer a quieter and more environmentally friendly transport solution, allowing visitors to enjoy a more authentic experience.
Advantages of electric boats
- Reduced emissions – No gasoline or diesel, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions and water pollution.
- Quieter tourism – Electric motors make boat trips quieter, which improves the experience for both tourists and locals.
- Lower operating costs – Less maintenance compared to traditional engines, making the project economically sustainable.
- Protection of the ecosystem – Cleaner water and less noise benefit marine life and bird life along the canal.
A collaboration between authorities and local actors
The project is a collaboration between Bangkok City Hall, tourism organizations and local entrepreneurs. Electric boats have already been tested in other parts of Bangkok, and with positive results, the initiative is now being expanded to more waterways.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) sees this as part of the city’s long-term goal of creating a more sustainable city.”Protecting our historic canals while providing a modern transportation solution is an important part of Bangkok's future development.”, says a spokesperson for the BMA.
A new tourist attraction
The electric boats have already received positive feedback from locals and tourists alike. For many visitors, they offer a unique chance to experience traditional Bangkok in a more eco-friendly way. The tours pass by historic temples, floating markets and art galleries, making Khlong Bang Luang a new hotspot for sustainable tourism in Bangkok.
With this initiative, Bangkok shows that sustainability and tradition can go hand in hand, and that the tourism of the future can be both environmentally friendly and culturally preserving.
Traditional canal traffic in Thailand
Before modern development, Bangkok's canals were filled with wooden boats and long-tail boats, used by both locals and traders. Floating markets was an important part of everyday life, and many homes were built along the canals. The image below shows a bustling market scene from one of Bangkok's older waterways, reminiscent of what the city's canals looked like in the past.
(Image: Traditional floating market in Thailand)
Khlong Bang Luang
- Historical significance – Khlong Bang Luang was one of Bangkok's most important waterways during the Ayutthaya period and was used for both transportation and trade.
- Artist Center – The area is known for its small galleries, craft shops and cultural events that preserve traditional Thai heritage.
- Baan Silapin – The Artist's House – A popular stop along the canal where visitors can watch traditional Thai puppet shows.
- Waterways as living history – Khlong Bang Luang provides an insight into what Bangkok looked like before modern development, where many residents still live in houses on stilts along the canal.
With this initiative, Bangkok shows that sustainability and tradition can go hand in hand, and that the tourism of the future can be both environmentally friendly and culturally preserving.
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Text: The editorial staff
Image license: ThailandInfo