Located in Ayutthaya province, just a short drive from Bangkok, Rang Jorakae (‘Crocodile Canal’) is not as scary as it may sound, boasting a delightful atmosphere that’s just the perfect setting for a cruise.

While the area was once home to a large number of crocodiles, their numbers have diminished significantly over recent years. Nevertheless, the community retains the crocodile connection since it shares the same name.

My local guide, who opens her home to the public in the form of a homestay (read more) program, says crocodiles once hatched their eggs in a crook in the canal, according to local legend. Once I could see that the canal was completely free of reptiles these days, I felt more comfortable about splashing my hand through the water aboard the longtail boat, our means of transport for the trip.


Birdland by boat
The canal is still a hive of natural activity, attracting a wide variety of birds. Along the canal’s banks are some interesting landmarks, such as the Christian Church of Mother Mary.

There is a local legend referring to an image of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, according to Christian beliefs. The legend goes back to a time when the area was hit by a severe epidemic. The bells of a Christian church would typically be rung when somebody died, and the bells began ringing day and night during this period of time as the epidemic reached a peak. The whole community pleaded with the image of the Virgin Mary to try and bring a halt to the suffering, and by the next morning, like a miracle, the epidemic was over.

Local people have historically demonstrated their thanks to the image of the Virgin Mary and pay their respects to her memory by arranging a procession along the canal. This was once held during the month of May, although it has slowly faded away over time. Nevertheless, the church still stands by the canal within a community that even boasts its own buffalo shack, which carries out business following traditional ways.

The Buddhist temple of Wat Jorakae, where a tympanum (a semicircular area enclosed by the arch above the lintel of an arched entrance) shows a depiction of a deva (a Sanskrit word meaning a 'God' or 'deity') slaying a crocodile, maintaining the connection with our reptilian friends.

Established in 1747, it’s possible to arrange with your hosts a stop here to experience briefly day-to-day life for individuals, the community and from a religious and spiritual perspective.

Natural snacks, ingredients
The boat can also stop to source local edible plants that can be gathered for use in the kitchen on your return to dry land.

You may spot some rattlebox (Sesbania Acukeata [Latin]) flowers, the petals of which can used in Thailand in a tasty stir-fried dish. It would certainly be a highly appropriate choice of dish to try since this flower is used as the province’s floral symbol.

You may also spot some water primrose, which is also used in an special Ayutthaya-style salad dish. Other interesting ingredients that can be sourced here for use in other dishes include lotus stems, Spanish plum (Elaeocarpus hygrophilus kurz), and water mimosa.

Before you think about heading off to Ayutthaya province, we suggest you first ring ahead in case you require any special arrangements during your stay on Tel: +66 (0)81 251 8058.

Transport connections:

Car: The quickest way to reach Ayutthaya province by car is to take Highway 1 north out of Bangkok and then switch onto Highway 32, which will take you right into the municipality.

Bus: Buses regularly depart Bangkok for Ayutthaya from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal at Morchit.

Train: Trains leave Bangkok's central station at Hualamphong Station daily on a regular basis. Although the journey is slower than by bus, you probably see more during the journey by train. For further information on departures and fares, call the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) hotline on Tel: +66 (0)2 220 4444 (includes English-language support staff)

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