Bangkok? Not again! If this sounds like something you would say or think, let me stop you right there. This vibrant city has hidden depths you may never have suspected, and has the capacity to surprise even the most experienced (or jaded) traveller.
In general, Bangkok is an easy city to navigate, with a robust public transport system that includes a sky train, MRT subway, boat taxis, regular taxis to get you around the traffic.
So, whether it’s your first time there, or you are one of those who can’t resist going back, here’s a handy guide on what to see and do away from the top touristy things.
Go off the Eaten Path
Ask anyone about their strongest associations with Bangkok, and chances are that food will emerge top of that list. And that’s absolutely right, given that Bangkok is a foodie heaven, with choices that range from delectable street food to lavish Michelin star dining.
And one of the best ways to experience the city’s culinary delights is to join a guided food tour that will steer you to places only locals will know and give you a deeper understanding of the country’s complex and fascinating food culture.
Guided tours like A Chef’s Tour and Bangkok Vanguards are also a great way to enjoy the experience without any concern for food hygiene or personal safety, or having to think twice about dietary restrictions (we all know that communication in sign language can be tricky).
…or cook up a (Thai) storm! For a more immersive experience, and to carry the aromas of the cuisine back home, sign up for a cooking class that begins with a lesson on the unique spices and flavours that make Thai food so irresistible. The Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy caters (pun intended) to all skill levels, from absolute beginners to kitchen pros who want to enhance their knowledge of Thai cuisine.
If they are sold out, try some of these options from Get Your Guide
Take off on a tuk tuk
Once the heat and dust of the day settles down, Bangkok seems to become a softer, sweeter and just overall gentler being. So, as soon as the twinkling city lights take over from the harsh sunlight, hop into a tuk tuk for a city tour.
With a private tuk tuk and driver to guide you around, this is a unique, fun and absolutely safe way to see the sights without having to fret over transport. Take in temples and night markets, even street food experiences – there is a tour to suit every interest.
Make sure to check out the various Tuk Tuk Tour options on Viator!
Spend a morning with the monks
Also known as the Marble Temple, the exquisite Wat Benchamabophit is an often overlooked site in Bangkok that absolutely deserves your attention. The special experience is the morning almsgiving ceremony – an essential daily ritual among Buddhist monks who depend on food donations from believers.
At this temple, it is possible to watch this simple and moving ritual of resident monks in orange robes walking silently in a single file, or even participate in it by offering food as your contribution to the day’s meal.
There are a few things to keep in mind: maintain silence, watch it from a respectful distance, avoid pointing cameras directly on their faces and finally, offer ready to eat, meat-free meals as much as possible.
To avoid any cultural confusion or religious faux pas, sign up for a guided tour from a trusted operator like Viator that offer insights into this ancient practice and throw in additional experiences like a visit to the bustling Pak Khlong Talat fresh flower market.
Charter a Chao Phraya cruise
Sailing on the Chao Phraya river is a superbly relaxed way of seeing Bangkok without having to navigate the busy and crowded city roads.
Starting from the ferry stations at Wat Arun or Wat Pho, some of these cruises also offer a rare glimpse into the everyday lives of locals living in the Thonburi area on the banks of the narrow canals branching off the main river. These canals, known as klongs, appear to have remained untouched by time, with traditional wooden houses against the distant backdrop of steel and glass skyscrapers.
These tours often come with an experienced guide to provide a context to the sights unfurling in front of your eyes. And there are cruises that also offer dinner or snacks on board, which means you don’t have to go in search of food when you get off the boat.
A private cuise with dinner makes for an excellent option, check out prices & Book Here!
Make time for a massage
And finally, lie back and let healing hands work their magic on those tight muscles (or that restless mind) – we are talking about restorative massages, of course.
For the ultimate calming therapy, try the Relax and Restore Massage at the Mandarin Oriental Spa that uses the therapeutic CBD oils (medically approved cannabinoids) to relieve niggling aches and pains as well as promote a sense of wellbeing. And don’t worry, this is done by experienced therapists, and is all legally above board.
The spa at Banyan Tree is an oasis of calm within the chaos of urban Bangkok, offering unique therapies like the Tropical Rainmist, an invigorating body scrub accompanied by a steady and soothing trickle of a rain shower, or the Tui Na which used traditional Chinese techniques to correct and balance the flow of Qi (life force) in the body.
And last, but definitely not the least is Capella Spa’s Tok Sen, an ancient Thai therapy that is named after the sound made by the rhythmic but relaxing taps made by the massage therapist using their hands and an array of tools like a blunt wooden hammer. This is a deep and strong massage that is meant to release pent up muscle tension and promote relaxed sleep. If this sounds too painful, just opt for a comforting scrub with fragrant Hom Mali rice, followed by a gentle massage.
Of course, no trip is complete without a few basics in place! So, here are our 101 travel kit recommendations for Bangkok:
5G Data Sim: Buy Here
Airport Transport Options:
Private Transfers: Buy Here
More options Here
BKK Skytrain One Day Pass: Buy Here