12 Ways To Discover Bangkok by Bike, Barge and Tuk-Tuk

One of the best ways to see more of Bangkok, Thailand, is by tuk-tuk
One of the best ways to see more of Bangkok, Thailand, is by tuk-tuk | | © Jack Malipan Travel Photography / Alamy Stock Photo
Culture Trip Travel Team

Bangkok is constantly on the move – and there’s no better way to experience the city than by moving with it. Here are 12 tours that will throw you into the Thai capital’s brilliant flow, whether by river cruise, tuk-tuk or on foot.

The phrase “It’s not the destination that matters, it’s the journey” applies to just about anywhere in the world. But nowhere is it more true than in Bangkok. This is a city where the journey to the Grand Palace or Chatuchak Market can be as thrilling as the sites themselves. These handpicked tours will help you enjoy the city’s urban fabric to its fullest.

2. Bike Bangkok: Historic Communities

Tours

Sure, you can hit all the temples you want in one day. You can eat banana pancakes with backpackers on Khao San Road. You can visit the floating markets. But seeing the real Bangkok, the one that locals know and a lot of tourists don’t? For that you’ll have to hop on a bike. This four-hour guided bike tour brings you down the backstreets and to street food venders serving up delicious snacks you’d never find on your own. This is a small group tour, which means more attention from the guide.

4. Bangkok After Hours Tour: Nightlife & Night Market Private Tour

Tours

Experience the authentic street-food eateries and vibrant nightlife of Bangkok on a private tour that will introduce you to the customs and traditions of the local people when the sun sets.Ideal for first-time visitors to Thailand’s capital city, travelling with a local guide means you don’t have to worry about navigating the busy streets of Silom and can focus on enjoying the hand-picked sights and flavours of Thailand’s capital city.Your knowledgable Bangkok expert who adores the city will take you away from the tourist crowds and show you the most delicious Thai tastings. Enjoy the best views without getting lost in the crowd.

5. Royal Grand Palace and Bangkok Temples - Half-day Tour

Tours

Uncover the royal and spiritual riches of Bangkok with this cultural half-day guided tour that will give you the opportunity to admire the architecture of the Grand Palace and the wonderful Wat Pho and Wat Traimit temples. Join this small group tour led by a professional local guide that start at 8am.

6. Bangkok's Top 4 Multicultural Markets With a Local Guide

Tours

The best way to learn about Bangkok’s top four multicultural markets is with a private local guide who has a sincere passion for the city and teaches all about local customs and traditions. Enjoy the exclusivity of a private tour that brings you to the world’s most famous Buddha statue. Visit Wat Traimi, Little India, Little China and the impressive Sampeng Market on a once-in-a-lifetime tour that hits all the city’s top attractions. Enjoy the best views without getting lost in the crowd and stops that are handpicked by locals.

7. Thailand's Ayutthaya Temples and River Cruise from Bangkok

Tours

Visit the Ayutthaya temples on a cultural day trip from Bangkok – it’s a highlight of any visit to Thailand. The tour to the ancient capital of Siam includes a trip by riverboat, a must-do activity when you’re in Bangkok, with close-up views of the temples and historic sites that line the Chao Phraya River.

8. Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food by Tuk-Tuk

Tours

This night tour won the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award for a good reason. Explore Bangkok at night by the iconic tuk-tuk and discover the city and its local culture.This four-hour tour loops along the Chao Phraya River, stopping at several temples and markets. See temples such as Wat Pho illuminated at night, enjoy dinner and a dessert at a mystery stop.This is considered a cultural tour with food, and it provides a great introduction to Bangkok and the local culture. However, it should not be considered an in-depth food tour.This tour is limited to 12 people, ensuring an informative experience with a small group

9. Bangkok Walking Tour (Talking and Walking and Eating)

Tours

Familiarise yourself with the city with a walking tour that will take you through historic and modern Bangkok, enjoying local food along the way.

10. Evening Bangkok Food and Tuk-Tuk Adventure

Tours

Sample Thailand’s famous street food and soak up the atmosphere of Bangkok by night on this four-hour tour. Zip around the city on a tuk-tuk, feast on a variety of street food delicacies, and see attractions such as Phra Sumen Fort, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, and Chinatown. This small-group tour is limited to four people for a personalised experience.

11. Bangkok Dinner Cruise On Board the Loy Nava

Activities

Enjoy a relaxed evening with a Loy Nava dinner cruise, where you will gently sail along the Chao Phraya River while being served sumptuous Thai cuisine. Take in the bright lights of the big city of Bangkok after sunset and settle into what will be a romantic evening. With the sparkling skyline of Bangkok as the backdrop, this culinary journey will be sure to exceed your expectations.

12. Flavours of Bangkok: Small-Group Chinatown Evening Food Tour

Tours

Discover the best bites in Bangkok’s Chinatown on a walking tour that visits seven different eateries, led by a knowledgeable guide. Go behind the scenes to places that locals love and most visitors never find, stopping at markets, street stalls and small restaurants. As you taste a variety of savoury and sweet dishes such as Chinese dumplings, noodle and rice plates, and desserts, you’ll learn about the neighbourhood’s culinary traditions and history. This walking tour is limited to 10 people to provide a small-group experience.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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