Cycling in Bangkok and 3 more tips

Bangkok is a vibrant city and has lots to offer, from culture to the delicious Thai kitchen. Honestly, I can enjoy myself for weeks in this city. I love to get lost in the narrow streets, walk around for hours at the temple complexes and look at the hustle and bustle at the Chao Phraya river at sunset. The Royal Palace, Wat Arun temple and the floating market are definitely worth a visit.

Here’s my list of 4 lesser known – but not to miss – highlights of Bangkok:

Cycling in Bangkok;
Boat ride in the ‘klongs’;
Cocktails at a rooftop bar;
Eating BBQ prawns on the street.

During Thai new year you will get wet and the locals put flower on your face

1. Cycling in Bangkok

A great way to explore Bangkok is by bike. You’ll see another side of Bangkok and its surroundings this way. I booked a tour (twice) with the Amazing Bangkok Cyclist (“ABC”) and it was really fun both times!

The guide will take you to little villages and neighbourhoods. He tells you a lot about the city and will explain about the local food you’ll see at the markets. You’ll also ride through a coconut plantation at the other side of the river. A longtailboat will bring you there. It’s very green and the air is much cleaner compared to the busy city. Riding through the fields you’ll have to cycle on the very narrow paths.

Location:
Amazing Bangkok Cyclist
Real Asia Ltd. Soi Aree, 10/6-7 Sukhumvit Road Soi 26, Bangkok 10110
Tel: +6681 812 9641
Email: info@realasia.net
Website: http://www.realasia.net/ (multiple tours available)

2. Take a boat ride in the ‘klongs’

A ride with a ferry at the Chao Phraya river to one of the temples is one of the things you should really do in Bangkok. You’ll have to jump on and off the boat in time. But what you also can’t miss is a boat ride with a longtail boat through the ‘klongs’. These are the channels at the lesser known part of Bangkok. During a boat ride in the klongs of Thonburi, the west bank of the Chao Phraya, you’ll see a lot of houses on poles, built over the river, and live at the riverside. This part of Bangkok is also known as “Venice of the East”.

You could ask the reception of your hotel to book the tour for you, but I like to arrange it myself and negotiate about the route, price, duration and boat type on the spot. There are a lot of options and instead of a longtailboat you could also choose a slower boat. Make sure that the deal is clear to both parties to prevent unsuspected costs and disappointment afterwards.

Location:
Arrange your own trip for example at the Sathorn Pier or the Phra Arthit Pier.
Costs: Prices vary from 400 to 1.000 Baht (about € 10 – € 25) per person. It depends on the season, the duration of the tour and your negotiating skills.

3. Cocktails at a rooftop bar

After a day full of new impressions in a busy city, I really like to escape the crowds with a well deserved cocktail at a skybar and look down at the city. My favorite rooftop bar is Sky Bar at LeBua. It’s one of the highest rooftops of the world and the views of the city and river are phenomenal. This bar is very well known, so don’t expect to be the only one here. If you arrive at about 5 pm, you could enjoy the views at the city by daylight, sunset and gaze at the city lights at night.

There are also some very nice bars and restaurants at other levels of this building you could visit when you have time.

Tip: Dress for the occasion! The dress code here ‘smart casual’. Men in shorts and flipflops are not allowed to enter.

Location:
Sky Bar
63rd Floor, State Tower Bangkok, 1055 Silom Road
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Tel.: +66 (0)2 624 9555
Email: dome@lebua.com
Website: https://lebua.com/restaurants/sky-bar/

4. Eating BBQ prawns on the street

I like to get my hands dirty, especially in combination with great food! After visiting the fancy rooftop Sky Bar, I also love having dinner at a local diner to bring my feet back on the ground.

One of my favorites is T&K Seafood in Chinatown. You’re having dinner at long tables at the corner of a street. The barbecues are smoking next to you with the most delicious and fresh prawns and crab. You can choose the size of your seafood.