September 28th 2023.
If you’re looking to explore Bangkok beyond the typical tourist haunts, then why not take a boat trip along the Khlongs?
These narrow, urban canals have been around since the 17th century and were once used as a main mode of transport to get around the city. Nowadays, you can still take a journey along them and get a glimpse of an everyday Bangkok that the guide books don’t always mention – from floating homes and markets, to hidden temples and shrines.
Experience the true beauty of the city as you cruise past the leafy banks, with the breeze blowing through your hair. From the comfort of your boat, you can observe the locals going about their daily lives – from children jumping into the water to cool off, to fishers collecting up their catch of the day.
Ditch your guidebook and get ready for an adventure in Bangkok! This buzzing city is a heady combination of delicious food and glistening temples, and even if you’re a seasoned visitor, there are still plenty of attractions to explore.
Start your exploration with Bangkok’s most notorious market, Chinatown. Here, you can experience the true heart of the city’s obsession with food. For an authentic experience, join Chef’s Tour’s Bangkok Food Tour and explore the area’s maze of alleys in the evening cool. You’ll get to sample Michelin-rated dishes and other street eats you’d probably never find alone.
After a day of exploring, check into a hipster hub like the Rosewood Bangkok. This stunning 30-storey property offers a prime location and a stunning interior, with a sky-high indoor-outdoor saltwater pool and jacuzzi offering soaring views of the cityscape. Plus, the 6,000-plus vinyl collection at speakeasy-style bar, Lennon’s, is sure to have music-lovers hooked.
Shop for good luck amulets at the city’s off-the-beaten-path amulet market near the Phra Chan Pier. Thailand is a culture soaked in superstition, and this market offers everything from amulets for good luck and protection, to charms claiming to make wearers bullet-proof.
For a truly unique dining experience, book a table at Mia. This European fine dining restaurant serves signature cocktails inspired by your favorite tunes, and offers a seasonal tasting menu with both vegan and vegetarian options.
Once you’re done exploring Bangkok’s more popular attractions, head over to Bang Rak – the ‘village of love’. This district is the most popular place to register marriage and is home to a variety of gay bars, artisan cocktail joints, bargainous street food vendors, and pricey, hip restaurants.
Finally, take a cruise along the Khlongs – a network of narrow, urban canals. Here, you can observe the everyday life of locals going about their daily lives, and get a glimpse of an authentic Bangkok that the guide books don’t usually mention.
Ditch your guidebook and follow these tips to explore the hidden gems of Bangkok. From exotic street eats to swoon-worthy hotels, you’re sure to find something that’s sure to surprise and delight.
Ditch your guidebook and explore Bangkok beyond the pale. From delicious street eats to secret speakeasies, the Thai capital is ripe for exploration.
Sample Street Food Eats
Tuck in and veer away from the tourist traps to sample the best of Bangkok's street food. Chinatown is considered the birthplace of this culinary tradition, and the best way to discover its best-kept secrets is by joining Chef’s Tour’s Bangkok Food Tour. Over four hours, visitors will be led by a local chef guide through the area’s maze of alleys, tasting Michelin-rated dishes that you'd probably never find alone.
Check Into a Hipster Hub
Take a dip into the luxurious Rosewood Bangkok. This stunning 30-storey property offers guests an enviable location and a stunning interior. Fitness studio facilities, an in-house spa, and a sky-high indoor-outdoor saltwater pool and jacuzzi with views of the cityscape make this hotel a must-visit for hipsters. Plus, there's speakeasy-style bar Lennon's, which serves signature cocktails inspired by your favourite tunes.
Shop for Good Luck Amulets
Take your pick of protective amulets in Bangkok's off-the-beaten-path amulet market near the Phra Chan Pier. Need to perk up your sex life? Improve your health? Or perhaps you’re after protection from evil spirits? Whatever the issue, you'll find an amulet here for you.
Splash Out On a Michelin Meal
For a classic European fine dining experience combined with the best produce and flavours of the region, diners must book a table at Mia. Here, you can enjoy a seasonal tasting menu with both vegan and vegetarian options, plus wine pairings. Fun, fresh and complex Asian-influenced dishes in a contemporary casual setting are complemented by super slick service.
Explore Bustling Bang Rak
Young gun artists, restauranteurs, chefs and nightlife pioneers have proven in Bang Rak that there’s more to Bangkok than street food and temples. Gay bars join onto artisan cocktail joints, bargainous street food vendors happily share space with pricey, hip restaurants. It’s a real love-in and a neighbourhood with bang.
Visit a Speakeasy
In Soi Nana's shabby shophouses, inner-city urbanites and trendsetters have turned cool small bars. Making Thai traditional cool is Teens of Thailand - the first Bangkok bar to specialise in gin. Hidden behind an imposing Indian-style door, the bar serves serious gin-based cocktails that go beyond a G&T.
Wonder at the Weed Takeover
Since Thailand decriminalised cannabis nationwide, Bangkok has become a Mecca for Cannabis connoisseurs. Get a grounding on the new Chef’s Tour weed and food experience, which takes visitors on a tuk tuk tour to several of Bangkok's weed dispensaries, interspersed with street eats tastings.
Cruise the Khlongs
For a unique way to explore Bangkok, cruise the city's Khlongs (canals). From a longtail boat, take in the sights of the famous floating markets, as well as the traditional wooden stilt houses and the grandiose temples that line the riverbanks. It's a great way to understand the real Bangkok and its unique culture.
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