“Let’s take you off the beaten path…to see the real Bangkok.”
That’s the tour company’s promise to you when you book this Bangkok bicyle tour….and we can now confirm they deliver to that promise!
Our family were invited by Baja Bikes to experience a Bangkok Highlights bicycle tour. We have been to Bangkok several times, but exploring the city on a bike is an offer we will never refuse!
The tour was great, from hectic Chinatown to peaceful Thonburi. But if you would ask me now where exactly in Bangkok we have been cycling: no idea! We started in Chinatown and ended on the other side of the river Chao Phraya. That I know. For the rest I wouldn’t be able to draw a map of it. And that’s actually the charm of doing this bike tour!
Bangkok bicycle tour: off the beaten path
The bike tour starts at 08.00h at River City, near Chinatown. You are cycling through extremely narrow alleys of Chinatown, passing busy food markets. You dodge laundry hanging to dry while smelling delicious food that’s being cooked on hot fires right next to the road. You enjoy the wonderful fragrance at markets full of fresh flowers, see temples big and small while you cycle deeper and deeper into the maze called Chinatown.
I was particularly surprised by all the shops with recycled truck and boat engines. Big piles of metal left and right…and you on a bike in the middle. You will be amazed by the energetic daily life in Chinatown. Make sure you ring your bicycle bell to announce your presence! Local people are happy to see you, they will smile and greet when you pass.
Crossing the river
A bit more peace and quiet is waiting for you after crossing the Chao Phraya river. This is Thonburi. Here you will see the local Thai life where the chaos of downtown Bangkok seems far away.
Thonburi used to be a vibrant part of Bangkok but has now become one of the more relaxed areas of the city. Everywhere you are greeting people while on your bike, smiling and enjoying the views.
You visit temple grounds and a small memorial park where your guides will treat you to delicious fresh fruit, drinks and snacks. You will need it! After visiting Thonburi you go back to Bangkok center by boat. Just get your bike on the local ferry and off you go!
Bangkok Classic Tour
The bike tour is executed by Co van Kessel Bangkok tours. Highly experienced and professional guides will show you the way and more importantly, will make sure you never get lost or left behind in a dark alley! In their yellow shirts they are not to be missed and really look after your safety. Being on a bike is indeed one of the best ways to explore a city, especially Bangkok!
Do you want to experience the off-the-beaten paths in Bangkok? Here’s the direct link to Baja Bikes (or directly via Co van Kessel) where you can book the tour. You will not regret these 3 hours of fun!
Most of you know we are fond of bike tours when traveling. Check out earlier stories of our tours in New York, London, Delhi and Rio de Janeiro!
12 comments
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This looks like so much fun! I’ve been to Bangkok a few times, but never with my family. I had no idea they offered activities like this. I love how you were able to boat back. Whenever I’m in a new city bike tours top my list of things to do ASAP.
Agree! Our kids love Bangkok. Some think the city is way to chaotic to enjoy, but it really has all the vibes that we always look for. Next to having beautiful and quiet places too! Thanks for your comment Jody.
Very cool! A really neat way to see the real Bangkok. We’ve never tried a bicycle tour, but when our little is a bit bigger, it looks like a great idea! Super fun!
It’s definitely a great idea! We also did a bike tour in Bangkok back in 2009 when our youngest was 5 years of age. He just sat on the child’s seat on the back of my bike, perfect.
Looks like a great way to see Bangkok. I’ll be bookmarking this one for future reference. Cheers!
Thanks! Hope you make it to Bangkok soon.. 🙂
I really love how seeing Bangkok by bike allows you to cover a lot of ground without having to take a taxi, therefore skipping the crazy traffic. The bikes look comfy and your kids look like they had a great time. Thanks for sharing.
It’s quite funny to see that we actually crossed busy roads only a couple of times. Bangkok has so many smaller roads and alleys that indeed can offer fast movement. But of course they are only known by locals….and bike tour guides! 🙂
Sounds like it was a fabulous day out around Bangkok – I actually think it’s kind of cool that you wouldn’t be able to draw your tour on a map if asked again – means it truly was off the beaten path!! It’s the dark alley-ways and quiet neighborhoods which tourists don’t usually see which is where the true destination lies.
Thanks for the fab review!
Thanks Megan! Getting lost is sometimes even the best way to experience a place…