Day 1 – The unusual Bangkok

Your first day in Bangkok is different from what all the guidebooks tell you. We will explore the unseen and lesser-known corners of this city. Follow this 3-day guide step by step and have a great time in Bangkok.

1. Co van Kessel, Biking around Bangkok

One of the best things to do in Bangkok is to explore the city by bicycle. Discover the small back-alleys, outskirts, markets, Chinatown, temples, and canals on a 5-hour tour. You won’t be on the bike all the time, halfway you will take your bikes on a boat tour through the famous canals of Bangkok and have a mouth-watering lunch at a local restaurant.

2. Explore the canals by long-tail boat

The “Venice of the East” is a big network of canals, along with those rivers you see many Thai people live in their wooden houses. The canals connected Bangkok throughout the whole city.

Thonburi is super picturesque, less touristy, and highly recommended to get a long-tail boat tour through its canals.

3. Visit the hipster markets

Bangkok is the king of markets. While walking or driving around the city keep an eye on all the small streets where you suddenly find a full market. The markets in Bangkok are there in all flavors and sizes.

Small local vegetable markets to huge, 2000+ stalls, trendy clothing, souvenir, and food stalls markets. Locals absolutely love to hang around here so when you visit a good market, the majority are Bangkok locals. If you ask us, this is the best market in Bangkok.

Tip: Bargaining is common in Thailand. Aim to pay 40% of the original price.

4. Get yourself a smoothie!

Everywhere you go in Thailand, fresh fruit smoothies are a big deal. They are delicious, come in all kinds of fruit flavors, and oh so affordable. Every market offers fresh fruit smoothies, but be warned, most of the stalls add sugar water to make them taste even better. Healthy tip: Ask for ‘no sugar’. 🙂

5. Eat like a local

Find the best Thai food in the markets and at small food shops on the side of the road. Delicious curries, Pad Thais, spicy green mango salad, chicken cashew, and so many more choices. Be prepared for a fantastic food experience.