More about: The 7 Best Outdoor Activities in Bangkok
Bangkok is a vibrant, chaotic and lively city, but it also knows how to surprise with open spaces, cycling routes and excursions that take you away from the traffic and hustle and bustle. If heat and humidity worry you, don't worry: many of these activities are ideal to do in the morning or at sunset, when the weather is friendlier. Ready to explore Bangkok in the great outdoors? Here are some of the best experiences.
1. Chao Phraya River Cruise
The Chao Phraya River is the backbone of Bangkok, and cruising it by boat is one of the most magical ways to discover the city. You can hop on a dinner cruise to watch the temples and skyscrapers light up as night falls. While enjoying the breeze and a traditional Thai dinner, you will see iconic landmarks such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace from a unique perspective.
2. Bicycle tour of the hidden corners of Bangkok
If you think Bangkok is not bike-friendly, think again. There are guided tours that take you through traditional neighborhoods, floating markets and hidden trails away from traffic. Cycling through the backstreets of the city allows you to discover its authentic side and connect with local life. It's a perfect option for those who want to move around and explore without missing a detail.
3. Excursion to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam
Just an hour from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is a must-see destination for lovers of history and architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site of temples and ruins will transport you back to the golden age of the kingdom of Siam. Walking among the ancient brick pagodas and seeing the famous Buddha's head trapped in the roots of a tree is an unforgettable experience.
4. Floating markets and the Mae Klong Train
There is no more authentic experience than touring a floating market in Bangkok. At Damnoen Saduak, vendors offer exotic fruits, street food and souvenirs from their small boats. And if you want something even more surprising, visit the Mae Klong market, where the stalls move aside in a matter of seconds to let the train pass. A perfect combination of tradition and adrenaline.
5. A stroll through the urban parks to relax
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Bangkok has several parks where you can unwind. Lumphini Park, Bangkok's "Central Park", is an oasis with lakes, trails and huge monitor lizards roaming freely. You can also visit Benjakitti Park, with its waterfront promenade and panoramic views of the city skyline.
6. Bang Krachao jungle, the city's green lung.
Known as the "green lung of Bangkok," Bang Krachao is an island in the river that looks like something out of another world. There are no skyscrapers or traffic, just paths surrounded by greenery, canals and traditional Thai houses. You can tour it by bike or on foot and visit local markets where you can try homemade Thai sweets.
7. Canal boat tour
The canals or "khlongs" of Bangkok are like the back streets of the city, and a traditional boat ride is the best way to discover them. On them you will see hidden temples, wooden houses on stilts and scenes of daily life far from the more touristy areas. It is a journey into Bangkok's past, when water was the main mode of transportation.
Bangkok has much more to offer than shopping malls and skyscrapers. Get out there and discover the city from another perspective. Which of these activities are you going to try first?