The Best Ways to Explore Bangkok – How to Get Around

The famed capital of Thailand is actually a pretty good place to explore via boat, being home to several floating markets, not to mention an extensive network of waterways known as 'khlongs', which some citizens still use today for daily transport. Although these waterways are not typical tourist attractions, they do provide a rare insight into the lives of some of the Thai people. There are different varieties of canal and river-faring vessels on offer in Bangkok. These range from long tail boats, canal boats and river crossing ferries, to hotel shuttle boats, and of course the express river taxi boats. Many of the luxury hotels in Thailand such as those which fall under the umbrella of the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas chain, for example, also offer luxury cruise boats to guests who would like to sail along the Chao Praya River.

Not only is this one of the most healthy transport options you could choose to use while on holiday, it is also quite cost effective, and a truly great way to explore Bangkok. On top of helping you with the battle of the holiday bulge, getting around Bangkok by bicycle will offer you access to routes that motor vehicles like cars don't have access to. Thailand's capital is overflowing with bicycle tours that are geared at tourists ranging from road biking and mountain biking tours, to one day and overnight cycling tours. Depending on whether you're on vacation alone or with a group, you can either join a general bicycle tour, or craft a customized one for you and your travel buddies.

There's nothing quite like zipping through the streets of Bangkok, feeling the wind in your hair and taking in all the sights and sounds the city has to offer. For those that either don't have a motorbike license or would prefer a mode of transport that is a little less risqué, travelling by tuk-tuks is a perfect way to experience this. The partly-uncovered nature of this vehicle means that you really don't miss out on much along the way! Also known as trishaws and three wheelers in countries like India and Sri Lanka, this conveniently bite-sized vehicle is popular across much of the Asia, and now, even parts of Africa. Due to the tuk-tuk's relatively small size, it can easily weave through traffic in the capital much more easily than a conventional taxi could, and often at a fraction of the cost.

This may seem obvious, but Bangkok has so many massive markets and bazaars which cover such a vast area, that you'd wish you could ride a bicycle through them instead of relying on your aching feet. However, sore feet aside, this is the best way to discover all the various trinkets and hidden gems that Bangkok has to offer, which usually come at bargain prices too, for those willing to spend a little time and effort haggling with vendors. Walking around also gives you the most opportunity to mingle with the locals and tourists around you, and perhaps make a new friend or two. After all, what is travelling all about if not embracing new cultures and experiences?