Joanna James
The city of Bangkok in Thailand is a place visited by countless tourists worldwide. The city offers something for everyone, be it old or young, modern or traditional. The city is filled with malls, markets, iconic landmarks and so much more. Navigating the busy streets of Bangkok can be quite frustrating unless you know the best and most convenient way to do so. Tuk-tuks are one of the fastest ways to travel through Bangkok, and they don’t break the bank. These three-wheeled motorized vehicles can easily carry up to 3 or even four people and navigate through busy streets with relative ease. The tuk-tuks have recently started to become an integral part of everyday Bangkok, and riding them is a must.
Tuk-tuks are essentially mechanized rickshaws that zip around the streets at relatively fast speeds. Originating in the early 1930s, these vehicles were soon adopted into society as a taxi system, which it is even today. The name Tuk-tuk actually comes from the iconic sound made by the small engines powering these devices. Having a single front wheel, like a bike, makes navigating through traffic quite effortless for the tuk-tuk drivers. They are a part of Thailand’s identity. Feel the cool breeze in your face as these open vehicles navigate the city. Whether you're visiting famous attractions or simply enjoying a quick ride, tuk-tuks give you a front-row seat to the city's dynamic atmosphere.
If you’re staying at the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, you’re already in an ideal location to kick off your tuk-tuk adventure. Start by heading to the riverfront, where a fleet of tuk-tuks are usually parked and ready to take you on a fantastic tour of the city. One of the more popular routes is along the Chao Phraya River, where you can visit iconic landmarks such as Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho, home to the giant reclining Buddha. You can always ask your tuk driver to suggest better locations for you to visit, especially hidden gems in and around the city.
Another exciting way to experience Bangkok in a tuk-tuk would be by participating in a food tour. Street food is a vital part of everyday Thailand, and this would be the best way for you to experience it without the hassle of walking. Start at a location like Bang Rak, which is known as the “Viallage of Love,” where you can snack on coconut pancakes known locally as kanom krok and moo ping, which are pork skewers. Then instruct your driver to head towards Bangkok’s Chinatown, which is also packed with street food vendors selling everything from pad thai to guay tiew kua gai, which is a stir-fried noodles dish. The sights, smells, and sounds of Chinatown come alive at night, making it the perfect destination for an evening tuk-tuk ride.
Enjoy the lively music and nightlife activities in a tuk-tuk. This will be a whole new experience for you. Order the tuk-tuk to pick you up from your Bangkok suite hotel, and you’re off. The tuk-tuk ride is the perfect way to hop between famous rooftop bars, night markets, and late-night cafes. Always consult your hotel’s help desk or concierge on the best places to visit, as well as their recommendations when booking a tuk-tuk. It doesn’t hurt to take extra precautions when traveling at night.
If you are an eco-conscious tourist who values the environment and the surroundings, you would be happy to know that Bangkok has taken steps towards introducing electric tuk-tuks as a more sustainable form of transport to get around the city. These eco-friendly vehicles offer the same excitement as traditional tuk-tuks but without the emissions. They’re quieter, smoother, and often more comfortable, making them an excellent choice for environmentally-conscious travelers.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
