Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BICYCLE & SEGWAY TOURS
You might be wondering who the hell would want to get on a bike and subject themselves
to the notorious traffic jams and sauna-like conditions of Bangkokʼs streets. But the fact
that they sound so unlikely is part of what makes these trips so cool. The other part is that
you discover a whole side of the city that's virtually off-limits to four-wheeled transport.
Routes include unusual ways around Chinatown and Ko Ratanakosin, but the pick are
journeys across the river to Thonburi and, in particular, to the Phra Pradaeng Peninsula.
Better known as Bang Kachao, this exquisite expanse of mangrove, banana and coconut
plantations lies just a stoneʼs throw from the frantic city centre, on the opposite side of
Chao Phraya. You cycle to the river, take a boat to Bang Kachao and then follow elevated
concrete paths that zigzag through the growth to a local village for lunch.
Several companies run regular, well-received tours starting at about 900B for a half-
day.
RIVER & CANAL TRIPS
The cheapest and most obvious way to commute between riverside attractions is on the
commuter boats run by Chao Phraya Express Boat (
Click here
)
. The terminus for most
northbound boats is Tha Nonthaburi, while for most southbound boats it's Tha Sathon
(also called Central Pier), near the Saphan Taksin BTS station (although some boats run as
far south as Wat Ratchasingkhon).
For a more personal view, you might consider chartering a long-tail boat along the
city's canals. Pandan Tour (
Click here
) offers 'small-boat', full-day private tours of
Bangkok's canals. Another option is the dinner cruises that ply Mae Nam Chao Phraya at
night.
AYUTHAYA CRUISES
A little faster than the days of sailing ships, river cruises from Bangkok north to the ruins
of the former royal capital of Ayuthaya take in all the romance of the river. Normally only
one leg of the journey between Bangkok and Ayuthaya is aboard a boat, while the return
or departing trip is by bus. Outfits include
Asian Oasis
( 08 1496 4516, 08 8809 7047;
www.asian-
9am-5pm Mon-Fri;
Phloen Chit exit 1)
and Manohra Cruises (
Click here
)
.
