Bangkok tours and excursions
Bangkok tours
Food tours
Foodies can enjoy a culinary tour of the capital, involving visits to restaurants, speciality food shops and numerous tastings. Tours are led by English-speaking guides who also can provide historical and cultural insights. A cycling food tour is also available.
Tel: +66 95 943 9222.Website: http://www.bangkokfoodtours.com
Boat tours
Bangkok is laced with khlongs (canals) and life alongside them is far removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Bangkok. An ideal way to see this side of Bangkok is a boat trip, passing tiny temples, orchards, orchid farms and typical houses on stilts. There are several companies offering boat tours, including Pandan Tour.
Tel: +66 2 689 1232.Website: http://www.thaicanaltour.com
Bangkok excursions
Ayutthaya
This was the Thai capital for over 400 years and one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia until its destruction in 1767. In its heyday, foreign visitors were enamoured with this glittering, formidable city. Today, ruins of numerous magnificent temples and palace buildings cover a vast area and still manage to convey the city's former grandeur. The beauty of the place is such that it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is located 76km (47 miles) north of Bangkok and can be reached by bus, train or boat.
Website: http://www.tourismthailand.org/ayutthayaDamnoen Saduak Floating Market
Although this market is 80km (50 miles) west of Bangkok, it is far more interesting than the floating market in Bangkok. In the early morning, the narrow canals are full of small boats carrying fruit and vegetables sold by local women. The market is very colourful and atmospheric - but it is all over by 1100, which necessitates an early start from Bangkok. Although it is possible to take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal to within a mile of the market, it is probably easier to join an organised tour from a hotel.
