Travel bucket list idea:
Bicycle tours of Chinatown
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand
Credit Shutterstock.com/neotemlpars
Last updated: 20 February, 2024
A bike ride might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you first step foot into Bangkok’s cacophonous Chinatown. But venture away from the rip-roaring tuk-tuks and jam-packed side streets, and you’ll soon discover that this colourful district perfectly lends itself for exploration on two wheels.
During guided tours, you’ll pedal past incense-swirled spirit houses and hidden wet markets in Chinatown’s back alleys, then continue via longtail boat to palm groves and stilted villages in the city’s rural suburbs.
Small groups and frequent informative stops make for a fascinating peek into the daily lives of the city’s residents, and to discover the Big Mango from an unexpected angle.
Logistics
Price from: £20
Minimum age: 3
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around
Duration: 3-5 hours
Getting there & doing it
Tours usually last 3-5 hours or more. While 5 hours on a bicycle might sound daunting given Bangkok’s blistering heat, frequent breaks and boat trips make it easier than it sounds.
Don’t rush for the cancel button when the sky is looking grey on the day of your tour. Drizzles rarely last for more than thirty minutes, and the colder air makes a ride all the more refreshing.
Some operators have children’s bikes and adult bikes with baby seats. There’s no reason not to bring your kids along.
When to do it
Tours run all year round, though the cooler months between November and February are offer the most pleasant cycling weather.
