Bangkok by Bike

About Bangkok by Bike

Exploring the non-touristy side of Bangkok can be a thrilling adventure for those who wish to delve deeper into the local culture. A family of three, including a college-aged daughter, decided to spend one of their three days in Bangkok exploring off-the-beaten-path sites by bike. They were drawn to this particular company because it seemed to focus more on local culture, as opposed to others that were more about biking in natural areas. They opted for the morning tour, which turned out to be one of their favorite activities in Bangkok.

The family cycled around the backstreets, lanes, and canal paths on the “other side” of the river from the tourist sites. They saw a variety of neighborhoods, from lower-class shacks alongside the canals to individual gated homes in wealthier areas. The journey was more about absorbing the sights, sounds, and impressions as they rode, rather than stopping to take photos. The ride concluded after lunch with a 15-minute boat ride down the river, with their bikes loaded on board.

The ride was very well-organized; the bikes were sturdy and worked well, and were big enough for the 6-foot husband. Helmets were available, and lockers were provided in the office area where they could leave their daypack during the ride. The guides were proficient in English, and traffic was not a problem on the ride. The paths were narrow and sometimes shared with motorbikes, requiring good balance and careful navigation.

Another group of travelers enjoyed a slow bike ride through regular neighborhoods on small paths along canals and through side streets. They appreciated the lunch, a visit to a small market, and a boat ride. Their guide was very friendly and spoke good English. They found the breaks a bit long, but overall, it was a very enjoyable endeavor.

Many travelers found this to be a fantastic and relaxed way to explore the city. They felt very taken care of, even while biking down the streets. There were lots of stops, making it very easy to do and very enjoyable. The staff was very friendly, and it was great to just cycle around the backstreets, taking in the sights and smells and meeting so many friendly locals. The refreshments were local and of a good standard.

Families also found this to be a great adventure. One family of four, with kids aged 8 and 12, found the tour to be perfect. The tempo was quiet, and the bikes were good. They highly recommend this tour to anyone thinking of doing something different in Bangkok.

However, not all experiences were positive. One solo female traveler had a negative first impression. She arrived ten minutes late and felt that the owner was very patronizing, which made her feel embarrassed in front of the group. She felt that being ten minutes late did not justify the owner's behavior. Despite this, she enjoyed the tour and would consider booking with another biking tour company on her next visit to Bangkok.

Another traveler had a great tour with Arne and the group. It gave them a different perspective on Bangkok, and they saw things and places they would not have seen if they had stayed around the tourist places. They found it easy to recommend if you want to do something different.