Looking for an adventure travel guide to the best outdoor activities in Bangkok?
As part of ours Adventure City Guide series, Ian from Where the sidewalks end his expert shares confidential advice on the top adventures and outdoor activities you can do in Bangkok.
Outdoor Activities in Bangkok – Adventure City Guide – Photo by Evoflash
Why visit Bangkok for adventure?
Bangkok is one of the world’s largest metropolises and a gateway for much of the world to the rest of Southeast Asia. With numbers in excess of 14 million people in the greater Bangkok area, this is no small player in the world’s megacities. Of course, having such a long history with foreign visitors, the city has become incredibly established in the global tourism sector.
This has allowed him to develop many aspects of adventure activities – giving access to something for everyone!
Outdoor Activities in Bangkok
Exploring the Klongs
Outdoor Activities in Bangkok – The Klongs
Klongs are canals that used to supply the entire city with life-giving water, branching off from the city’s main artery – the Chao Phraya River. Today, the locals wouldn’t drink the water if you paid them, but there is still exciting life on the banks of the Klongs. There is so much to explore, from floating markets to old houses on stilts, and it gives an insight into this ancient way of life!
How much does it cost and how do you get to Klongs?
You can usually arrange Klongs from the “Saphan Taksin” Pier along the Chao Phraya River. This is a convenient stop on the Skytrain, making it very easy to access. Usually, you will rent the whole boat for the day (about 1000 THB or 35 USD) and not pay a price per person. So if you can find a few people to go with, the price will drop significantly per person.
Rickshaw City Tours
If you’ve never been to Asia before, Rickshaws are one of the most fun ways to get around. Although they can often be a bit more expensive than metered taxis, you get an experience (and a view) that is second to noneespecially in the busy streets of Bangkok.
What does it cost?
Occasionally, you can even haggle a deal on a tour of the city for next to nothing (50-100 THB or $1.50-3 USD) as long as you visit a few “custom suit tailor” associates throughout the day, as they will Get a starter from the shops just to get you there… No purchase required.
You can often find Tuk Tuk drivers willing to do this standing along the perimeter of the Kings’ Palace. It may take a few tries to request a “special city tour,” but you’re bound to find someone ready for a cut of that business.
Outdoor Activities in Bangkok – Rickshaw Tours
Local secret spot
Chatuchak Market
While most people wouldn’t consider going to a market an adventure, they’ve probably never experienced the likes of Chatuchak (aka JJs). This is one of the BIGGEST outdoor markets in SE Asia. It’s so obvious that you can find maps of the market to help navigate. It is approximately the size of 4 city blocks and is divided into several sections.
Here you will find everything under the sun from clothes to handicrafts, food, mobile phones and even puppies and other cute creatures for sale!! It’s awful. If it takes you too long, you can take a break in one of Bangkok’s most famous parks (Chatuchak Park), located next to the market.
How to get there?
You can get here via Skytrain (BTS), subway (MRT), taxi, bus, you name it – it’s very accessible! But it’s only open on weekends, from about dawn until 5 or 6 pm at its peak. Some shops stay open longer, but most will be closed until dusk. It’s free to enter and a perfect place to buy ANY souvenirs at the end of your time in Thailand.
Let’s say you can coordinate to be here over the weekend. I generally hate shopping for “stuff” but love this market and its energy!
Outdoor Activities in Bangkok – Chatuchak Markets
Best time of year to visit Bangkok for adventure?
Bangkok is located in the tropics and quite close to the Equator. Of course, that means it’s hot all year round.
It is considered the rainy season from May to October, although rains can occur at any time of the year. This is generally a less busy time for tourists, although the rains are not as bad as expected and often last only 30 minutes-1 hour, cooling the heart of the city. Peak season is December-January when temperatures are at their most amazing and driest… although still quite warm!
And if Bangkok isn’t to your taste, luxurious Koh Samui will be. Endless sandy beach, beautiful clear water and nightlife that could live forever. The luxury rental properties are amazing and we recommend Tempston Luxury villa rentals.
Finally, the reason I love Bangkok for adventure is that…
Never ends. This city is SO BIG you could almost get lost in a new neighborhood every day. Single. Day. And you still find new, exciting things to explore. On my list for the next few weeks, I have Scala Cinema, Thai Air Force Museum, Papaya Vintage Shop and Erawan Museum – to name a few. Each when I explore one place, I learn 3 more!!
BIO:
Ever since he was young, Ian has always been a wanderer. He has since traveled to all 7 continents and spent most of his life pursuing this passion. You can follow him on his incredible adventures and discoveries Twitter, FacebookGoogle+ and his travel blog Where the sidewalks end.
Have you been to Bangkok? What were your favorite outdoor activities in Bangkok?
