Bangkok Hidden Gems Walking Tour

FromTHB 2,310

4 hours

Bangkok, Thailand

About this activity

Discover Bangkok's hidden neighborhoods, vibrant markets, and authentic street food on this private 4-hour walking tour with a local guide.

Highlights

Explore Bangkok's hidden neighborhoods
Visit the vibrant Pak Khlong Talat flower market
Experience local life away from tourist spots
Enjoy a tuk-tuk ride through the city
Discover authentic Thai street food stalls

Full description

Unveil the lesser-known treasures of Bangkok on this exclusive 4-hour walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll wander through charming neighborhoods, visit the bustling Pak Khlong Talat flower market, and savor authentic Thai street food. Experience the city's rich culture and daily life beyond the usual tourist paths, all while enjoying a comfortable tuk-tuk ride between destinations. This personalized tour offers an intimate glimpse into Bangkok's vibrant local scene, making it a must-do for those seeking an authentic adventure.

Included / Excluded

Private guided tour
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation by tuk-tuk

Meals and beverages

Itinerary

Built by King Rama I in the late 18th century, Wat Saket is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. Visitors usually come here to climb to the top of the artificial hill from where you have a beautiful view of Bangkok. For a long time, the 'Golden Mountain' was one of the tallest landmarks in the city, before the skyscrapers started popping up. During the 19th century, it served a rather macabre function as a crematorium. Thousands of people who died from the "Black Death" (the plague) were brought here and piled up. Because there were so many victims, it took a long time for the bodies to be cremated and local people gave it the nickname "Vulture Hill" because hundreds of vultures circled above the mountain! The total duration includes walking time from the meeting point to the Golden Mount.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO

Pass by: When King Rama I ascended the throne as the first ruler of the Chakri dynasty in 1782, he decided to establish Bangkok as the new capital of the Kingdom. Because only a few years before that, in 1767, the Burmese had completely destroyed the old capital of Ayutthaya, the King had a number of fortifications built and canals dug out to protect Bangkok. Mahakan Fort was one of 14 forts of which only two remain today, the other one being Phra Sumen fort (located next to the Chao Phraya River, near Khao San Road).

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

The Loha Prasat or ‘Metal Castle’ is a very unique structure. It has 37 black metal spires symbolizing the 37 virtues that are required to reach enlightenment. The 36 meter high Metal Castle consists of three levels, the bottom one has 24 spires, the middle one 12 and the top level has one spire, totaling 37 spires. Only two other similar structures have existed in the world, in India and in Sri Lanka. Neither of these exists today. The total duration includes walking time from the Golden Mount to Wat Ratchanatdaram.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO

Pass by: We walk pass the Democracy Monument which was erected on in 1939, seven years after the 1932 Siamese Revolution, to commemorate the political event that changed the face of Siam (the former name of Thailand). The Democracy Monument has been the site of several large political protests in the past.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

A short stop is made at the Giant Swing (‘Sao Chingcha’). It is a tall teak structure that once supported a giant seat used during Brahman festivals to honor the god Shiva. During the festivities, participants would swing in arcs in an effort to reach a bag of gold suspended from a bamboo pole, an act that was believed to encourage a good harvest. There were so many injuries and even accidental deaths that the ceremonies were discontinued for good by the end of the 1930s. The total duration includes walking time from Wat Ratchanatdaram to Sao Chingcha.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Although located close to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, Wat Ratchabophit is not often visited by foreign tourists. And that’s a shame, because it certainly is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. The temple is built in 1869 and features a mix of Thai and Gothic styles and beautiful porcelain decoration. The temple grounds also houses a royal cemetery with monuments holding the remains of both major and minor Thai royalty. The total duration includes walking time from Sao Chingcha to Wat Ratchabophit.

Duration: 35 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Pass by: We pass the beautiful historic building which nowadays houses the Ministry of Defence and the former Saranrom Palace.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Pass by: We do not enter the Grand Palace, but pass by and get a glimpse from the outer walls.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Pass by: We do not enter the Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), but pass by only.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Pak Khlong Talat is a colorful and vibrant wholesale market that is open 7 days per week, 24 hours a day. The area originally started as a floating market in the early 18th century. Later, in the 19th century, the area became a large fish market. In the 1950s it eventually developed into the current Bangkok Flower Market. When you walk around here, you constantly have to step aside for mopeds, men with baskets and hand carts full of flowers. Many of these flowers go to temples and vendors are busy making small sacrificial flower wreaths. It is never quiet here and the market is always on the move. After a stroll on the flower market your guide will say goodbye and you can further explore Chinatown by yourself or travel back to your hotel by MRT or taxi/tuk-tuk. The total duration includes walking time from Wat Ratchabophit to Pak Khlong Talat.

Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

This is a private tour; only your group will participate.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included; please provide your accommodation details upon booking.
The tour operates between 9am and 10pm; select a time that suits your schedule.

Know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing suitable for Bangkok's warm climate.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the tour.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

Easy Public Transport

Traveler reviews

5.0

1 review

Get your steps in as you tour Bangkok!

Tok took us on a wonderful walking tour around Bangkok. We saw neighborhoods, temples and sights that we would have missed on a typical tour. The 344 steps to the top of Golden Mount was well worth the climb. It was a great way to spend a Sunday morning.

Jeff SNov 25, 2024TRIPADVISOR