Pedal Your Way Through Bangkok
Alright, travel buffs, what is the best way to explore a city and meet like-minded travellers? Here's the answer - good-old cycling.
Yes! Joining bicycle tours is the easiest, most fun way to dive into the local culture. And, if you think cycling is impossible in a busy city like Bangkok, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
Friendly tour guides lead these bicycle tours in Bangkok, while you can confidently pedal your way through the city's hidden gems. Oh, and need we mention that you'll make an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice by hopping on a bike?
Without further ado, here are the best bike tours in Bangkok, along with other cool activity suggestions to make the most of your trip:
Siam Boran Culture Tour
To appreciate ancient Thai culture, this tour is a must-do. Cycling through a vibrant maze of backstreets, you discover a charming "old" vibe while exploring the residents' culture, food and lifestyle. The tour includes visiting a Chinese Shrine, a fragrant flower market, and the old Thai capital, among other attractions.
Route: Chow Sue Kong - Pak Khlong Talat - WatPrayoon - River Cycle Path
Provider: Follow Me Bike Tours; +66870530443
Must-Try: Head up to the MahaNakhon Skywalk
A 15-minute drive from where your tour ends, is Bangkok's best skywalk - the iconic MahaNakhon. You experience an adrenaline rush here, walking over a see-through glass floor on the 78th floor at 314 meters!
Bangkok Night Bike Tour
After a sweltering hot Bangkok day, nothing feels better than having the cool evening breeze caress your face. Believe us when we say this night-time cycling tour is more than relaxing. Cycling in the cool evening hours on the quiet streets of Bangkok, visiting/re-visiting famous landmarks, beautifully-lit temples and pagodas, markets, etc. is an unmissable experience, especially when the place is less crowded.
Route: Mahachai Road - Chao Phraya Bridge - Wat Arun - Flower Market - Wat Pho
Provider: Grasshopper Adventures; +66879295208
Must-Try: Explore the city in one day
After the off-beat night-time cycling tour, how about spending an entire day immersing yourself in the city? Visit some of the capital's main heritage sites, try haggling in local markets, have lunch at a popular cultural street food place, and end the day on a long-tail boat ride along the Thonburi canals and the Chao Phraya River.
Colours of Bangkok Tour
This half-day tour allows an exclusive peek into the city's heart - an opportunity to witness the culture and lifestyle up close and personal. The thrilling tour includes a boat ride on the Chao Praya, after which you pedal to the lush Bang Krachao island, nestled in the middle of the busy metropolis! You just can't miss this while in the Thai capital.
Bangkok City Culture Tour
Join a "bespoke" ride where you can choose the comfortable bicycle for your height! Led by a local guide, you'll spin along local temples, squatter settlements, and the biggest daily market in the city. You take breaks to rest and enjoy people-watching, which is arguably the most-loved tourist activity.
Siam Ratree Bangkok Night Tour
It's a moonlit adventure, wheeling through lively streets. You can savour the shimmering after-dark views as you pedal through the city on a fantastic breezy night. What's more? You'll discover some hidden street-food gems and enjoy tales and legends from history by your guide.
Jungle Bike Tour
Cycling through 12km of pristine nature, this bicycle tour lets you discover a hidden paradise in the heart of Bangkok! Everything suddenly gets cooler and more serene when you reach the cycling trail. True to its name, the "jungle" trail passes through lush thickets, mangroves, and along the river banks.
Route: Khlong Toei Pier - Chao Phraya - Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park
Provider: Bangkok Bike Adventure; +66 859186324
Must-try: Hop-on-hop-off Chao Phraya on a boat
Just as you would on a tourist bus, get off a tourist boat to explore all you wish and get back on to continue floating along the Chao Praya River.
Classic Bangkok Tour
Get on this three-hour refreshing ride off the beaten path to discover the Bangkok that tourists hardly see. On your bicycle, explore Chinatown’s narrow lanes, markets, and the enchanting areas of Thonburi, often called the 'living part' of Bangkok.
Route: Chinatown - Thonburi - Chao Phraya
Provider: Co Van Kessel Bike Tour Bangkok; +6626397351
Must-try: Taste the "real" Bangkok
Phenomenal food, lively streets, and bobbing tuk-tuks - that's Bangkok. Where can you get all three? In Chinatown, of course. Hop on a tuk-tuk and sample street food that the Michelin Guide recommends.
ABC Morning Tour
No one likes waking up early on a holiday. But trust us here. This early morning tour shows you a fresh Bangkok starting the day. Pedal through lanes and bylanes, watch vendors set breakfast stalls, cross old, squeaky wooden bridges, and experience much more.
Route: Sukhumvit Road - Khlong Toei - Soi Aree
Provider: ABC - Amazing Bangkok Cyclist; +66818129641
Must-Try: Pamper yourself with luxury spa sessions
You've not been to Bangkok without indulging in a signature Thai massage. Spas in Sukhumvit's hip neighbourhood, Thonglor, lets you tick that off your list. Calming spaces, soothing music, soaking baths, relaxing aromas, and herbal oils - perfect after a tiring cycling excursion.
Bangkok Sunset Bike Ride
Bangkok's beauty at golden hour is magical. And four hours on a leisurely bike ride is the ideal way to soak up some golden hour glory. The charming Thonburi, Klongsan market and the Grand Palace are lovely places you can wheel through while taking rest stops to relish the city's delish fare.
Route: Thonburi - Klongsan Market - River Biking Bridge - Wat Arun - Grand Palace
Provider: Recreational Bangkok Biking; +6621072500
Must-Try: Join a dinner cruise
A multi-cuisine spread, 360-degree views of Bangkok's sparkling skyline at night, classic Thai (live) performances, lots of cheers and celebration, all while cruising on the Chao Phraya River! What better way to end a day of cycling than this?
An Unforgettable Cycling Escapade
Joining a bicycle tour in Bangkok is not just a great way to explore the city but also a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local culture and its friendly residents, as well as to explore the paths less trodden, and to see things you might miss if you're stiting in a car or bus. From the bustling Chinatown to the tranquil Bang Krachao, these tours unveil exciting stories behind every nook while helping you create your memorable ones.
Commonly Asked Questions
Are Bangkok bicycle tours suitable for all?
Cycling tours aren't suitable for pregnant women, heart patients, or those with other ailments that restrict movement.
How long do bicycle tours usually last?
Usually, three to five hours. But there are some full-day tours as well.
Are helmets provided?
Typically, tour operators provide helmets.
What should I wear?
Light, breathable fabrics are great, and comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.
Should I be an expert?
Cycling experience helps, but most tours are designed for various skill levels. Also, there's a guide on every tour.