Bangkok tours

Things to do in Bangkok

Step into Bangkok, a city that never seems to rest, where tradition and innovation coexist in a lively tapestry. Imagine the pulse of the city as tuk-tuks zip past and street food vendors fill the air with enticing aromas. Your local guide will take you beyond the surface, showing you the Bangkok that thrives in its hidden corners. Personalized tours will lead you through alleys and markets that many overlook, or on a walking tour where you'll sample pad thai that might just redefine your culinary expectations. Popular spots come with stories that your guide will unravel, and a food and wine tour could well be a journey through the city's eclectic flavours and history. Bangkok is more than a place on the map; it's an experience waiting to be lived. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Bangkok. Explore Bangkok your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Bangkok tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Bangkok for every interest, including: History tours: Trace the old capital on Rattanakosin Island with a guided circuit of the Grand Palace area and the Bangkok National Museum, then ride a long-tail boat through Thonburi canals to see teak houses and old boatyards. Your guide can work in historic shophouses around Banglamphu and explain how the city expanded along the klongs. Off The Beaten Path tours: Wander Talat Noi’s lane ways for street art and century-old engine shops, then cross to the Khlong Bang Luang Artist House for a quiet canal-side coffee and, if timing is right, a traditional puppet show. Add Nang Loeng Market for heritage snacks and the Ban Bat community where artisans hammer monk bowls by hand. Religious Sites tours: Visit Wat Phra Kaew and the Emerald Buddha, continue to Wat Pho for the reclining Buddha and a foot massage at the temple school, then ferry across to Wat Arun’s riverside prang. For a calmer stop, include Wat Ratchabophit or Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing, plus a small Chinese shrine in Yaowarat. The BTS Skytrain, MRT, and Chao Phraya river boats make cross-city travel simple, though distances are long and heat can slow walks. Your local guide can combine trains, boats, tuk-tuks, or arrange chauffeured tours to keep temple dress codes and timing comfortable. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Bangkok inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Experience the vibrant energy of Bangkok by taking a private walking tour, allowing you to explore the city’s dynamic neighborhoods with a local guide who knows all the hidden gems. There’s no better way to truly understand a neighborhood than having a local by your side, showing you the paths less traveled. - Siam Square: Perfect for families and shopping enthusiasts, this bustling area is packed with trendy boutiques and street food. It's a great place to dive into modern Thai culture and enjoy some of the best shopping experiences in the city. - Chinatown: A cultural tourist’s dream, Chinatown offers a blend of history and flavor with its vibrant markets and delicious street food. It's an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in Bangkok's multicultural tapestry. - Banglamphu: Known for its historical significance, this neighborhood caters to those seeking meaningful connections with the city’s past. Wander through its charming streets and discover its mix of traditional Thai and colonial architecture. - Thonburi: For those interested in a quieter, more traditional side of Bangkok, Thonburi offers serene canals and local markets. It's perfect for multi-generational groups wanting to experience the city’s less touristy areas. - Ari: Trendy and laid-back, Ari is favored by young locals and offers a mix of chic cafes and hip eateries. This is the spot for anyone looking to explore Bangkok's modern lifestyle and enjoy a relaxed afternoon. Day trip ideas from Bangkok From Bangkok, slip out to nearby cities and river towns for day trips that mix temples, markets, nature, and war history, with your tour shaped around what you like. - Ayutthaya: Grand ruins and active temples sit close together, so you can cover key sites by tuk-tuk, boat, or bike, taste boat noodles at a local spot, and focus on the stories that interest you most with your guide. - Maeklong Railway Market and Amphawa: Watch the train roll through a tight street market, then sample seafood and sweets along Amphawa’s canals and, at dusk, look for fireflies by boat, which suits photographers and food lovers. - Kanchanaburi: The Bridge over the River Kwai, the Death Railway, and quiet cemeteries offer context, while Erawan Waterfall adds swims and shade on hot days, a strong pick if you want both history and greenery. - Nakhon Pathom: The towering Phra Pathom Chedi anchors a simple route with local food markets like Don Wai nearby, good for temple fans who also want easy, no-fuss snacks and river views. - Bang Krachao: Bike or walk shaded paths through the “green lung,” pause at small temples, and circle lakes in the park, a low-key break from city noise; private tours make it simple to fit into a half day. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Bangkok most travellers miss.