Bangkok Art and Culture Hidden Gems Self Guided Audio Tour

Bangkok , Thailand

Bangkok Art and Culture Hidden Gems Self Guided Audio Tour

Active

2h - 3h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Bangkok’s Old Town at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour co-created with locals. Wander lively alleys, hidden temples, and creative cafés while hearing stories you won’t find in guidebooks.
Taste Michelin-starred crab omelets, Pad Thai, and Thai desserts in the “Ghost Gate” district, explore historic lumber streets and family workshops, visit Thailand’s only Bhikkhuni Shrine at Wat Thepthidaram, and end at the Sunthorn Phu Museum. Walk, listen, and uncover Bangkok’s hidden stories.

Available options

Bangkok Art and Culture Hidden Gems Self Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Local community supports

Digital map with walking directions & points of interest

Audio guide narrated by locals (via your phone)

Detailed itinerary

Your journey begins at Mahakarn Fortress, Bangkok’s eastern stronghold.

If you explore the public park around Mahakan Fort, you will find information signs attempting to explain the history and community life that once existed in this area before it was demolished to create the current public park. Feel free to take a stroll and read more about it!

Explore Bangkok’s hidden world of woodcraft and creativity on this self-guided audio walk through Phra Nakhon’s old lumber district. Once filled with the scent of teak and the sounds of chisels, this neighborhood still holds the charm of its carpentry roots — where Chinese artisans once built ornate doors, windows, and furniture by hand. As you wander past rows of century-old shophouses along Boriphat Road, discover how this heritage area is evolving into a new creative quarter. Step inside family-run workshops like Samfah Kan Chang, meet locals who keep the craft alive, and see how artists, cafés, and design studios now share the same historic walls. A perfect walk for those who love stories, textures, and timeless design details hidden in plain sight.

Stop 3 Pass by

Discover a Bangkok neighborhood where history and modern life intertwine. Once known as Pratu Phi or the “Ghost Gate,” this area was once used for funeral rituals outside the old city walls. Over time, it transformed into Samran Rat, meaning “Joyful People,” a lively hub of culture and cuisine. On this self-guided audio walk, you’ll explore narrow streets lined with heritage shophouses, hear stories of old Bangkok, and uncover how this once somber place became one of the city’s most beloved food destinations. Along the way, pass famous eateries like Raan Jay Fai, Thipsamai Pad Thai, and Tee Yen Ta Fo, and discover hidden local favorites such as Loong Pa Pad Thai, Sirirat Thai Desserts, and Cowboy Pratu Phi Grilled Squid. A journey where the echoes of the past meet the aromas of sizzling woks. A perfect place for curious travelers and food lovers alike.

Step into Bangkok’s artistic and literary past at Wat Thepthidaram and the Sunthorn Phu Museum. Explore a temple dedicated to women in Buddhism, featuring 52 statues of female monks, a white Buddha, and intricate bas-reliefs radiating grace and feminine energy. Learn about Sunthorn Phu, Thailand’s most famous royal poet, who once resided here under royal patronage. Discover his national epic Phra Aphai Mani, hear traditional Thai poems, and gain insight into how his works shaped Thai literature and culture. Visit his former home-turned-museum to see personal artifacts, engage with staff, and experience the life of the “Siamese Shakespeare.” A journey where art, devotion, and poetry converge.

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Start in front of Mahakan fort, near the city’s canal. Open The Roots Routes self guided audio tour link and use the code you have received on the email address used for your booking This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart any time and complete at your own pace.

Important notes

THE ROOTS ROUTES CODE
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Access the audio guides on the following website:
https://therootsroutesguide.com/artanddesignofancientbangkok/

Enter your login code and password to unlock the tour.
Login Code: SG4918Z-TRR-SGT
Password: 135566

ACCESS INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you receive your code, please follow these steps:
Open the link provided in the email to access The Roots Routes Self-Guided Audio Tour webpage.
Copy your login code and password.
Paste them into the login page.
Click Log In to begin your tour.

⚠️ Note: Access is valid for 30 days from purchase.
Recommended duration: 2–3 hours
The tour is self-guided. There will be no live guide accompanying you.

PLEASE NOTE
───
• The tour can be accessed at any time, before or after your booking date.
• It follows a set route and includes a digital map. For the best experience, start at the designated point and follow the directions in order.
• Before starting, scroll down to listen to the tutorial audio.
• Headphones are recommended unless you are using the driving tour option.

About Bangkok

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a dynamic blend of traditional culture and modern urban life. Known for its ornate temples, bustling street markets, and world-class street food, Bangkok offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Top Attractions

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings that served as the royal residence from 1782 to 1925. It is a stunning example of Thai architecture and houses the Emerald Buddha.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 500 THB

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a stunning temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is famous for its beautiful porcelain decorations and the iconic prang (spire).

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours 50 THB

Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the world's largest markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market offers a vast array of goods, from clothing and accessories to food and antiques.

Shopping/Cultural Half day to full day Varies

Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok. Taking a boat tour along the river offers a unique perspective of the city and its many temples and palaces.

Nature/Scenic 1-3 hours Varies

Chatuchak Park

Chatuchak Park is a large and lush urban park that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It is home to a variety of plants, animals, and recreational facilities.

Nature/Relaxation 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pad Thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a sweet and tangy sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Tom Yum Goong

A spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.

Dinner Contains seafood.

Som Tum

A spicy green papaya salad made with shredded papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a tangy dressing.

Lunch/Snack Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Mango Sticky Rice

Sweet ripe mango served with sticky rice and coconut milk.

Dessert Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Erawan National Park Kayaking on the Chao Phraya River ATV tours in Hin Lek Fai Spa and massage treatments Boat tours on the Chao Phraya River Visiting temples and parks Visiting temples and historical sites Attending traditional Thai performances

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the most pleasant time to visit with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It's peak tourist season with lively festivals and events.

22°C to 34°C 72°F to 93°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English, Chinese
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Bangkok is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime, scams, and traffic accidents can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and tuk-tuks.
• Be wary of jet ski rentals and gem shops.

Getting there

By air

Suvarnabhumi Airport • 30 km from city center
Don Mueang International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal

By bus

Mo Chit Bus Terminal, Ekamai Bus Terminal, Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned, the MRT is a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Khao San Road Sukhumvit Chinatown (Yaowarat) Silom Banglamphu

Day trips

Ayutthaya

80 km from Bangkok • Full day

Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It is known for its stunning temples and historical ruins.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

105 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Damnoen Saduak is one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand, offering a unique shopping and dining experience on the water.

Maeklong Railway Market

80 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Maeklong Railway Market is a unique market where vendors set up their stalls on the railway tracks, and a train passes through several times a day.

Festivals

Songkran • April 13-15 Loy Krathong • Full moon night in November Vegetarian Festival • September/October (dates vary by year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Thai phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway to avoid traffic and get around the city quickly and efficiently.
Haggle and bargain when shopping at markets and street stalls, but do so politely and respectfully.
Try street food, but choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.