Bangkok , Thailand

Bangkok - The Untold Story

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About this experience

Discover Bangkok from a different perspective, a story that is not normally spoken about, but should not be forgotten. Aside from the beautiful temples, fun aspects of "going local" with street food and taking riverboats, you'll learn about the bloody history of Thailand, especially Bangkok, when students fought against armed soldiers and police for democracy.

Available options

Bangkok Flipside - Good, Bad & Ugly

What's included

Local guide

Private tour

Bottled water

Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points

Lunch

Landing and facility fees

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet your guide, followed by a short brief before taking to walking the streets to Saphan Hua Chang pier, board a boat on the infamous Klong Saen Saep canal. Disembark and head to the Golden Mount of Wat Saket, a pagoda situated on an artificial hill, created by King Rama III and completed in the reign of King Rama V. Today the pagoda still commands a panoramic view over old Bangkok.

Stop 2

Visit the stunning Silver Pagoda, built during the reign of King Rama III, in 1846, for the princess granddaughter. The temple is best known for it's 37 metal spires, signifying the 37 virtues. The design almost appears Burmese, but in fact is a copy of old Buddhist design found in Sri Lanka.

Continue to Bamrung Muang, Bangkok's first shopping street. Today it caters to temple supplies where you will find monk robes, candles, incense sticks, books, and many golden statues of the Buddha.

Stop 4

Walk to Wat Suthat, a royal temple constructed during the reign of King Rama I, and completed in the reign of King Rama III. The main ordination hall sits at the center is where the sacred Phra Sri Sakayamunee Buddha image, relocated from Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai, is enshrined. It is also one of the largest ordination halls in Thailand with 72.25-meter-high ceiling, completed with stunning wall paintings. In front of Wat Suthat is the Giant Swing - formerly used in an old Brahmin ceremony, and constructed in 1784.

Stop 5 Pass by

Walk to the Democracy Monument, the monument was commissioned to commemorate the 1932 Siamese coup d'état which led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.

Continue down the once bloody streets of Ratchadamnoen Ave to the 14 October Memorial. One of the biggest and most notorious demonstrations ever to have happened in Bangkok was the fateful student-led protest of October 14, 1973, when half a million people gathered to demand an end to the autocratic regime. It was savagely quashed and turned into a bloody riot that culminated in the death of several hundred protesters at the hands of the police and the military - today the memorial is a shrine to those who died.

Stop 7

Stop for a drink at the Royal Hotel, built in 1942 in the heart of the old capital, the hotel has a dark secret, notorious as a shelter for political demonstrators, and used as an emergency hospital during many political conflicts, many have also died here.

Stop 8

Walk across the streets to Thammasat University, passing Sanam Luang, the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Keo to the left. The university was the birthplace of the student uprising in 1973 and 1976, the center stage of the demonstrations was located on the football field. Today Thammasat University remains one of the top political universities in Thailand.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Departure Point: BTS Skytrain Station - National Stadium (W1), next to MBK Shopping Mall, Exit 3

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual

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.