Bangkok Off The Beaten Path Tips by thedouglas Top 5 Page for this destination

Sometimes the motorbikes just die! Backstreets Review

One of our favourite holiday activities is just walking. He who must always know where he is takes the map, but I am happy to wander! Some of our best pictures and ogles have been when we have been lost, and just wandered around the streets. Get off at a station and check out the local markets and streetscape.

This old bike was up against the wall in one of my wanderings, not so far off the beaten path at all!

The second bike was in a fairly busy street - and had obviously become "spare parts"!

Soi Dogs I have Seen! Backstreets Review

Most of these poor old dogs look pathetic, if not quite scary - undoubtedly their bark is worse than their bite - but who's gonna risk it! Dogs and their fleas are everywhere in Bangkok - and beyond - they can be quite snarly - and I'm not about to take any risks.

Wandering encounters Backstreets Review

There seems to be life in every nook and cranny of Bangkok - find a bridge or any form of shelter, and there'll be life underneath. These dogs put me into reverse gear! They look hungry and mean, but, the reality is, they are probably so diseased and weak, they can barely snarl at you! Not a risk taker when it comes to disease and things that bite!

This scene was just a few metres away from a very civilised looking shopping area!

Traffic incidents DO happen!

The first time I went to Bangkok, like everyone else, I was in awe of the traffic - and the lack of accidents. On subsequent trips, i have seen a few - but remarkably few, despite the sheer volume and driving conditions. This poor old abandoned taxi was beside a khlong market enroute to Wat Pho (one of our walks). I am gathering that the vegetable "bits" in the bumper are accumulated from the location, rather than a remnant of a collision with a vegetable truck! Just reminded me of why I won't every driving in Bangkok!!!

Flower markets are even a visual feast! Chao Phraya River Review

We took a ferry to Thewes - and immediately at the exit, this market is upon you - well after the many taxi, tuktuk and moto taxis are upon you! A feast for eyes - even for a non-gardener such as me! In such an often dreary landscape, this healthy and colourful display was truly beautiful!

Backstreets on the way to the Royal Barge Museum Backstreets Review

We took the ferry to Tha Rot Fai to see the Royal Barges, and walked a distance to get to them. The fact that Bangkok is such a city of contrasts is evident in so many situations - but the poverty and general lack of comfort and space by Western standards, compared to the absolute wealth contained in the barge museum was most visually evident - just a few feet away from each other..........................
It is however a great little walk past schools, and a community who must put up with plenty of people getting lost on the way as the signage isnt great.
The barges themselves are magnificent and there is a history of the barges in the building aswell. The kids where not as impressed as the adults..

Markets on Klongs - Markets everywhere Bangkok's Canals - the Khlongs Review

We took a boat from Ratchawongse - to Thewes - and passed a flower market - but came upon this amazing local market on a klong - which just had the most incredible foods - some of which were fairly unappetising! I have been back to this market several times - and never cease to marvel at it! Makes Western supermarkets look pretty damned boring!