Bangkok - Tours of the City

Walking Tours
Although Bangkok is not really the best city for much exploration on foot, Diethelm Travel (tel: (02) 660 7000; website: www.diethelmtravel.com) offers a walking tour of Chinatown, called Bangkok Way of Life', which laststhree hours 30 minutes.

Bus Tours
World Travel Service (tel: (02) 233 5900; website: www.wts-thailand.com) runs small group tours with free pick-ups from numerous hotels throughout Bangkok. Tours can be booked direct or through the tour desk in some hotels. Half-day city tours include the Royal Grand Palace Tour' and the Temples Tour'. Diethelm Travel (tel: (02) 660 7000; website: www.diethelmtravel.com) offers similar tours.

Bicycle Tours
Every day at 1300 there is a three-hour bicycle tour of Bang Kra Jao, a wilderness area with small villages, temples and jungle, just across the Chao Phraya River. The starting point is the Shell gas station on Rama 4 Road and it is organised by Spice Roads (tel: (02) 712 5305; website: www.bangkokbikerides.com) and the charge includes the hire of a bicycle, helmet, water and snacks. Spice Roads also offers other day tours.

Boat Tours
Bangkok is laced with khlongs (canals) and life alongside them is far removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Bangkok. An ideal way to see this side of Bangkok is a boat trip, passing tiny temples, orchards, orchid farms and typical houses on stilts. These are organised by World Travel Service (tel: (02) 233 5900; website: www.wts-thailand.com) and Diethelm Travel (tel: (02) 660 7000; website: www.diethelmtravel.com). The tours on offer from Diethelm include a visit to the floating market at Damnoan Saduak.