TEXT & PHOTOS BY Julian Rosario
Thailand remains a popular holiday destination thanks to its proximity to Singapore and its varied offerings, ranging from beach resorts to bustling cities and mountain towns. Starting from Bangkok, you can explore its quaint neighbourhoods, or head further afield to neighbouring Nakhon Pathom or Sukhothai to explore a different side of Thailand.
BANGKOK Bangkok is everything that Sukhothai isn’t: loud, bustling and never-resting. Tourists come in large hoards to visit the city, but few truly understand what it means to live there. Walking the streets and being immersed into Bangkok’s frenetic urban scene allows you experience the true ‘Bangkok’.
The Talad Noi Neighbourhood The Talad Noi walking tour is run by a local community member who will guide you through all the secrets it has to offer. The tour includes street art, local Chinese delicacies, a peek into local homes, and more. Bang Lamphu Neighbourhood Know as one of Bangkok’s most artsy neighbourhoods, the tour through Bang Lamphu will have you doing everything from dressing in traditional Thai costumes to learning how to play traditional Thai musical instruments. In addition, the tour includes a sampling of local Thai specialties and desserts, and drops in on community monuments such as the Phra Sumen Fort and Bowonniwet temple.
Hivesters Walking Tours runs walking tours throughout 8 neighbourhoods in central Bangkok, the most interesting being the Talad Noi, Bang Lamphu and Nang Loeng neighbourhoods.
Nang Loeng Neighbourhood The Nang Loeng neighbourhood is known for its market in which numerous Thai delicacies can be found. The tour takes you through the market where you can
taste a handful of these dishes. Beyond that, the tour also teaches you to make your own papaya salad from scratch, under the tutelage of a local expert. Nang Loeng is also home to the traditional Thai performance “Lam Sud Chatree”, and you can learn the art from the last-surviving teacher in Thailand.