Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [102]
Bangkok Bike Rides (Map; 0 2712 5305; www.bangkokbikerides.com; 14/1-B Soi Phromsi 2, off Soi Phrompong/39, Th Sukhumvit; tours from 1000B) A division of the tour company Spice Roads, offering a variety of tours, both urban and rural.
Thailand Segway Tours (0 86890 5675; www.thailandsegwaytours.com; 90min tours from 3100B) Not into tropical exertion? Segway offers several tours on the eponymous non-motorised scooter through Bangkok’s parks, and to the Ancient City in Samut Prakan (Click here).
Velothailand (Map; 0 89201 7782; www.velothailand.com; Soi 2, Th Samsen; tours from 1100B) This small outfit offers unusual programs including a night tour of Thonburi. Bike rentals, repairs and sales are also available at the Banglamphu office.
Walking Tours
Although the pollution and heat are significant obstacles, Bangkok is a fascinating city to explore on foot. If you’d rather do it with an expert guide, Bangkok Private Tours (www.bangkokprivatetours.com; full-day walking tour 8000B) conducts customised walking tours of the city, including food-based tours.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
In addition to the national holidays, there’s always something going on in Bangkok. Check the website of TAT (www.tourismthailand.org) or the Bangkok Information Center (www.bangkoktourist.com) for exact dates. The cultural centres also host various international festivals.
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January
Bangkok International Film Festival (www.bangkokfilm.org) Home-grown talent and overseas indies arrive on the silver screens. If you haven’t heard, Bangkok is fast becoming a Bollywood and Hong Kong movie hybrid. Held in mid-January.
February/March
Chinese New Year Thai-Chinese celebrate the lunar New Year with a week of housecleaning, lion dances and fireworks. Most festivities centre on Chinatown. Dates vary.
March
Kite-Flying Season During the windy season, colourful kites battle it out over the skies of Sanam Luang and Lumphini Park.
April
Songkran The celebration of the Thai New Year has morphed into a water war with high-powered water guns and water balloons being launched at suspecting and unsuspecting participants. The most intense water battles take place on Th Khao San. Held in mid-April.
May
Royal Ploughing Ceremony His Majesty the King commences rice-planting season with a ceremony at Sanam Luang. Dates vary.
Miss Jumbo Queen Contest With fat trends creeping across the globe, Thailand hosts a beauty pageant for extra-large women (over 80kg) who display the grace of an elephant at Nakhon Pathom’s Samphran Elephant Park. Held in early May.
June
International Festival of Music & Dance An extravaganza of arts and culture sponsored by the Thailand Cultural Centre. Held twice a year in June and September.
August
Queen’s Birthday The queen’s birthday is recognised as Mother’s Day throughout the country. In Bangkok, festivities centre on Th Ratchadamnoen and the Grand Palace. Held on 12 August.
September/October
Vegetarian Festival A 10-day Chinese-Buddhist festival wheels out yellow-bannered streetside vendors serving meatless meals. The greatest concentration of vendors is found in Chinatown. Dates vary.
October/November
King Chulalongkorn Day Rama V is honoured on the anniversary of his death at the Royal Plaza in Dusit. Crowds of devotees come to make merit with incense and flower garlands. Held on 23 October.
November
Loi Krathong A beautiful festival where, on the night of the full moon, small lotus-shaped boats made of banana leaf and containing a lit candle are set adrift on Mae Nam Chao Phraya. Held in early November.
Fat Festival Sponsored by FAT 104.5FM radio, Bangkok’s indie-est indie bands gather for an annual fest. Held in early November.
Bangkok Pride (www.utopia-asia.com) A week-long festival of parades, parties and awards is organised by the city’s gay businesses and organisations. Held in mid-November.