Top 10 things to do before or after our bicycle tour in Bangkok/ Bang Rak.
So you made up your mind to come on a fantastic Bangkok Bicycle Tour with us. Some of you travel from far and others closer within Bangkok.
The question always remains what to do before or after the bike tour. Shall we go back for a swim? Shall we head out to the night markets? Shall we visit the Snake farm? Ride the express boats on the rivers?
The possibilities are endless! Just because you booked a half day tour does not mean you need to lose a rest of the day for doing it.
Go Bangkok tours is located in the very first ‘City-Center’ of the old Bangkok and it surroundings have plenty of opportunities to make the visit last a whole day! Of course depending on your tour start and ending time.
We have listed some things “10 things to do” before or after the tour within easy reach from Go Bangkok Tours.
Favorite choices are:
- Snake Farm
- River Boat ride
- Asiatique night market
- Sirocco Bar Lebua State Tower
- Lumphini Park
- Shopping at Robinsons Mall
- Bangkok Folk Museum
- Seashell museum
- Climb the Sathorn Unique Tower (Ghost Tower!!!)
- Foot Massage
Snake Farm:
The Red Cross snake farm is reasonably close by and can be reached by the BTS Sky Train or a short Taxi Ride. The Snake farm also known as the “Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute” specializes in the abstraction of venom for research. Thailand is famous for its antidotes it produces.
The origins can be traced back to 1912 when King Rama VI granted permission for a government institute to manufacture and distribute rabies vaccine upon the suggestion of Prince Damrong, whose daughter, Princess Banlusirisarn, had died from rabies infection. It was officially opened on 26 October 1913 in the Luang Building on Bamrung Muang Road as the Pastura Institute after Louis Pasteur, who discovered the first vaccine against rabies. In 1917 it was renamed the Pasteur Institute and placed under the supervision of the Thai Red Cross Society. The institute also produced vaccine against smallpox.
In the early 1920s the king offered his private property for the construction of a new home for the institute on Rama IV Road. The new buildings were officially opened on 7 December 1922, now named for the king’s mother, Queen Saovabha. At the same time, the institute’s first director, Dr. Leopold Robert, requested contributions from foreigners living in Thailand for the establishment of a snake farm, which would enable the institute to manufacture antivenom for snake bites. Reportedly the second snake farm in the world after one in São Paulo, Brazil, it was opened on 22 November 1923 by Queen Savang Vadhana, then President of the Thai Red Cross, on the institute’s premises.
The research into snake venom is highly important, since many people fall victim to venomous snake bites. Normally only an antidote that is based from the same snake’s venom can save the individual’s life.
Containing thousands of some of the most venomous snakes in the world, such as the king cobra and all sorts of vipers, the snake farm is a highlight for any tourist visit. There are daily shows where handlers play around with pythons, and extractions of venom can also be witnessed. There is also a museum, and lectures are given. (Source HERE)
Map to the Snake Farm (15 min BTS/Walk combo):
River Boat Ride:
There are different ways to get to us. Depending on the location we would always suggest to try and take the River Taxi as its cheap and gives you a good glimpse of what Bangkok is made of along the river. With an excellent view it’s a great opportunity to take some nice pictures.
There are different boats to catch and consist mainly of 3 types distinguished by 3 different colored Flags.
- Orange (15 Baht fixed fare and stops at every pier incl. Sathon Pier, daily from 6am to 7pm)
- Green (13-30 Baht fare and stops at nearly every pier incl. Sathon Pier, daily from 6am-8am and 4pm-6pm)
- Yellow (20-29 Baht fare and stops at nearly every pier incl. Sathon Pier, daily from 6am-8am and 4pm-8pm)
They also run “Tourist Boats” These stop only at the POI’s and tickets are 120 baht. This is a day pass for Hob-on, Hob-off. They carry the Blue Flag.
For an amazing trip out take the Green Flag boat that takes you all the way up to Pakkret in Nonthaburi, a different province out of Bangkok. From there take a boat across to Ko Kret, a small Island right in the middle of the River. Amazing!
Asiatique Night Market:
Back in the 1900s, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn, Asian countries were under threat of colonization from the European Countries. King Chulalongkorn took the initiative to establish relations with Denmark. Included in this process was the construction of a pier belonging to the East Asiatic Company, a business dedicated to the export of teak wood and owned by Mr. Hans Nille Andersen, a Danish national. This pier signaled the beginning of international trade between the Kingdom of Siam and European nations and was the key to Siam maintaining the sovereignty and independence it enjoys to this day.
Today, that same area in which the East Asiaticis once stood, has been restored to its original glory under the name “ASIATIQUE The Riverfront”
It’s a Night Market with plenty of opportunity to shop and eat. Great evening out and also houses the Bangkok Eye. A Ferris Wheel with great views of the city! Food is plenty with nearly all countries represented. From French Bistro to Japanese Sushi Bars.
To get there simply take the FREE shuttle boat from the main pier near our office. Service starts from 5PM onwards.
Map to the Pier for FREE shuttle (2 min walk):
Sirocco Bar @ Lebua State Tower:
Widely regarded as Bangkok’s best rooftop bar. The Sky Bar’s cocktails and fantastic atmosphere plus not to forget its spectacular views have made it a highlight of the Bangkok nightlife scene. Do try the well-known Hangovertini, which was created for the cast of The Hangover Part II crew while they were filming at lebua.
At over 260 Meter high it’s the world’s highest bar! The views are not to be missed but do keep in mind that they have a dress code and it’s not cheap with an average price for a drink at about USD 15.-
If you do plan to visit this after your tour with us and wish to shower and change into a different set of cloths please let us know. We most happy to let you use our shower and ironing board. From our HQ its only a 10 minutes walk. Cant miss it!
Map to walk to Sirocco Sky Bar (10 min walk):
Lumphini Park:
Lumphini Park is a 360-rai (57.6-hectare (142-acre)) park in Bangkok, Thailand. This park offers rare open public space, trees and playgrounds in the Thai capital and contains an artificial lake where visitors can rent a variety of boats. Paths around the park totaling approximately 2.5 km in length are a popular area for evening joggers. Officially, cycling is only permitted during the day between the times of 10am to 3pm. There is a smoking ban throughout the park, and dogs are not allowed.
Lumphini Park is a multi-purpose park. Many activities are provided for citizens and tourists. The park is a green area. There are a lot of trees, beautiful flowers, large lakes, and various type of animals. (Source HERE)
Map to Lumphini Park (Taxi 5 min/ 50 Baht):
Shopping at Robinsons Mall:
Robinson’s Bang Rak is a shopping center located near the Riverside in Bangkok. It contrasts with the rest of the area, which has a more rustic, local feel to it and makes shopping for international brands convenient for visitors who are staying in the area or those visiting one of the many attractions along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Robinson Shopping Mall is only a short two-minute walk from our HQ and its open every day from 10:30 until 22:00 during the week and from 10:00 to 22:00 on weekends. As well as a decent range of shops, there are also chain restaurants and a food court. Don’t forget to check out the DAILY 50-80% discounts outside the mall!
Bangkok Folk Museum:
Bangkok Folk Museum is located at Soi Charoen Krung 43 a few hundred meters from Go Bangkok Bicycle Tours.
The building dating back to the World War II period. Lovely old Teak wooden house. The museum offers an insight into the lifestyles of middle-class Bangkokians during World War II.
The museum was originally the home of the Suravadee family which was built in 1937, but was converted to the Bangkok Folk Museum to preserve the lifestyle of early Bangkok and the history of Bang Rak district.
The museum consists of two main two-storey buildings and a garden with a huge tree. In an upstairs room there is an ancestors’ quarters which displays many of the relics of original family members these include the old Benjarong jar made from Thai porcelain from the King Rama V period (1858 – 1910). Some of the other porcelain pieces in the Bangkok Folk Museum are from the early Rattanakosin era.
The second building in the Bangkok Folk Museum is at the rear and was once intended to be the home and clinic of Dr. Francis Christian, the stepfather of the owner, but Christian had died before he could move in. Notable displays are his cigar collection, and various stoves dating back to the early 20th century. One display has an old Bangkokian kitchen from the war period. Another room displays sanitation and toilet facilities during the war and has two toilets standing next to each other.
Overall well worth the visit with free entrance. Lovely landlord as well. Open daily from 9am to 3pm.
Map to Bangkok Folk Museum (Walk 15 min):
Seashell museum:
This remarkably large collection of exquisite shells is displayed in a really intelligent way, explaining and describing how shells are just more than a beautiful objects… or a delicacy on your plate. Shells can have surprising features and some of them are among the most deadly living creatures on earth. They have been part of human history since the beginning of time, as currency, as musical instruments and more recently as part of medical research.
The 3,000 specimens of 600 species are neatly arranged by families and extremely well annotated in both English and Thai, using plenty of illustrations and diagrams to make the visit interesting and informative. The most popular shells are the alien looking or the largest ones, especially the massive giant clam weighing no less than 300 kg! On the upper floors you’ll find fascinating collections of colorful shells organized with artistic sensibility, all very enjoyable even if you are not a shell enthusiast. The range of colors goes far beyond the few shells found on any beach of Thailand. (Source HERE)
Opened daily from 10am to 6pm.
Map to Seashell Museum (walk 10 min):
Climb the Sathorn Unique Tower:
Also called Ghost tower. An unfinished skyscraper in the Thai capital city of Bangkok. Planned as a high-rise condominium complex, construction of the building was halted during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, when it was already about 80 percent complete. It is now among the most prominent of Bangkok’s many derelict buildings, and has become a destination for urban explorers. This tower is packed daily with explorers and photographers to make stunning pictures of the sun set in Bangkok. (Source HERE)
Open daily from 4pm onwards and entrance fees vary from 200 to 400 baht. Please note that this is not a legal listed activity as such therefor we do not take any responsibilities.
Map to Bangkok Unique( 5 min walk):
Foot Massage:
Whats better than to pamper your feet for an hour’s foot-massage? Right on our doorsteps we have plenty of foot massage shops. There is no need to go out further as this is just as good or even better en most likely a fraction of the price that you would pay at the well advertised shops.
Please note that we do have a Fish Spa available at Go Bangkok Tours which is absolutely free of charge to use.
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