Exploring Bangkok Beyond the Tourist Trail
We have been to Bangkok and other parts of Thailand many times before. However, we had not done the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the other big tourist sites yet. Additionally, we wanted to go off the beaten track a bit too. Therefore, we planned to visit some local markets, temples, and hidden gems.
We booked our guide Swai through YourThaiGuide for this adventure. Moreover, it was a really good way to see the city from both perspectives.
Why Swai Made All the Difference
Swai was absolutely great throughout our tour. He was an expert on Thai history and culture. Furthermore, he was sensitive to what we were looking for. Additionally, he had a great sense of humor and spoke excellent English.
We started early at the Grand Palace that morning. However, it was already teeming with tourists by then. Unfortunately, many were putting their hands all over precious gilded statues.
Hidden Gems at Famous Sites
Swai took us to the main attractions first. However, he also showed us the “Crown Jewels” section. Additionally, we saw the exhibit of Queen Sirikit’s outfits for Royal visits abroad. These areas had fewer crowds and were equally fascinating.
Local Markets and Authentic Experiences
Then we went to the Thonburi side of the city. There, we visited local markets and temples away from tourist crowds. Next, we explored the flower market with its vibrant displays. We also saw the vegetables market and Chinatown markets. These included both food stalls and lots of colorful plastic items.
We traveled by taxi and ferry during our tour. Moreover, we had a great lunch by the river. This is an excellent way to spend the day in Bangkok. Therefore, Swai was the perfect guide for this experience.
