Summer on the East Coast

Bangkok

Evening Street Food Tour in Chinatown, Bangkok

ETG’s Chinatown Night Walking tour is a fascinating culinary journey through one of Bangkok’s liveliest and most diverse districts.

Guided by a local expert, the tour takes you to seven eateries, ranging from air-conditioned restaurants to simple street food stands, where you will sample a range of this 200-year-old area’s heritage dishes. With a minimum of 11 well-considered dishes to sample, you will likely be quite full by the time you get to the end!

The menu will likely include steamed Dim Sum, Chinese herbal drinks, Chinese Bun, “Guau Jab” (a unique, peppery noodle soup), Lychee Ice Cream, Grilled King Prawns, Succulent Duck Cheek and Black Sesame Dumplings with Ginger Tea.

Bustling with activity, Chinatown is one of Bangkok’s most photogenic neighbourhoods. The tour lasts for approximately three hours, starting at 6pm, when this 24-hour district is just getting into full swing.

Between each tasting location, you will go on behind-the-scenes adventures to get a closer look at this unique neighbourhood: you will meet the food bazaar’s lively characters, hear memorable stories, and visit religious and cultural landmarks.

The tour can be taken privately, with a guide meeting you at your hotel, or as part of a group (if you would prefer to share the experience with other food lovers). The tour has been superbly researched to ensure you get the chance to taste some of the city’s best and safest street food from vendors with decades of experience and repeat customers.

Bangkok

Discover Bangkok's Hidden Garden

Set on the banks of a small canal, Poomjai Garden is a welcome oasis right in the heart of the city.

What sets Poomjai apart is its commitment to sustainable practices and its unique collection of flora and fauna not typically found elsewhere in Bangkok. It is a fantastic environmental project that also functions as an organic farm and restaurant.

On your visit, you’ll join a guided tour of the grounds, learning about the diverse plant life and the range of animal species supported here. As part of the experience, you’ll also participate in a Thai dessert workshop. You’ll be provided with all the necessary ingredients and instructions to create a selection of delicious Thai desserts, such as Khanom Bua Loi (Small rice dumplings in a sweet coconut cream) and Khanom Tako (Thai pudding with a coconut topping).

An immersive experience where you can support a fantastic little project while enjoying a delicious lunch in a lovely garden setting.

Bangkok

Overnight Sleeper Train in Thailand

Travelling by train in Thailand is a unique and memorable experience that offers a glimpse into the country’s cinematic landscapes and rich culture. The Thai railway system is extensive, covering most of the country, and has a range of train types to suit different budgets and preferences.

From the bustling city of Bangkok, you can board a train and journey through the lush countryside, passing by rice paddies, rolling hills, and charming villages. The slower pace of train travel allows you to take in the sights and sounds of your surroundings and to connect with local people and cultures along the way. 

One of Thailand’s most popular train routes is the Northern Line, which runs from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. This journey takes 11-12 hours, but sleeper trains make it an overnight option, with private cabins and beds.

Another popular train route is the Southern Line, which runs from Bangkok to the South with jumping-off points at Chumphon, Surat Thani (for Ko Samui or Khao Sok National Park), Trang and Hat Yai.

Here at ETG, we really recommend travelling by train at least once in your Thailand trip. Not only is a practical way to get around but it’s also often an adventure in itself: a great chance to see everyday life unfold and different landscapes in a unique way.

(It’s worth noting that it can often be tricky to obtain first-class tickets, as they are few and far between and sell out instantly. Second-class tickets are easier to obtain, and the carriage is still comfortable with air conditioning and seats that convert into sleeper beds).

Bangkok

Cycle in Bangkok's 'Green Lung'

Take a short boat trip across the Chao Phraya River to Bangkrachao (or Bang Kra Jao), a jungly area nicknamed the ‘Bangkok’s Green Lung’. Sleepy Bang Kra Jao feels worlds away from the city’s energetic streets and is the perfect place for a peaceful two-hour bike ride.

Tropical plants and lush trees surround the roads in Bang Kra Jao, creating an urban sanctuary in the city centre. Cross over canals and admire the mangrove forests that line the waterways and pass traditional Thai houses and golden temples rarely visited by tourists. Stop to chit chat with people as you go, visit markets selling an array of fresh produce and refuel with snacks at one of the many street stalls en route.

Bangkok

Multi-Transport Adventure in Bangkok

Travelling by public transport in Bangkok is fun, immersive and often much quicker than sitting in a car. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on an exciting journey through the city’s bustling streets using a variety of local transport, each offering a unique experience.

You’ll zip through the traffic on a nimble three-wheeled tuk-tuk, glide above it all on the BTS Skytrain, or stroll along at your own pace and take in the sights and sounds of various atmospheric neighbourhoods.

You’ll have the chance to see some famous sights and some lesser-known gems, and your guide will take you deep into the city to places that are unreachable by taxi. It’s a great opportunity to get a glimpse of real life here and delve into Bangkok’s vibrant culture.

Leave some room in your belly because you’re in one of the world’s best foodie cities! With so many delicious street food options, you’ll want to try as many as possible.