Everyone comes to Bangkok for the food, the temples, and the traffic-induced character building. But the most underrated thing to do? Get on the Chao Phraya River and let the city float by while you do absolutely nothing productive. I always take visitors on a river and canal tour, partly because it’s beautiful, and partly because it lets me sit down while still technically “showing them Bangkok.”
The Chao Phraya is basically Bangkok’s original highway. Skyscrapers, five-star hotels, wooden houses on stilts, monks, ferries, and the occasional floating noodle shop all coexist like it’s totally normal. Then you turn off into the canals (khlongs) and suddenly it feels like you’ve time-traveled. Laundry flaps in the breeze, aunties cook lunch on tiny porches, and you realize Bangkok is way more than malls and temples. It’s calm, chaotic, and somehow both at once.
And then there are the monitor lizards. The first time I saw one, I genuinely thought, “Wow, Bangkok just casually has crocodiles.” Turns out they’re giant, harmless-ish lizards that look like dinosaurs who gave up on ambition. They lounge by the water, swim past your boat, and silently judge you. Every guest I bring goes through the same emotional journey: curiosity → fear → 47 photos. Honestly, if the river cruise was only for accidental lizard panic, it would still be worth it.
So yes, temples are great. Street food is elite. But if you want to see Bangkok breathe, float, and occasionally scare you with a fake crocodile — the river wins every time.
If you’re looking for an English teaching job abroad, check out my eBook:
tefltravelling 