Nature Tour of Bangkok? You’ve Got to be Kidding, Right?!

When I first signed up for the Follow Me Siam Sawan ‘Jungle Tour’ I cursorily glanced at the itinerary and assumed this would be an urban jungle tour – especially since their office is located in Sathorn, right in Bangkok’s Financial District.

I also assumed it would be a sweaty tour with rivulets of water running off of us after just a few minutes in the saddle and also traffic would be terrible (a Monday morning). Unbelievably neither of these was true – this was a rare cool day in Bangkok – one of those wonderful days you can bike all day and barely work up a sweat. And for some reason the traffic just wasn’t that bad.

This tour is like being in a maze except for a select few (namely the guides) who are familiar with these particular narrow streets and alleys. Even in the main arteries of Sathorn there are plenty of smaller sois (streets) that are much less congested. It is these streets you will start following to begin your tour.

First stop is the M.R. Kukrit House, a former residence of a Prime Minister. This land is valuable considering its location – surrounded by tall buildings. Despite being in the city it feels calm and quiet on the 2 acres. The home provides an excellent example of a historic Teakwood Thai house.

Then it is on to Klong Toey – where narrow paths barely passable for pedestrians wind through an assorted collection of part of the area’s slums – small wooden homes with ramshackle tin roofs are all squeezed together. A ride through here is a quick look at the daily life of those who live here.

Continuing on you will reach a very hidden Chao Phraya River crossing – bikes go into a wooden long tail boat and then so do you for the 10 minute crossing.

Once you reach the other side of the river you will be less than 6km from Follow Me’s main office – yet it dramatically feels world’s apart. Here green vegetation dominates and soon you will be riding bikes on raised concrete pathways through jungle-like vegetation. This is Phra Pradaeng, a protected conservation area.

Plenty of drinks, several restroom stops and some ice cream are provided on the tour. The pace of the ride is leisurely and you never feel rushed. There are plenty of opportunities for photo stops or let the guide email you photos post tour.

After your tour a fish spa is available at their clubhouse for your free use – not a bad way to unwind and rest your feet after a few hours on a bicycle!

Follow Me offers additional bike tours of Bangkok including a 6 hour night tour.

To reach their office:
Find the Chong Nonsi BTS Skytrain stop and follow the handy map listed on their website for a short 10 minute walk to their office located on a small side street off of the busy Naradhiwat Rajanagarindra Road. If you get there a bit early – check out the small stand serving delicious smoothies on the corner of Naradhiwat Rajanagarindra Road and the small street between the 7/11 and the tall Empire building.

For more information about the tour described above (Siam Sawan), visit: www.followmebiketour.com/cycle-bangkok-siam-sawan-siam-heaven-tour