When I first visited Bangkok I remember reading in the guide book, “fasten your seat belts, this is South East Asia’s centre of backpacker energy with all manner of ways to get into trouble”. For backpackers, I think this was fairly accurate and it’s always worth a trip to the Koh San road to get a feel for this energy if it’s your first time in Bangkok. If your a bit older, Bangkok also offers some of the best value rooftop bars and restaurants in all of Asia.
But it’s not all ping pong shows and refined dinning – you can also have a surprisingly rural experience right in the centre of Bangkok in its Phrapradaeng Peninsular, aka Bangkok’s Green Lung.
Best way to do it is a rent a bike – heaps of places to do so and your hotel / hostel can easily help – and head to the Khlong Toei Pier to take the regular boats over the river to the peninsular. From there, just head off through the canals, orchards, jungle and have a wander through the Bang Nam Pheung Market at the weekends. Can easily take a day passing through there and can still give yourself all the time to get loose in the evening in Bangkok’s mayhem.