One way of seeing Bangkok is by bicycle, you will be much closer to the people and see a lot more than you would from the inside of a mini van.
One such tour group that offers bicycle tours of Bangkok and nearby is the ABC Amazing Bangkok Cyclist (website or Phone: 66(0) 2665 6364 Mobile: 66(0) 8181 29641) and they come as highly recommended.
The rides will take you through the slums of klong toey, then over the Chao Praya
River on a small boat and then into the lush plantations of an area that feels completely remote from a teeming metropolis which in reality is but a few kms away. Stop at a weekend floating market and take in the sights while enjoying a sweet traditional thai tea or coffee.
Of course, once you are familiar with the area you can just do it yourself, but for the first time a tour guide is a good idea.
There are many concrete paths scattered through out this area. Sometimes the paths are elevated up to 1.5 metres above the mangroves and water, at other times they are level with the ground. Some care is advised when riding.
google map version of location map for bangkok bike riding
hand drawn map (from the old days)
In the days before google maps we had to draw out our own maps. *Note, I will upload a larger resolution file of this map later.
weekend floating markets
The weekend floating market is great for purchasing snacks and drinks, though there is also plenty of small Mom and Pop coffee shops and cafes scattered around for a break from your riding.
Always Restless Feet 
How fun!! I love the floating market – creative and unique 🙂 …hopefully no produce gets lost overboard accidentally!
Agreed! (though I wish I was a much better photographer to properly capture it all!)
What photos you took are great! But i know the dream of a better camera and getting better pics 🙂 I really should upgrade my camera one of these days…
Not great enough in my opinion, but thanks! 🙂
I wish I had done that! My husband used to ride his bike all over the place. I never ventured out.
Without meaning to state the obvious or sound condescending, do it now! (Jakarta is trickier, but riding around is still a great way to see the place)
Haha… I’ve thought about it but I’m scared of motorcycles. I might try it on a carfree sunday. My husband takes our two year old all over the place almost every sunday. I might do it with them next time!
I’m fortunate that I live well away from the centre of Jakarta, just the other day I took the bike out and around some small kampung roads/tracks. It was really interesting and I should have brought my camera, next time!
You see so much more at the slow pace of a bike and can stop and walk if necessary
I absolutely agree, people are more likely to talk to you as well, some of my most memorable travels have been on foot or on bicycle.
Yes I agree about the people contact when on a bike
We also booked the bicycle tour and it was such an awesome day! We met so many nice people on the way and saw the city from a new perspective. Ok, yes, it was a bit sweaty, but that just happens when you’re active. Can absolutely recommend it.
Yep, I used to recommend it to all our visitors when I lived in Bangkok. Really worth doing.