BANGKOK
around Bangkok, including a night tour and
a tour of the city’s green zones.ABC Amazing Bangkok
Cyclists BICYCLE TOURS
(Map p 92 ; %0 2665 6364; http://www.realasia.net; 10/5-7
Soi 26, Th Sukhumvit; tours from 1000B; htours at
8am, 10am or 1pm; BTS Phrom Phong) Operating
for more than a decade, the bike-based tours
here purport to reveal the ‘real’ Asia by fol-
lowing the elevated walkways of the city’s
rural canals.Segway Tour Thailand SEGWAY TOURS
(Map p 60 ; %0 2221 4525; http://www.segwaytourthai
land.com; Maharaj Pier Building, Tha Maharaj, off Th
Maha Rat; half-day tours from 3500B; h9.30am-
6.30pm Tues-Sun; 32, 201, 503, river ferry Tha Ma-
haraj) This outfi t runs half-day and full-day
Segway tours of Bangkok and elsewhere,
including Ayuthaya.Bangkok Bike Rides BICYCLE TOURS
(Map p 92 ; %0 2712 5305; http://www.bangkokbikerides.
com; 14/1-B Soi Phromsi 2, off Soi 39/Phrompong,
Th Sukhumvit; tours from 1000B; h8.30am-
6.30pm Tue-Sun; BTS Phrom Phong) A division
of the tour company Spice Roads, it off ers a
variety of tours, both urban and rural. Walking & Speciality Tours
Although the pollution and heat are signifi -
cant obstacles, Bangkok is a fascinating city
to explore on foot. If you’d rather do it with
an expert guide, Bangkok Private Tours
(www.bangkokprivatetours.com; full-day walking
tour 3400B) conducts customised walking
tours of the city. And foodies may appreciate
the off erings at Bangkok Food Tours (% 08
9126 3657; http://www.bangkokfoodtours.com; half-day
tour adult/child 950/750B), which off er half-
day culinary tours of Bangkok’s Bang Rak
neighbourhood. z Festivals & Events
In addition to the national holidays (see
p 759 ), there’s always something going on
in Bangkok. Check the website of TAT (www.
tourismthailand.org) or the Bangkok Infor-
mation Center (www.bangkoktourist.com) for
exact dates. The cultural centres also host
various international festivals. February & March
Chinese New Year NEW YEAR
Thai-Chinese celebrate the lunar New Year
with a week of housecleaning, lion dances
and fi reworks. Most festivities centre on Chi-
natown. Dates vary.Kite-Flying Season KITE-FLYING
During the windy season (March), colourful
kites battle it out over the skies of Sanam
Luang and Lumphini Park. April & May
Songkran NEW YEAR
The celebration of the Thai New Year has
morphed into a water war with high-pow-
ered water guns and water balloons being
launched at suspecting and unsuspecting par-
ticipants. The most intense water battles take
place on Th Khao San. Held in mid-April.Royal Ploughing
Ceremony PLANTING CEREMONY
His Majesty the King (or lately the Crown
Prince) commences rice-planting season
with a ceremony at Sanam Luang. Held in
May; dates vary. August
Queen’s Birthday MOTHER’S DAY
The queen’s birthday is recognised as Moth-
er’s Day throughout the country. In Bangkok,
festivities centre on Th Ratchadamnoen and
the Grand Palace. Held on 12 August. September & October
Vegetarian Festival FOOD FESTIVAL
A 10-day Chinese-Buddhist festival wheels
out yellow-bannered streetside vendors
serving meatless meals. The greatest con-
centration of vendors is found in China-
town. Dates vary.International Festival of
Music & Dance MUSIC & DANCE FESTIVAL
(www.bangkokfestivals.com) An extravaganza of
arts and culture sponsored by the Thailand
Cultural Centre. Held September or October.King Chulalongkorn Day ROYAL EVENT
Rama V is honoured on the anniversary of
his death at the Royal Plaza in Dusit. Crowds
of devotees come to make merit with incense
and fl ower garlands. Held on 23 October. November
Loi Krathong FULL-MOON FESTIVAL
A beautiful festival where, on the night of the
full moon, small lotus-shaped boats made of
banana leaf and containing a lit candle are
set adrift on Mae Nam Chao Phraya. Held in
early November.Fat Festival MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sponsored by FAT 104.5FM radio, Bangkok’s
indie-est indie bands gather for an annual
fest. Held in early November.