Bangkok, Thailand's sprawling capital, originated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Until the 18th century, there was little life here. Some people lived in the marshlands around the river, but not many. Much of life took place on the water, and that is still very much in evidence. For example, the large vegetable and flower market you cycle to on this tour was originally a floating market, one of many for which Thailand is so famous.

This bike tour takes you to Bangkok's oldest districts, which, as you now know, are all by the river. That's why your bike tour starts there. Soon you'll see the Old Customs House, which is beautifully located right on the riverside. Here we take a moment to enjoy, what used to be, the first stop for travellers and merchants entering Bangkok from abroad. Next, we weave through the maze of small, vibrant and bustling streets in Bangkok’s Chinatown to witness the diverse cultures that make up this densely-populated part of the capital.

CHINATOWN

Chinatown in Bangkok has one of the largest Chinese communities outside China in the world. The district has a character of its own and in no way resembles other neighbourhoods in Bangkok. This is quickly apparent when you get close to the aforementioned Pak Klong Talat, the city's largest vegetable and flower market. Since this market borders the river, we take the ferry here to the other side of the river. This is called Thonburi and it is where King Taksin laid the foundations for Bangkok in the 18th century.

THONBURI

Notable present in that historic district is the splendid temple Wat Kalayanamitr, built in the 19th by a Chinese-Thai trading family and gifted to King Rama III. The main temple building houses a Buddha statue as tall as 14 metres. Naturally, we get off our bikes here to have a look.

Thonburi is now in the heart of the city, but still has the feel of a waterfront village. The whole neighbourhood is held together by narrower and wider canals. Originally inhabited by a mishmash of people, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists lived together peacefully here. There are still mosques and churches, mostly Portuguese, in addition to temples. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to come here. To this day, their 'khanom farang kudi chin', the western cake, is a treat. You understand, of course, that we are going to taste it.

Before cycling back to the starting point of the tour, we visit Wat Prayoon, an almost 200-year-old temple with a large striking snow-white stupa. Near the temple is a pond with rocks on which are small altars in memory of the deceased. The pond is full of turtles (which Buddhists say have sacred status). These turtles like to be fed fresh fruit (which is fortunately sold on site).