One night in Bangkok – When I first saw the musical Chess, the main song stuck in my mind (for decades, now!). It made this global city into something more – a journey into the unfamiliar, perhaps.

Now, with the internet and the increase of tourism around the world, Bangkok is less of a mystery, especially around the main tourist attractions. But let’s say you want to get past the tourist stuff and discover more of Bangkok – what do you do? As with any location around the world, the best way to discover the essence of a place is to engage with and learn from locals. They can teach you things not mentioned on big travel sites, show you hidden locations, take you to the best street food.

What are you waiting for? Let’s go!

Things to do in Bangkok with Locals

Eat

Take a cooking class, or a food tour of the street markets for freshly made, delicious street food. Head to Chinatown for unusual street food. Or, eat a meal with locals in their house – a trend that is growing more and more popular all around the world. This is also a good option if you’re allergic to MSG, as my husband is, or don’t love spicy food (like me – I need 0 flames!).

Art

There’s more to art in Bangkok than the main shopping areas and art galleries. Have you heard of the Artist’s House? Here, you can see a puppet show, traditional dance, and see (and participate in) making traditional Thai art. Or maybe you’d like to take a class in traditional Thai fruit carving? Sign me up – that’s so cool!

Bike

Want to take a bike tour? If you go with a local, you can get off the main bike paths and trails, and discover Bangkok through an urban bike tour, or hitting the Green Lung and breathing all kinds of fresh air, while immersing yourself in nature.

Shop

While you might hit Khao San road for shopping, look around at other types of markets, even if you don’t buy anything. The Pak Klong Talat Flower Market is open 24 hours a day, and will teach you much about flowers, the way the locals grow, sell, and trade in this beautiful and aromatic niche. Go with a local to other floating markets, and he will translate, teach, and give you an inside look at local goods and shopping experiences. In the market for antiques? An experienced local can help guide you to the right shops for what you’re looking for.

Hidden

Everyone takes a boat tour in Bangkok (and smart travelers know about taking a water taxi to see the sights, instead of a crowded tour) – but how do you find ones that are less touristy, and teach you about what you’re seeing, instead of just driving by? A local can show you a hidden fishermen’s village, where you will experience life like a local (and eat fresh seafood like the fishermen). They can take you to a small hidden local market, where tourists are rare and daily market life goes on 24 hours a day.

Have you explored Bangkok with a local? What did you love most?