In many western cities, most of the popular attractions are on well-established routes. Roads, trails, and pathways lead off of well-marked parking lots toward places that are on maps – either digital, or the ones given out at tourist stalls.

But in Asia – and Bangkok in particular – well-marked anything is often a bit of a stretch. And even if they are well-marked, some of the best attractions and most interesting places to visit are only accessible by modes of transport that require a little bit of inside knowledge to use. In true traveling fashion, getting there is half the fun.

Here’s a quick list of some of our favorite places in Bangkok to visit, and the best way to visit them. Sure, you could get in a car and spend two hours in traffic while the driver tries to figure out where you’re going… but where’s the fun in that?

Baan Bu Bronze Village – by boat / bike
Tucked away down a narrow alley that is itself tucked away from any big street, is the car free community of Baan Bu. Here, artisans produce beautiful handmade bronze bowls using techniques that go back centuries. While there, you can watch them work over open fires, pounding alloys into stunning bronze ware that has been given to royals and dignitaries for generations. You can get there via boat on the Bangkok Noi canal, or join us on a twisting, winding bike tour that will take us right to the gate. A bonus is the nearby Thonburi Train Depot, where 1950s-era steam locomotives are maintained for their occasional excursions.

Ko Kret – by boat
Okay, so it’s not like Ko Kret is unknown to tourists, but this island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River north of Bangkok is still not as easy to get to as one would think. Created when a shortcut canal was dug in 1722, the island was traditionally inhabited by the Mon people, who originally came from Burma. Today the island is known for its unique pottery, craft beer and laid-back vibe. Much of the island is thick jungle with concrete pathways veined throughout – a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon walk. Getting there is relatively straightforward, but getting back is the tricky part – at least, it is if you don’t have a direct line on a private boat, like Smiling Albino has. We also know a few great bike routes through the charming Muslim villages on the other side of the river, a great addition to any visit.

Talad Noi – by foot / bike
This old and singularly unique neighborhood just off of Chinatown is easy to find and walk through, but only alley rats like ourselves know where all those narrow lanes go to – and which ones will reward with treasure. The towering piles of gears and engine parts are hugely fun to photograph, but unless you know the lay of the land you’ll likely never find the tiny open-air coffee shop with a water-level view across the river. Or the stone slab that was once used as an execution pedestal for royal family members on the wrong side of history. Or the oldest operating bank in Bangkok still doing business from the original 1908 wooden teller stations inside a stunning Italian-designed building. Or a 350-year old Chinese mansion with a scuba diving training pool in the main courtyard, with the best fruit smoothies in Bangkok.

San Saeb Canal – by Boat
The only entry on this list where the mode of transportation itself is the attraction, this is definitely one of our favorite ways to get across town. The boat service runs 15 kilometers in total, right through the center of Bangkok, but the canal goes for another 60 kilometers to the Bang Pakong River. If you want to avoid traffic, this is the way to do it, and a great way to literally see ‘behind the scenes’ of Bangkok as well as candid views of palaces and Jim Thompson’s back garden. Be warned – it’s noisy, smelly, and can be dangerous if you’re unfamiliar with how it works. Smiling Albino uses this boat service in conjunction with a few other modes of transport to make sure our guests see it all!

Chinatown – by Tuk tuk / foot
Yaowarat Road, Chinatown’s main drag, is set in an old, densely-built part of Bangkok not easily reached except by small tuk tuks that squeeze through the congested, narrow streets. The area is full of tourists come dinnertime, but the charm of this iconic area only really comes to light when you head down the narrow, winding alleys that branch away from the bright lights. Many would prefer to stick to the crowds, but we say bah! Follow us and sip tea with locals, or listen to old gaffers argue politics at a 100-year old coffee shop. One of our favorite alleys forces you to squeeze past a tree that’s nearly blocked the way, but on the other side you’ll find a great noodle shop and a seafood street chef famous for the two meter inferno of flames that shoot up from his wok. Things will no doubt change in 2018 when the currently under construction subway line opens allowing for easier access.

Next time you’re in Bangkok, let us show you some of our favourite spots and creative ways to get there. Click here for a sneak preview or the one minute video version here.

The post Oh, The Places You’ll Go in Bangkok … first appeared on Smiling Albino.

But getting around Bangkok in 2016 is – dare we say it – almost easy. Okay, maybe not always easy, but several recent additions have brought even more colorful transportation options to the Bangkok puzzle.

Bangkok Transport Evolution

Before 1999, Bangkok’s growing population had to rely on the creaky, dirty, noisy system of boats, tuk-tuk’s, taxis, motorcycle taxis, and buses. It wasn’t pretty, but it worked.

When it opened, the BTS completely changed the transportation landscape of the city (as did the addition of a subway line in 2004). In fact, as you read this, crews are working hard to complete a series of new above- and below-ground lines that will eventually bring the total length of routes to nearly 300km.

Recent years have seen the addition of Grab and Uber, two transportation giants that let you hail various types of cars to pick you up at your location using a phone. No time to wait for a car? No problem – both services also offer a motorcycle pickup option as well.

Technology is also changing how traffic operates as well. Many van and limo drivers these days use GPS navigation, helping them to avoid clogged roads, construction, and accidents.

In addition, this year will (finally) see the introduction of a single-use card for the skytrain and subway, which will eventually be rolled out to buses and boats as well.

And – hear us out on this one – bicycle is proving to be an increasingly popular way to get around as well. More and more locals are taking up pedal power to get around. New biking clubs have sprung up, and the city government has put in bike lanes at various points around the city.

And if that’s not enough, a recent report by the Airport Parking and Hotels website compared data from 28 top destination cities around the world and found that Bangkok’s air was the most breathable. It’s not Vancouver, but it’s a start.

Putting the puzzle together

You take all of these elements on their own, and it’s a nice way to get from A to B. But the magic happens when you start putting pieces together like a giant transportation Lego set. Motorbike taxi + boat. Uber +BTS. Subway + tuk-tuk. Cycle and walking streets. The character and vitality of Bangkok really shows up when this happens, and suddenly it’s fairly easy to get from A to B and onward to C, D, and E. However, some local knowledge and experience makes the whole package a lot more reliable and efficient.

Of course, this isn’t to say that Bangkok has rid itself of traffic jams, or that you can get across the city in 15 minutes, but a focus on user-friendliness and a quickly growing stable of options means that Bangkok is easier and more pleasant to get around than ever before.

We have tamed this transportation beast and turned it into a fun and efficient way to discover the best bits of Bangkok on our Multi Transport Adventures. Book one today!

The post Bangkok Transport: Flowing Better Every Day first appeared on Smiling Albino.