Bangkok: Old Siam Food Tour by Boat & Tuk Tuk, 15+ Tastings

Summary

Small group Bangkok food tour tasting old markets by boat tuk tuk and foot

You’ll ride a local boat down Bangkok’s canals, zip through hidden districts by tuk tuk, and explore Old Siam’s bustling markets on foot. With over 15 tastings led by a local guide, you’ll meet vendors who’ve been cooking for decades and try dishes you won’t find alone. Expect warm smiles, unexpected flavors, and memories that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I can still taste the first bite of that crispy hoi tod — honestly, I didn’t expect to start my day on a khlong boat, weaving past wooden houses with laundry flapping in the breeze. The smell of river water mixed with frying garlic hit me as we stepped off. Our guide, Nok, grinned at us and said something about “eating like locals today.” She wasn’t kidding. We squeezed into a tuk tuk (I nearly lost my hat) and zipped through alleys I’d never find on my own.

The Old Siam part of Bangkok is nothing like Sukhumvit or the touristy bits. Here it felt slower, almost sleepy except for the sudden clatter from a street vendor flipping kanom buang yuan salad onto a plate. Nok waved at an old lady selling miang kham — little leaf parcels packed with peanuts, lime, and chili. I tried to say thank you in Thai; she laughed and corrected me gently. That tiny moment stuck with me more than any photo could.

We wandered through Nang Loeng Market where the air was thick with steam and chatter. At one point I lost track of how many things we’d tasted (the pork belly was dangerously good), but Nok kept us moving — pointing out the crumbling facade of what used to be Bangkok’s oldest cinema. There was a stop for royal desserts too; they looked too pretty to eat but somehow disappeared anyway. I liked that it wasn’t just eating — there were stories everywhere if you listened.

By the end, my shirt smelled faintly of lemongrass and charcoal smoke. Someone joked that we’d need a nap before dinner (they weren’t wrong). I left feeling like I’d seen a side of Bangkok most people miss — not just tasted it, but really felt it under my skin.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Old Bangkok food and culture tour

• Board local water taxi on klong canal
• Disembark in old Bangkok district
• Ride tuk tuk to local eateries
• Walk through historic land market
• Taste 15+ traditional street foods
• Discover remnants of old cinema
• Visit royal dessert recipe location
• End tour outside Nang Loeng Market

Top questions

How many tastings are included in this Bangkok food tour?

This tour includes over 15 different food tastings across several markets and eateries in Old Siam.

Is hotel pickup included for the Old Siam food tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; guests meet at the designated starting point in central Bangkok.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated on this tour?

The tour is not suitable for vegetarians, pescatarians, no-pork diets, or those with shellfish/peanut/severe gluten allergies due to street vendor limitations.

How long does the food tour last?

The Old Siam Bangkok food tour lasts approximately 4 hours from start to finish.

What transportation is used during the tour?

The tour includes a ride on a local khlong boat and travel by tuk tuk between stops before continuing on foot through markets.

How many people are in each group?

The maximum group size is limited to 8 guests per day for a more personal experience.

Where does the tour end?

The food tour ends outside Nang Loeng Market in Bangkok’s old town district.

Are children allowed on this food tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants can use prams or strollers but infant meals are not included.

What’s included

Your day covers all transportation during the experience — including tickets for both the local khlong boat ride and tuk tuk journey — plus more than 15 generous tastings across family-run stalls and historic markets in Old Siam. Bottled water and local soft drinks are provided throughout as your professional foodie guide leads your small group (maximum eight guests) through four hours of feasting and discovery before finishing near Nang Loeng Market.