Old Siam Bangkok Food Tour: 15+ Tastings Included

This highly-rated food tour in Bangkok promises an authentic taste of Thai cuisine, combined with scenic canal rides and visits to local markets. With over 737 reviews rating it a perfect 5.0, it’s clear that many travelers find this experience a delightful way to explore the city’s culinary scene. Led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, this 4-hour adventure takes you off the beaten tourist path to discover hidden culinary gems that only locals know.

One of the things we particularly love about this tour is how it seamlessly combines delicious food, cultural insights, and scenic transport—all within a manageable four-hour window. A standout feature is the variety of transport modes, including traditional klong boats, tuk-tuks, and even local buses—which keep the journey lively and immersive. An additional perk is the small group size, capped at only eight guests, ensuring plenty of personal attention and a relaxed pace.

However, a point to consider is that the tour is unsuitable for vegetarians and certain dietary restrictions due to the nature of street vendors’ limited menus. Also, individuals with shellfish, peanut, or severe gluten allergies might need to skip certain tastings. The tour’s focus on street food means it’s best for those eager to explore and try a variety of dishes rather than those with strict dietary needs. This experience is ideal for food lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting to see Bangkok through a local lens.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines street food tastings, local markets, and scenic canal rides for a genuine Bangkok adventure.
• Expert Guides: Led by knowledgeable guides who provide rich insights into Thai cuisine and culture.
• Variety of Transport: Enjoy boat, tuk-tuk, and bus rides that add fun and local flavor to the experience.
• Limited Group Size: Small tours ensure personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Tastings Quantity: Over 15 different dishes, making it a substantial and satisfying culinary journey.
• Price & Value: At $59, the tour offers excellent value considering the quantity and quality of tastings, transport, and guided insights.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This food tour combines the best of Bangkok’s culinary and cultural offerings into a manageable four-hour package. It starts at the Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri, where a friendly guide welcomes you. From here, the adventure begins with an intriguing blend of walking, boat rides, tuk-tuks, and bus journeys—each adding a different perspective on the city and its food.

The Canal Ride: A Scenic Introduction

The tour’s first standout is the water taxi cruise along one of Bangkok’s historic klong canals. Reviewers like Jonathan and Savanna mention how this scenic boat ride offers a quieter, more traditional view of the city, far from the hustle of the streets. It’s not just about the views but also about getting a sense of how Bangkok’s residents have navigated their waterways for generations.

Nang Loeng Market: A Culinary Treasure Trove

Disembarking at Nang Loeng Market feels like stepping into a living food museum. This market, operating since 1899, remains a favorite among locals. Our guides, Johnny and Mikey, are praised for their extensive knowledge of the dishes and history. Ryan highlights how the tour helped him try many dishes he wouldn’t have dared to order alone, emphasizing how this guided experience unlocks culinary secrets.

You’ll find yourself wandering through vibrant stalls, tasting street foods that are often missed by travelers. The focus on local eateries rather than tourist traps ensures a genuine experience. Expect to sample a wide array of foods, from savory snacks to hearty main dishes, all explained in detail by your guides.

The Food Tastings: A Feast for the Senses

The core of the tour lies in the 15+ tastings—more than most other Bangkok food tours. Reviewers rave about the variety, including Hokkien noodles, banana fritters, spring rolls, and indulgent desserts. Annie and Champion, the guides, keep the pace lively, ensuring each dish is presented with cultural context and interesting anecdotes.

Many comments highlight how the food exceeds expectations—delicious, plentiful, and authentic. As Robert notes, “15 food-tastings are a LOT of food, so pace yourself,” which is wise advice given how generous each serving can be.

Local Transportation: Moving Like a Local

An added layer of fun comes from using local modes of transport—public buses, tuk-tuks, and boats—giving an immersive feel of everyday Bangkok life. Reviewers like Callie and Manon mention how this not only adds adventure but also makes the experience more authentic and memorable.

Ending in the Heart of Old Bangkok

The tour wraps up outside Nang Loeng Market, providing ample opportunity to explore on your own or arrange transport back. Guides are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness in assisting with directions or further recommendations.

The Value for Money

At $59, the tour offers an excellent value, considering the extensive number of tastings and inclusion of scenic transportation—not to mention the expertise of guides and the intimate group size. Many travelers, such as Nancy and Peter, note that the tour exceeded their expectations with the sheer volume and quality of food sampled.

What Makes It Stand Out?

The small group size (max 8 people) ensures a personalized experience, while the professional guides like Johnny, Bew, and Mikey are lauded for their friendliness, depth of knowledge, and ability to handle weather hiccups seamlessly. The variety of transportation keeps the tour dynamic and engaging, providing a well-rounded view of Bangkok’s neighborhoods and culinary hotspots.

Who Should Book?

This tour is perfect for foodies eager to try a wide array of Thai dishes and adventure lovers who enjoy exploring via different modes of transport. It’s suited for those comfortable with street food and looking to avoid the typical touristy eateries. However, if you have severe allergies or dietary restrictions, this might not be the best fit unless you’re prepared to skip certain tastings.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: Approximately 4 hours, making it manageable even for tight schedules.
• Price: $59 per person, which includes 15+ tastings, boat rides, tuk-tuks, bottled water, and soft drinks.
• Group Size: Small groups of up to 8 guests allow for more personal attention.
• Meeting Point: Outside Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri, easily reachable via public transport.
• Weather: The tour operates in all weather conditions—so bring an umbrella or raincoat during rainy seasons.
• Dietary Restrictions: Unsuitable for vegetarians, pescatarians, and those with severe shellfish, peanut, or gluten allergies.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
No, due to street vendors’ limited menus, this tour is not suitable for vegetarians or pescatarians.

Are alcoholic drinks included?
No, the tour does not include alcohol. It focuses on food tastings and soft drinks.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for last-minute changes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts outside Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri and ends outside Nang Loeng Market in Bangkok’s old town.

Is transportation provided between stops?
Yes, the tour includes boat rides, tuk-tuks, and local buses, making the journey part of the experience.

How much food should I expect?
With over 15 tastings, expect a generous amount of food—enough for a substantial meal.

Is the tour appropriate for kids?
Many reviews mention families with children enjoying the tour, though it’s best suited for those who are comfortable with street food and walking.

Wrapping Up

The Old Siam Bangkok Food Tour offers a well-rounded, authentic peek into Bangkok’s vibrant culinary scene. For food lovers, it’s a chance to try a variety of dishes, learn from passionate guides, and explore the city’s neighborhoods via different modes of transport. The combination of delicious tastings, local markets, and scenic boat rides creates a memorable experience that balances fun, flavor, and cultural insight.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a guided, all-inclusive food adventure at a reasonable price. The small group size ensures a personal touch, while the focus on local eateries guarantees you’ll discover hidden gems that many travelers miss. Whether you’re a first-timer to Bangkok or a seasoned visitor, this tour offers a perfect blend of education and indulgence.

If your goal is to sample a wide array of authentic Thai dishes, enjoy a bit of sightseeing, and learn about local customs—all while having fun—then this tour is undoubtedly worth considering. Just come hungry!

Remember: Book in advance, as this popular tour tends to fill up around 3 weeks ahead. And prepare for a feast that will leave you satisfied, enlightened, and eager to explore more of Bangkok’s vibrant street food scene.