Travel journalist Helen Hayes takes us on a walk through the neighborhoods of Bangkok.

To truly get to know a city, you have to immerse yourself in it. Bangkok is no exception: its alleyways are full of surprising restaurants, historic buildings, and local shops. And let's not forget: it's well worth meeting the locals in their neighborhoods.

Bangkok might not seem like an ideal city for walking at first glance, but I disagree. Amazing Thailand recently published 15 excellent walking tours of Bangkok that will take you to places you may never have discovered before.

To experience old Bangkok, a walk behind the ancient city walls is highly recommended. Highlights include the Baan Bat community, which has been crafting the alms bowls used by monks since the 18th century, and Trok Shanghai – founded by 40 Chinese families during the reign of King Rama IV. This community is renowned for its wooden furniture. Other highlights include Wat Saket with its Golden Mount, which houses Buddha relics, the Pam Mahakan fortress, and Loha Prasat – the Metal Castle.

Explore Bang Lamphu and the surrounding area

On this walking tour through Bang Lamphu, you will explore the Bangkok Metropolitan Museum, Pipit Bang Lamphu, the Coin Museum, the Red Building, and Tha Tian Market. You will also visit the giant swing, which was built for the Swing Ceremony – a Brahmanical Hindu ritual.

The area around Rattanakosin Island offers a wealth of attractions. Here you'll find the city's historic center, an artificial island steeped in history. The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho are all located here. The city's most famous palace, built in 1782, served as the residence of the Thai king, court, and government for a century and a half. Also on the grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It houses the small Emerald Buddha, dating back to the 4th century. While on the island, be sure to visit Wat Pho, home to the Reclining Buddha, a masterpiece created in 1832.

This area offers not only history but also fantastic street food. Here you'll find the much-lauded Jay Fai, a Michelin-starred street food restaurant, thanks to the incredible dishes of Supinya Junsuta (Jay Fai is her nickname), the petite chef who cooks wearing ski goggles and bright red lipstick.

Another well-known place in this area is Tipsamai, which is famous for its Pad Thai, supposedly serving some of the best in the country.

Into the dragon's cave

Another worthwhile walk to discover the heart of Bangkok leads through the Yaowarat district. Known as the "Dragon's Cave," it is home to numerous shrines and temples and tells the story of Bangkok's Chinese community. Visit the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Centre, the Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon with the world's largest solid gold Buddha statue, the Gold Museum, and be sure to try Khao Man Kai (Hainana-style chicken rice) at Thai Hen – a dish that has been prepared there for a century.

The Thon Buri district invites you to stroll through its streets, the absolute highlight of which is the magnificent Wat Arun – the Temple of Dawn. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. It stands out from other temples: its impressive 70-meter-high spire (prang) is adorned with Chinese porcelain and colored glass. As beautiful as it is by day, it is even more spectacular at night. Book a dinner cruise on the river and enjoy the sights you discovered while walking through this enchanting city from a completely new perspective.