Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome. I’m Derek, a photographer and independent explorer who has several years wandering the streets, canals, and hidden corners of Bangkok with a camera. This site grew out of a simple frustration: the best parts of this extraordinary city rarely appear in guidebooks. So I started documenting them myself.
Hidden Bangkok is exactly that, the city beyond the temples and the tourist trail. Every route on this site is one I have walked and photographed personally, in most cases more than once. The guides are detailed, the maps are accurate, and the photographic opportunities are highlighted along the way. There are no sponsored recommendations and no advertisements; just honest, first-hand guides for independent travellers who want to see Bangkok on their own terms.
Most posts focus on walking routes through little-visited neighbourhoods, quiet alleyways, and historic canal-side communities where the city’s true character resides. But Lens Wanderings is about more than Bangkok. As the name suggests, the lens wanders. In time you’ll find routes and photography guides from further afield, as the wandering continues beyond Thailand’s borders.
If you find any errors or have questions, I’d love to hear from you; use the contact form or drop me an email at derek@lens-wanderings.com.
Where to start
You have several options to get started on your journey around hidden Bangkok. Discover self-guided walks, maps, and a wealth of information for your personal Bangkok adventure.
- Categories
Browse posts organized by category on the Posts page.
- Recommended Walk
Start with my personal favourite: The Ultimate Walking Guide to Khlong San, Bangkok’s Riverside Gem.
- Route Collection Map
The Route Collection Map, shows the top ten walking routes on one Google Map. From it, you can access the individual posts and their associated maps and detailed guides.
- Latest Posts
The three Latest Off the Beaten Path Posts are displayed at the end of this page.
Website Content: What to Expect
You will find:
- My personal experiences, detailed directions, and maps.
- Practical tips for exploring independently.
- Curated links to external content, including my photography.
You won’t find:
- Advertisements.
- Monetisation of any kind.
Route Collection Map
Pan and/or zoom the map as needed to locate a route, then click on the route line.
Latest Off the Beaten Path Posts
Hidden Bangkok: Wrapping Up
Bangkok is a city that defies simple labels. It’s a sensory feast that will challenge your expectations, reward your curiosity, and etch itself permanently into your memory. From the quiet reverence inside a shimmering wat to the exhilarating roar of a canal taxi speeding down a khlong. Think also of the simple joy of a bowl of street noodles contrasted with the glamorous expanse of a rooftop restaurant. This metropolis is a complex tapestry of ancient history and relentless modernity.
If you want to explore hidden Bangkok independently, don’t want to be part of a tour, and want to discover in your own time, then my guides will take you beyond the typical tourist routes.
Use this guide to navigate your first steps. Then, however, let the spirit of the City of Angels ultimately guide your path. If you want to explore hidden Bangkok independently, in your own time and at your own pace, then come and join me beyond the tourist trail. In Bangkok, the greatest adventures are often found where you least expect them.