Rock/Around/Bangkok

Rock/Around/Bangkok We aim to be like a close friend who has settled in Bangkok, to whom you express your desire to discover what lies off the beaten track.

We design and deliver immersive cultural experiences off the beaten path — including private guided tours, team-building activities, and museum-based games — to connect individuals and businesses with Bangkok’s cultural heritage and hidden gems. Rock Around Bangkok is a Bangkok-based innovative agency specialising in immersive cultural experiences, founded in 2024 by French entrepreneur, art consu

ltant, and curator Eric Monteil. We design and lead off-the-beaten-path immersive cultural experiences, including private guided tours, team-building activities, and museum-based games, to connect individuals and businesses with Bangkok's cultural heritage, dating back to the fall of Ayutthaya. Behind the concept of "Rock Around" lies the idea of stepping off the beaten track, avoiding the hordes of tourists to focus solely on Bangkok’s cultural heritage with a distinguishing approach, our hallmark: storytelling. Private Guided Cultural Tours:

Our mission is to guide Thai culture enthusiasts on their journey through Bangkok, either through our 'Rock Around' series of themed tours and/or 'Bangkok As You Like It' customised tours. Museum-based games:

We are the first and only company in Bangkok and Thailand to offer a series of cultural gaming activities in museums, including mystery and puzzle-solving games, with well-established partners, the first being the Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok. Team-Building Activities:

Based on the Rock Around series, we create culturally immersive Thai experiences to strengthen your firm's team bonds and corporate culture through exciting team-building activities. Participants will engage in quizzes and games, such as scavenger hunts, detective investigations, mystery games, etc., fostering teamwork and a deeper appreciation of Thai culture and the history of Bangkok. Themed Lectures:

We offer 1-hour themed lecture series, a kind of initiatory journey, which aims to provide participants with cultural, historical, and practical insights into what has shaped Bangkok since the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767.

10/01/2025

Discover the essence of Bangkok’s rich cultural heritage with our Curated Cultural Experiences. From private guided tours exploring the city’s hidden gems off the beaten track to team-building activities that blend history, art, and adventure, we craft unforgettable journeys into Thai heritage. Engage in museum-based games at MOCA (also known as Museum of Contemporary Art), transforming art appreciation into fun and interactive challenges. Perfect for families, friends, and corporate groups, our bespoke experiences reveal Bangkok’s vibrant stories through expert guidance, engaging activities, and tailor-made itineraries. Immerse yourself in history, creativity, and culture while strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories. Experience Bangkok like never before—where every step tells a story, and every moment inspires.

19/12/2024

Yesterday was an amazing day to rock around Bangkok.

With winter spreading its wings, the weather is magical every day: a deep blue sky, bright sunshine, a pleasant temperature, and a light breeze — the perfect atmospheric conditions for discovering Bangkok off the beaten track.

My guests yesterday were a Canadian couple considering spending six months a year in Bangkok. They asked me to show them what Bangkok has to offer in terms of infrastructure, culture, history, and lifestyle. In other words, they wanted to be amazed — and after 8 hours, they certainly were.

We began with a walk along the Sukhumvit line, heading to Asok and then Benjakitti Park, followed by visits to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, the Benjakitti Forest Park Museum, and the Benjakitti-Lumpini Park Sky Bridge. After a short coffee break, we easily reached Ploen Chit and continued to Siam, exploring the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) and its surrounding neighbourhood. This first part of the tour focused on modern Bangkok, highlighting its entertainment hubs, parks, and luxury department stores.

For lunch, we enjoyed an authentic local meal at Jee Nee Thai Restaurant, located at Chaloemla 56 Bridge.

Following this, we embarked on a boat trip along the Saen Saep Canal to Panfa Leelard Pier, where we made a brief stop to explore Mahakan Fort. From there, we walked to Wat Saket and the Golden Mount, where I introduced them to the structure and organisation of a Thai temple, or wat, as well as the differences between Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhism.

Next, we entered Rattanakosin Island to explore Khlong Bang Lamphu. Our discussion centred on Bangkok's defensive walls, fortifications, moats, and khlongs, as well as the old citadel and the rationale behind moving the capital from Thonburi to the western bank of the Chao Phraya River.

Our final destination was the Rama VIII Bridge, where I provided a historical overview of Phra Sumen Fort. From there, we embarked on a scenic river glide from Athit Pier to Saphan Taksin, marvelling at Bangkok's most iconic landmarks along the way.

Another magical day around Bangkok.

15/12/2024

New Google review

★★★★★ "Rock Around Bangkok is amazing. I used them to organised gamified outings for my Bangkok team. In Bang Krachao we did a gamified cycle tour of the island, and at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA Bangkok), we did a gamified visit of the museum. The team's knowledge of Thai histor...

27/11/2024

Whenever I travel from Bangkrachao on the Chao Phraya River with my guests, we pass by this uniquely designed old temple. Recently, I noticed they were constructing a massive statue of a Buddhist patriarch behind the ubosot. Today, I decided to visit this temple, named Wat Bukkalo, and it turned out to be absolutely stunning. The atmosphere and the riverside view overlooking Bangkok make it well worth a visit. Another fantastic day rocking around Bangkok!

22/11/2024

What is "Bangkok As You Like It" concept tour? A stroll with an expert expatriate to experience Bangkok like a Bangkokian. Passionate about Bangkok (and Thailand), we know the city inside out – or nearly so – and provide a genuine immersion into this vibrant and fascinating metropolis. Guided by your interests (the itinerary is tailored to your preferences when we meet you at your hotel), you’ll explore the city through its cultural institutions, trendy spots, hidden neighbourhoods, street food, parks, historical defensive structures, canals, markets, and more. Whether blending seamlessly into the crowd or escaping it entirely, you’ll engage in conversations about daily life in Thailand. This is a delightful, unpretentious encounter where nothing is strictly planned in advance, and the journey unfolds spontaneously according to your interests.

20/11/2024

The purpose of playing games in museums is to engage, in a playful manner, those who are neither accustomed to nor particularly interested in visiting museums in the conventional way—such as through curator-led tours—with the museum's content.

Visiting a museum should be a pleasurable experience, offering the opportunity to discover something new that forms part of the national heritage. It connects us to the past, ensuring we do not forget what those before us accomplished for the benefit of their country, humanity, and beyond.

Playing games in museums provides an introductory level of discovery aimed at awakening personal interest and curiosity in newcomers, encouraging them to return voluntarily with a genuine desire to learn more.

Now, the real question (or perhaps challenge) is: in this fast-paced, consumption-driven digital world, how can we attract new generations and first-time visitors to museums, helping them connect with something that requires intellectual effort and focus?

In Thailand, an increasing number of museums and cultural venues have positioned the country as a regional leader in cultural preservation and promotion. However, many Thai people engage with museum content and art exhibitions only superficially, often due to a lack of cultural awareness. Their primary motivation frequently seems to be taking photos and selfies for social media—a modern global phenomenon—while neglecting to engage with curatorial content that could enrich their minds and deepen their understanding.

At Rock Around Bangkok, we aim to address this challenge as part of our mission by creating games designed to capture the attention of Thai people, as well as expats, businesses, and travellers, encouraging them to visit museums and engage meaningfully with cultural heritage content.

Would any Bangkok-based company be interested in challenging its employees and teams by playing games at the Museum of Contemporary Art?

01/11/2024

Après avoir créé l'ensemble de son offre de services culturels et convaincu ses premiers clients B2B et B2C, Rock Around Bangkok est fin prêt pour la phase 2 : le développement à la fois au niveau local et international, ainsi que le recrutement. Toutes nos offres de stages et d'emplois dans le secteur du tourisme culturel sont véritablement innovantes et sortent des sentiers battus (cliquez sur le lien pour voir les postes à pourvoir). Notre mission est d'explorer Bangkok à travers des expériences immersives : visites thématiques privées et guidées, activités de team building et jeux dans les musées. Prêt à tenter l'expérience ?

Welcome to Rock Around Bangkok: We Are Hiring! We are thrilled to announce opportunities to join our team, dedicated to uncovering and sharing Bangkok’s amazing cultural heritage and history. Whether you're passionate about guiding tours, leading team-building activities, creating content, inventi...

01/11/2024

After establishing its full range of cultural services and securing its first B2B and B2C clients, Rock Around Bangkok is now ready for phase two: development on both local and international levels, as well as recruitment. All of our internships and employment opportunities in cultural tourism are truly innovative and offer a fresh perspective (click on the link to view available positions). Our mission is to explore Bangkok through immersive experiences: private and guided thematic tours, team-building activities, and museum games. Ready to give it a try?

07/10/2024

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Providing Curated Cultural Experiences

10/08/2024

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of leading the "Bangkok Eastside Rhapsody" inspection tour for Asia Concierge with Chayin Wongkaewlah, Peerayuth Feungchunuch, Kate, Yanee, Ying, and Rung. Unsurprisingly, we had lots of fun, engaging conversations, amusing coffee breaks and lunch, and, of course, we ended up tired but happy after being immersed in Bangkok's cultural heritage for a few hours.

"Bangkok Eastside Rhapsody - A Historical Walk" is an immersive cultural tour that unveils the hidden gems and historical treasures of Bangkok's eastern riverside. This tour offers a unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Thai monarchs from Rama I to Rama IV, exploring the convergence of Western influences and traditional Thai heritage through the lens of architecture, art, design, communities, infrastructures, and history. Our journey spans approximately 6 kilometres and lasts about 5 hours.

17/06/2024

Last week, we had the pleasure of diving into Bangkok's history with Marie (78) and Pierre (75), a lovely, enthusiastic retired French couple. Our three-day, on-foot exploration off the beaten track took us deep into the heart of Rattanakosin, uncovering the rich history and rooted communities that make up this fascinating area. Despite the hot weather, our well-packed programme provided a memorable adventure filled with cultural and historical treasures.

We had the pleasure of diving into Bangkok's history with Marie (78) and Pierre (75). Our three-day, on-foot exploration off the beaten track took us deep into the heart of Rattanakosin.

29/05/2024

Mini photo gallery of the day: Mahapho Vintage Vespa, Chao Phraya Riverview, Talat Noi.
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Click on the link to access the gallery: https://www.rockaroundbangkok.com/rock-around-rattanakosin-photo-gallery

28/05/2024

Mini photo gallery of the day: Rajinee Pier, marking the terminus (canal exit) of the old moat, Ku Mueang Doem, excavated in 1771 during the Thonburi Era under the reign of King Taksin.
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Click on the link to access the gallery: https://www.rockaroundbangkok.com/rock-around-rattanakosin-photo-gallery

27/05/2024

After two fantastic days of photo shooting for the 'Rock Around Rattanakosin' series, which focuses on the history of the khlongs, moats, and fortifications, I will begin sharing some themed vintage edits here today. These are derived from the raw 1956 photographs I took over the weekend. This first mini-gallery features Thewes Pier in north Bangkok, marking the entrance to Phadung Krung Kasem, the third and final tier canal dug in 1851. This canal delineates the ultimate boundary of Bangkok under King Rama IV.

24/05/2024

Bangkok enchants visitors with its wide array of thematic museums, each narrating stories from the city's rich, almost 300-year history and well-preserved cultural heritage. The capital houses approximately 10 to 20 major museums, alongside numerous smaller spaces that provide unique insights into Thailand's cultural and historical evolution. Depending on your interests, we can organise a tailored tour of these museums, offering either a full-day or half-day itinerary to guide you through these fascinating cultural landmarks.
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Info and booking: https://www.rockaroundbangkok.com/culturally-oriented-private-excursions

23/05/2024

Bangkok is a vibrant hub for contemporary art, boasting a growing collection of galleries and artistic venues. This lively art scene serves as a stage for both new and seasoned artists from around the world, providing them the opportunity to display a fascinating fusion of traditional Thai elements with modern artistic trends. Whether you prefer a comprehensive full-day journey or a shorter half-day excursion, these art scene excursions are designed to immerse you in the city's dynamic artistic environments.
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Info and booking: https://www.rockaroundbangkok.com/culturally-oriented-private-excursions