Bangkok is a city that is known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling street markets, and beautiful temples. However, there are also many off-the-beaten-path attractions that are worth visiting. Here are ten hidden gems in Bangkok that you should check out:
Bang Krachao
Bang Krachao is a green oasis located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. It is also known as the “Green Lung” of Bangkok because of its lush greenery and natural environment. Bang Krachao is situated on a bend in the Chao Phraya River and covers an area of approximately 16 square kilometers. It is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The area is popular with tourists and locals alike for its cycling and walking paths, which wind through the mangrove forests and along the river. Visitors can also explore the local markets, temples, and orchards, or take a boat tour to see the area from a different perspective. The Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market is a popular attraction where visitors can sample local food and purchase souvenirs.
Bang Krachao is easily accessible by taking a ferry across the Chao Phraya River from Klong Toei Pier or Phra Padaeng Pier. It is recommended to visit during the dry season (November to February) when the weather is cooler and the foliage is at its best.
Talad Rot Fai, also known as the Train Night Market, is a popular open-air night market located in Bangkok, Thailand. The market is known for its vintage and retro atmosphere, with vendors selling a variety of items such as antiques, collectibles, clothing, and food.
The market is located in the Srinakarin area, near the Seacon Square shopping mall. It originally started as a small market near the abandoned railway tracks in the Chatuchak area, but due to its popularity, it was relocated to its current location in 2013. The market is open from Thursday to Sunday, from around 5 pm to midnight.
Visitors to Talad Rot Fai can expect to find a unique shopping experience, with vendors selling everything from vintage cars and motorcycles to classic vinyl records and antique furniture. The market also features a large food area, with vendors selling traditional Thai dishes as well as international cuisine.
The atmosphere at Talad Rot Fai is lively and vibrant, with live music and entertainment adding to the overall experience. It can get quite crowded, so it’s recommended to go early in the evening to avoid the crowds. Overall, Talad Rot Fai is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in vintage and retro culture, and a great place to experience the unique atmosphere of Bangkok‘s night markets.
The Erawan Museum is a popular cultural museum located in Samut Prakan, just outside of Bangkok, Thailand. The museum is named after the Erawan, a three-headed elephant in Hindu mythology, which is the centerpiece of the museum’s design and architecture.
The museum was built by the late businessman and philanthropist Lek Viriyaphant and opened to the public in 1996. It features a collection of artifacts and cultural objects from Thailand and Southeast Asia, including ancient artifacts, religious sculptures, and traditional art.
The most striking feature of the Erawan Museum is the three-story-high statue of the Erawan, which is made of bronze and stands in the center of the museum’s main hall. Visitors can climb to the top of the statue, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
The museum also features several other galleries, including the Thai and Chinese art galleries, which display a collection of Buddhist and Taoist art and artifacts. Additionally, the museum’s basement houses a collection of rare antiques and collectibles, including old coins and currency, ceramics, and weaponry.
The Erawan Museum is a popular tourist destination and a unique cultural attraction in Thailand. Its stunning architecture and rich collection of artifacts make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Thai culture and history.
Baan Sinlapin, also known as the Artist’s House, is a hidden gem located in the Thonburi district of Bangkok, Thailand. The house was built over 200 years ago and has been preserved as a traditional Thai wooden house.
Today, Baan Sinlapin is known as a hub for artists and creatives, and visitors can explore the house and its surroundings, which include an art gallery, a cafe, and a small canal-side market. The art gallery features a rotating selection of works by local artists, ranging from paintings and sculptures to mixed media and installations.
One of the highlights of a visit to Baan Sinlapin is the chance to watch a traditional Thai puppet show, which takes place in a small theater located in the house. The puppet show features colorful hand-carved puppets and traditional Thai music and storytelling.
Visitors can also take a boat tour of the nearby Khlong Bang Luang canal, which offers a glimpse of traditional Thai life along the waterways. The canal-side market offers a variety of souvenirs and handicrafts, as well as street food and snacks.
Baan Sinlapin is a peaceful and charming oasis in the midst of Bangkok’s bustling urban landscape, and a great place to experience traditional Thai culture and art.
Wat Samphran, also known as the Dragon Temple, is a unique Buddhist temple located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 km west of Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is known for its 17-storey pink tower, which is wrapped around a giant green dragon statue.
The tower is 80 meters tall and features a spiral staircase leading to the top, where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The dragon statue itself is over 30 meters tall and wraps around the tower, with its head visible at the top.
Aside from the tower and dragon statue, Wat Samphran also features several other notable features, including a large golden Buddha statue and a beautiful garden area. Visitors can also observe Buddhist ceremonies and rituals, and participate in meditation classes.
One of the unique features of Wat Samphran is its location in a rural area surrounded by lush greenery, which adds to the temple’s peaceful and serene atmosphere. The temple is open to visitors daily, and admission is free.
Overall, Wat Samphran is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in unique and unconventional religious architecture, as well as those seeking a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is a popular weekend market located in Taling Chan district, just outside of Bangkok, Thailand. Unlike some of the more touristy floating markets in the area, Khlong Lat Mayom is popular among locals, making it a great place to experience authentic Thai culture and cuisine.
The market is located alongside a canal and features vendors selling a variety of items, including fresh produce, seafood, snacks, and handicrafts. Many of the vendors sell their goods from small boats floating on the canal, giving the market a unique and charming atmosphere.
Visitors to Khlong Lat Mayom can sample a variety of traditional Thai dishes, including grilled seafood, pad thai, and mango sticky rice. The market also offers a variety of snacks and drinks, such as coconut ice cream, fresh fruit juices, and Thai tea.
Aside from food and shopping, visitors can also take a boat tour of the nearby canals, which offer a glimpse of traditional Thai life along the waterways. The market is open on weekends from early morning until late afternoon.
Overall, Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is a great place to experience authentic Thai culture and cuisine, and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in local markets and street food.
The Bangkokian Museum is a small but charming museum located in the Bang Rak district of Bangkok, Thailand. The museum is housed in a traditional Thai-style house that was built in the early 20th century and has been preserved as a historical landmark.
The museum offers visitors a glimpse of life in Bangkok during the early 20th century, with displays of everyday household items, traditional costumes, and old photographs. The museum also features a small garden area, which includes a traditional Thai pavilion and a fish pond.
One of the highlights of a visit to the Bangkokian Museum is the chance to explore the house’s interior, which has been preserved in its original condition. Visitors can see the old furniture, decorations, and household items used by the original residents of the house.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops, including cooking classes, traditional Thai dance performances, and language lessons. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs and handicrafts made by local artisans at the museum’s gift shop.
Overall, the Bangkokian Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Bangkok, and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in traditional Thai architecture and design.
Khao San Road is a popular and vibrant street located in the Banglamphu area of Bangkok, Thailand. The street is known for its lively atmosphere, cheap accommodation options, street food, shopping, and nightlife.
During the day, Khao San Road is a bustling marketplace, with vendors selling everything from traditional Thai handicrafts to designer knock-offs. Visitors can sample a variety of street food, such as pad thai, mango sticky rice, and fresh fruit smoothies.
At night, Khao San Road comes alive with a variety of bars and clubs, catering to both locals and tourists. The street is famous for its lively nightlife scene, with many bars staying open late into the night.
In addition to its nightlife and shopping, Khao San Road also serves as a hub for backpackers and budget travelers. The street offers a variety of budget accommodation options, ranging from hostels to budget hotels.
Despite its popularity among tourists, Khao San Road retains a unique and authentic atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Bangkok. Whether you’re looking for street food, shopping, nightlife, or budget accommodations, Khao San Road has something to offer for everyone.
Phraeng Phuton is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of Bangkok’s Old City, near the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. The neighborhood is known for its traditional Thai architecture, historic buildings, and unique cultural attractions.
One of the highlights of a visit to Phraeng Phuton is the chance to explore the neighborhood’s narrow streets and alleys, which are lined with old shophouses and traditional Thai homes. Many of these buildings have been preserved as historical landmarks and offer a glimpse into Bangkok’s rich cultural heritage.
Phraeng Phuton is also home to a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and temples. One of the most notable attractions is the Baan Bat community, where visitors can watch local artisans making traditional Thai monk’s alms bowls by hand.
Other popular attractions in Phraeng Phuton include the Bangkok City Library, which is housed in a historic building and offers a large collection of books and resources about Thai history and culture, and the Wat Ratchabophit, a stunning temple with intricate carvings and a peaceful courtyard.
Overall, Phraeng Phuton is a great destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and traditional Thai architecture. The neighborhood offers a unique glimpse into Bangkok’s rich cultural heritage and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the city.
Wat Ratchanatdaram, also known as Loha Prasat, is a historic Buddhist temple located in the Rattanakosin district of Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is famous for its unique and impressive architecture, which includes a multi-tiered, 37-meter-high metal spire that is said to represent the levels of enlightenment in Buddhism.
The temple was built in the early 19th century by King Rama III, and is considered one of the most unique and impressive temples in Thailand. The spire is made up of 37 metal spires, each representing one of the 37 virtues of enlightenment in Buddhism. Visitors can climb to the top of the spire for stunning views of Bangkok’s skyline.
In addition to the spire, Wat Ratchanatdaram features a variety of other interesting architectural elements, including a courtyard with a statue of King Rama III, a bell tower, and a meditation hall. The temple is also home to a number of important Buddhist relics and artifacts, including a golden Buddha statue and a sacred Bodhi tree.
Visitors to Wat Ratchanatdaram can explore the temple grounds and learn about the history and significance of the temple. The temple is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere in the heart of bustling Bangkok.
Overall, Wat Ratchanatdaram is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and Buddhism. The temple’s unique and impressive architecture, combined with its peaceful atmosphere, make it a truly special place in Bangkok.
