Unveiling Bangkok’s Hidden Gems: Offbeat Attractions You Can’t Miss

Golden Temples’ stems from the famous temples, most of which are not only renowned and sacred but also predominantly adorned with golden rooftops and statues. Moreover, Thailand is a country that reveres Buddhism, with nearly 95% of Thai people following Buddhism. Here stands the world’s largest golden Buddha statue, towering at 3 meters tall and weighing a staggering 5.5 tons. The statue, cast during the 13th-15th centuries in the Sukhothai era, represents one of the peak periods of Thai Buddhist architectural art. It has been passed down through centuries and remains preserved to this day. As a prominent religious destination, the Temple of the Golden Buddha attracts many local and international visitors, seeking peace, admiring the sacred Buddha statue, and enjoying the serene temple surroundings.

4. Siam District

When asking what to do in Bangkok for those who have visited, you’ll undoubtedly be introduced to the Siam district—the largest commercial center in Thailand, ranking among Asia’s top commercial hubs. This is where you can splurge endlessly, from having the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia to owning one of the biggest cinemas in Asia, concert halls, a massive bowling alley, high-end entertainment complexes, and hundreds of shops. Not only that, but the Siam District also houses numerous luxury brands and labels like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Armani, and even showcases extravagant world-class car brands like Lamborghini and Ferrari. You can explore the ground floor to relish in delightful cuisine and shop at some of Thailand’s largest supermarkets with foods from around the world.

5. Khao San Road

This pedestrian street is a bustling hub hosting a plethora of shopping areas, entertainment venues, bars, nightclubs, street food stalls, and culinary delights. While it may seem small from the outside, it’s a highly attractive spot that comes alive as soon as the lights come on. Contrary to its calmness in the morning, come nighttime, the street transforms into a different world with a cacophony of street sounds. You’ll hear laughter, conversations, sales pitches, tempting food aromas, honks from vehicles and carts, cheers for street performances, and music from bars and shops, creating an atmosphere that you’ll likely find hard to leave.

6. Chao Phraya River

If the Han River is famous in Seoul, South Korea, Thailand’s Chao Phraya River also contributes a romantic charm to this bustling capital. If you’re seeking tranquility and want to admire the city, taking a boat tour on this river is a fantastic idea. Standing on a gently cruising boat, observing life on both riverbanks, learning about the area’s history, architecture, and culture, it truly is a memorable experience when traveling to the Land of Golden Temples.

7. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

A must-visit entertaining spot in Bangkok, especially notable for its floating market. One of the oldest floating markets in Thailand, it’s a bustling area with a rich diversity of goods and foods. You can explore by boat, purchase unexpected items, or eat whatever catches your eye due to the flavors of these skillfully crafted delicacies, stimulating your taste buds.

8. Chatuchak Market

One of the intriguing facets of Thai culture is the weekend markets like Chatuchak, which occur only on Saturdays and Sundays. This renowned shopping destination not only draws Thais but also welcomes tourists every week. It’s a place known for imported goods, attracting many locals who come to sell and purchase products from their regions. An estimated 200,000 people visit the market on weekends, with tourists accounting for 30% of the visitors. You’ll undoubtedly be overwhelmed by the variety of items and foods on display here—once you arrive, it’s hard to leave without buying something you fancy.

9. Safari World Bangkok

This vast theme park, coupled with an open zoo, is where humans and wild animals trade places. While the animals roam freely, visitors are protected by fenced vehicles to ensure safety. Instead of walking through the zoo, you’ll be driven around because this space is so extensive that even walking wouldn’t cover everything. Enjoy observing a miniature world of animals, with over 300 bird species and 75 mammal species from Asia and Africa. You can take pictures from near or far, feed the animals, witness unique performances by monkeys, bears, or whales.

10. Sukhumvit District

Another bustling street you can explore in Thailand is Sukhumvit Road. It’s the country’s longest road, offering not only many tourist attractions but also a plethora of famous restaurants, luxurious and budget-friendly bars, upscale hotels, modern shopping centers, and eye-catching nightclubs. Especially notable is that this area frequently visited by men because of the renowned ‘red-light districts’ like Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza, which are vibrant and bustling. If you’ve been here before, when someone asks what to do in Bangkok at night, you’ll surely mention Sukhumvit.

11. Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok (MOCA)

For the clearest overview of the life, culture, and people of the Land of Golden Temples, MOCA is a must-visit, displaying over 800 diverse artworks. With a 5-story internationally designed architecture, art enthusiasts should not miss this museum. You’ll encounter a sophisticated, modern display space, natural light, and feel a more enhanced beauty when admiring the paintings here. It presents a different Thailand, seen from various angles, bringing in freshness and reflecting many facets of a colorful life.

12.  Ratchadamri Central District

Situated along an extended avenue with a romantic branch crossing the Chao Phraya River, this is a gathering place for many leading financial corporations such as Platinum, Novotel, Intercontinental, Central World, and Palladium. It’s almost a miniature model of the country itself. You can find many entertainment spots and shopping centers here, such as major shopping malls like Siam World, Central World, Amarin, MBK, renowned international-class restaurants, or enjoy the bustling Bangkok or take a tuk-tuk to Terminal 21 entertainment complex or Sukhumvit area. You’ll also come across street shops selling domestic handicrafts from China, India, Arabia, or indulge in delicious street food right on Ratchadamri Road.

13. Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)

Located by the famous Chao Phraya River, this beautiful spot appears to float elegantly on the water’s surface from afar. Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, might sound like it’s beautiful at sunrise, but in reality, the best time to appreciate its beauty is at dusk when the lights illuminate it. With exquisitely detailed architecture, it’s known as the most beautiful temple in Thailand, with its main tower soaring 70 meters high adorned with Chinese porcelain and glass, arranged in an intricate and somewhat complex manner, creating a unique beauty that can’t be found elsewhere. It’s also a spiritual and sacred destination for Buddhists, so remember to dress appropriately when visiting.

14. Dream World

If you search ‘what to do in Bangkok, Thailand,’ Dream World will likely appear among the many fun spots in Bangkok to consider. This is the second famous theme park after Safari World, featuring numerous amusement areas, photo opportunities, sightseeing, underwater and airborne activities, both indoors and outdoors. Spending an entire day here won’t cover everything or allow you to explore the entire vast park, so if time is limited, focus on the most popular activities or visit the most beautiful places to save time.

15. Jim Thompson House

One of the most exciting destinations in Bangkok is the home of the American businessman Jim Thompson. This is not only a museum but also an antique and art collection. You’ll witness traditional Thai architecture with an underlying contemporary twist, together with displays of rare art pieces and traditional Thai craftsmanship. Besides, the stories and history narrated by the tour guides here are intriguing, and you’ll be immersed in tales of mystery surrounding Jim Thompson’s disappearance. If you’re curious about the secrets, this place is a must-visit. Remember to book a guided tour in advance to delve deeper into the rich history and anecdotes related to Jim Thompson.

These attractions encompass the myriad of experiences awaiting travelers visiting Bangkok, Thailand. Whether you’re captivated by historical and spiritual sites, seeking a vibrant nightlife, indulging in diverse cuisine, shopping at bustling markets, or immersing yourself in amusement parks and museums, Bangkok offers a plethora of experiences catering to every traveler’s interests.

Source: Compiled from the Internet.