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Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, always has something new to share. From culture and temples to shopping malls and street markets, Bangkok offers a heady mix of things to do.
Why Should You Stray from the Usual?
Bangkok is everything you’d expect a Thai city to be. Temples, markets, shopping malls, and museums all sit beside each other, offering a bit of everything. Both the culture buff and foodie are entertained in Bangkok, and so is the shopaholic.
While all these make up an enticing array of attractions, you should also attempt to look beneath the cover, where you’ll find a set of attractions even more exciting. It’s here you’ll find the real Bangkok, with its unrelenting Thai fervour that entices travellers into staying longer than they initially intended.
Before you dive into the more esoteric range of attractions, there are a few things you need to know to make the most of your off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Visit when the weather is at its best if you intend to explore the outdoors. November to February is the time when the city experiences cool and dry weather. Temperatures often stay below 30 degrees, and many events turn the city into a festive paradise – Chinese New Year is an excellent time to visit the city.
It’s important to choose the right sort of accommodation for your stay as well, given that you intend to venture off the beaten track. Bangkok is visited by all kinds of travellers, and they all find their accommodation needs met by the diverse accommodation sector of the city. For instance, if you wish to stay at a Ratchada Bangkok hotel, you have several options in the five-star category, including the Avani Ratchada Bangkok Hotel. It’s wise to book your accommodation early if you visit during the peak season.
Airplane Graveyard
If you’ve been exploring temples and markets, bring some novelty to your tourist experience by visiting the Airplane Graveyard. It’s located a bit further away from downtown Bangkok, but it’s easy to get to. This is quite literally a graveyard of airplanes. You’ll find several airplane bodies here.
Airplane Graveyard is owned by a local businessman who sells parts of the airplanes. You’ll also find two local families living on the premises – they act as caretakers and also help the owner gather parts and sell them. They might ask you to pay an entrance fee, which is not fixed – you’ll have to pay whatever the families ask, but it usually ranges between 100 and 800 baht.
You can visit from 9 AM to 6 PM. Try to get here as early as you can, though, to avoid the midday heat.
Wat Benchamabophit
This isn’t one of those famous temples, but it’s just as good.
Not many tourists seem to be aware of Wat Benchamabophit’s existence, which is great if you want to beat the crowds. The temple is built with beautiful Italian marble, and there’s no entrance fee. If you want to go inside, however, you need to pay a fee of 20 baht, which is a reasonable amount.
The temple is open from 8 AM to 5:30 PM. Unlike other temples, Wat Benchamabophit remains relatively free of crowds, but it’s best to visit early in the morning.
Talad Rot Fai
Not one that features in Bangkok’s list of things to do, which is precisely what makes Talad Rot Fai a must-visit.
Also known as the Train Night Market, Talad Rot Fai is known for its quirky atmosphere. It was originally located near train tracks, but it has since moved to a more central location in Ratchada. You can find some unique finds here. Stalls sell everything from retro clothes to antiques to old-fashioned collectibles.
Plus, the market is filled with street food stalls, so foodies will find a lot to do here too, and music performances and street dancers are part of the Talad Rot Fai experience.
The best thing about Talad Rot Fai is the quiet atmosphere. Unlike regular Thai markets, Talad Rot Fai offers a laid-back experience, which appeals to those who want to get away from the crowds.
Jim Thompson House & Museum
Located near Siam Square, Jim Thompson House & Museum is a historical site in Bangkok.
The collection here is a testament to Jim Thompson, an American businessman who took a liking to Thailand. He revived the Thai silk industry in the 20th century.
Sitting amidst lush gardens, the museum is, in fact, a collection of six Thai-style houses. Inside, you’ll find an eclectic collection of art, antiques, bits of Thai silk, Buddhist statues, and Chinese porcelains. He was quite the collector, and now you can see his beloved collection all laid out in his house.
What makes the museum intriguing is the disappearance of Jim Thompson, which took place in 1967. No one knows what happened. It remains an unsolved mystery, which adds to the allure of the museum.