Top
Things to do in Bangkok beyond the obvious

Things To Do in Bangkok Beyond the Obvious

Bangkok is perceived by many travelers as a chaotic city. It’s funny, but I do not feel that way. Maybe it has to do with the fact that we normally travel to Thailand after spending some time in way busier Delhi. Perhaps it’s just because Thailand has its own special way of combining busy and Zen. Whatever it is, Bangkok is one of my favorite places for an Asian city break.

Notorious Bangkok Traffic

Notorious Bangkok Traffic

 

During our first trip to Bangkok, we visited all the famous sights, just like most tourists do. We walked around the Grand Palace, spent some time at Wat Pho, and indulged in boat rides along the Chao Phraya River to admire the cityscape.

During our next trip to Bangkok, though, we wanted to take the exploration a little further from the obvious tourist attractions. A lot of walking around led us to the discovery of little things that make up for incredible experiences while in Bangkok, away from the obvious touristic path.

If you too are planning a small break in Bangkok, we commend choosing your accommodation in a central part of town. Hotel Indigo in downtown Bangkok is a good option, as it is close to public transportation and in an area full of local life. Once you have figured out where to stay and you have covered the most popular attractions in Bangkok, consider our recommendations for other things to do:

 

Surround Yourself by Greenery in Lumpini Park

Bangkok's cityscape as seen from Lumpini Park

Bangkok's cityscape as seen from Lumpini Park

 

Bangkok is better known for its tall buildings and traffic jams, but that doesn’t mean the city doesn’t have some impressive parks too.

Our favorite green space in Bangkok is Lumpini Park. The area is landscaped beautifully, and the park has a very Thai atmosphere, making it an ideal location for people watching. One of the best spots for this is the outdoor gym, where body builders seem to take their exercise routines very seriously.

Chinese Pavilion in Lumpini Park

Chinese Pavilion in Lumpini Park

 

Lumpini is also the chosen residence of several cats that will keep you company as you take a seat in one of the park benches.

"Jack, draw me like one of your French girls!", the cat said...

"Jack, draw me like one of your French girls!", the cat said…

 

Visit Khlong Toei, a Real Local Market

Khlong Toei Market in Bangkok

Khlong Toei Market in Bangkok

 

If Thailand is known for is incredible cuisine, the local wet markets are where it all starts. Even though visiting a market is an interest of many visitors who come to Bangkok, the truth is that many of them end up leaving without getting to experience a true local market. While night markets are great sources of delicious street food and souvenirs, the wet markets are the place to be to learn about local food!

The vending stalls at Khlong Toei Market are connected by narrow lanes such as this one

The vending stalls at Khlong Toei Market are connected by narrow lanes such as this one

Fresh seafood stall in Khlong Toei Market

Fresh seafood stall in Khlong Toei Market

Ready to eat Thai food at Khlong Toei

Ready to eat Thai food at Khlong Toei

 



Khlong Toei Market is one of the largest markets in Bangkok. This is the best spot to source authentic ingredients at local prices.

At Khlong Toei you can even buy boiled AND peeled eggs!

At Khlong Toei you can even buy boiled AND peeled eggs!

Many street food vendors in Bangkok source their ingredients at Khlong Toei. Some of them, like these eggs, are ready to be consumed.

Many street food vendors in Bangkok source their ingredients at Khlong Toei. Some of them, like these eggs, are ready to be consumed.

 

Even if you are not interested in shopping, spending a morning in Khlong Toei will give you insight into local life, which is often difficult to experience in a city this big. Here, you’ll understand what the average Thai person buys and eats at home. Smells, confusion, and a lot of human activity come to mix at Khlong Toei, making for a very authentic Bangkok experience.

Tailoring shop inside Khlong Toei Market

Tailoring shop inside Khlong Toei Market

 

Get Lost in Chinatown

Inside a taxi in Bangkok's Chinatown

Inside a taxi in Bangkok's Chinatown

 

Bangkok’s Chinatown is such a happening place! It is one of the largest Chinatown’s in the world and a place where foodies, shopaholics, and all-around lovers of street life come to have fun.

You shouldn’t follow a specific itinerary when you visit Chinatown. Simply walk around, taking in the scents, the noises, and the visual over load that this area will present you with.

If you visit Chinatown in the early morning, you will experience the wet markets. These sell different ingredients than those commonly seen at the usual Thai shops. In the evenings, locals and visitors come to Chinatown to fill their bellies with delicious street food. The specialties, of course, feature typical Chinese dishes.

Street food in Bangkok's Chinatown

Street food in Bangkok's Chinatown

 

Bangkok is a large city, not only literally, but also when it comes to everything it offers to its visitors. Whatever mood you are in, there will always be something to make you happy while visiting the city. It doesn’t matter if you want to keep things simple and relaxed or if you want to feel the excitement of chaos in the streets. Bangkok will delivery!


Subscribe to the Backpack ME Newsletter

Tips, fun stuff, and TONS of inspiration! Straight to your inbox!

6 Comments

  • Karina Says

    been there, done that! a lot of walking around gave me a new perspective of Bangkok. I accindentaly found Khlong Toei Market because I lost my way. lol. but in the end it became a wonderful experience.

  • Hi Zara,

    I spent 4 days in Thailand recently (https://ashishb.net/all/4-days-in-thailand/). My journey was short and quick but hopefully next time, I will be able to spend more time along these off-beat tracks.

  • I <3 Bangkok, and I'm so glad you shone some light on these places! When I visited I was with friends (locals), and they showed me Lumpini Park and Chinatown, and all I could think was "why doesn't everyone come here?!". Great spots – I must get to that market next time I'm there :)

  • Lucia Says

    Hey A & Z
    I am a great lover of your posts. And, this time you have shared a post regarding Bangkok. Hopefully now i would be planning a trip to Bangkok. You have already made by journey simple by sharing where to visit and the other stuff. I am really thankful to you both.

  • Amit Says

    Thanks for writing such a wonderful article. Great info really helpful for travellers who wants to visit Bangkok. nice pics. keep posting.

Comments are closed for this post.

Subscribe to Backpack ME