Shopping, street food, and a visit to the many temples. Now that sounds like a typical holiday to Bangkok. But in this city, even the most usual things can take on a unique spin, bringing you experiences that definitely make up for great stories or compelling reasons to keep returning to Thailand. If you are confused where to find them, we have compelled a list of five must-have off beat experiences that you should quickly add to your Bangkok tour. These include the likes of tasting a broth that has been simmering for almost half a decade to visiting a temple designed like a dragon, and more.
Bangkok is home to many shrines, but there is one that stands out above the rest: Wat Sam Phran. This temple is often referred to as the "Dragon temple" and it's not hard to see why. The temple is a remarkable 17-storey cylindrical structure that is painted pink and features a massive dragon sculpture in red and green that coils around the entire building. The interior of the dragon is hollow and houses a spiral staircase that visitors can use to climb to the top of the building.
Address: 92 8, Sam Phran, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom 73110, Thailand
Bangkok boasts a fascinating blend of architectural styles, from ancient monasteries to modern malls. However, it is also home to a variety of European-themed food parks as well as several exquisitely crafted models of European towns. You must visit Chocolate Ville, a charming theme park that transports you to a quaint European village. The park features a beautiful landscape dotted with windmills, cosy cottages, and lush gardens, all adding to its charm. You can even get waterfront views by the faux moat that runs through the park.
Address: 23 1-16 Prasert-Manukitch Rd, Ram Inthra, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok 10230, Thailand
With a plethora of niche markets, Bangkok is well-known for its excellent shopping options. One of the most interesting places to shop and dine in the city is the Chang Chui Bangkok Plane Night Market. Its main attraction is the shell of a Lockheed L-1011 Tristar airplane, which is sure to catch your attention. Apart from this, the market boasts several buildings made from recycled materials, adding to its cool and artistic vibe. Here, you can indulge in a wide selection of food and craft beer, as well as shop for boutique fashion pieces. Families can also enjoy the slides, treehouses, and swings scattered throughout the market.
Address: 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Bangkok is renowned for its street food and culinary scene, but there is one must-try dish that requires a strong heart. Wattana Panich restaurant is the home of beef broth that has been simmering for half a century, across three generations of the same family. The restaurant has even received a visit from the Michelin Guide. The "Neua Tune" soup is made from beef and goat and prepared in a pot that is constantly boiling. Fresh portions of broth, meat, and vegetables are added throughout the day to cater to customers. The soup has a part of the original batch that was made almost 50 years ago, and is a testament to the restaurant's age-old culinary tradition.
Address: 336 338 Ekkamai Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
If you believe in lucky charms and amulets, then this market in Bangkok is the place you should definitely visit. The unique market is home to a wide variety of stalls selling amulets and talismans which are sought after by many local folks. Many of the amulets are believed to contain sacred particles from remote temples. Others are small figurines of Buddhas with different expressions, medallions, chunks of wood from sacred places, and many more. If you seek guidance, consult the many magazines available that are dedicated to these amulets.
Address: 1 Trok Sake, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
