Hidden Bangkok: 8 Unique Things to See and Do
Interesting Places in Bangkok Only Locals Know
Hidden gems are always fun to explore, and in Bangkok they are plentiful. Some are spoken of only in whispers, others take years to discover, and a few are outrageously underrated. But one thing unites those picked for our list: all will enhance your enjoyment of this exciting city.
Most of the things below are door-openers (specific places you should visit), but we’ve thrown in a few eye-openers (curious facts) for good measure. Check them out before they’re “discovered” by the crowds.
1. Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)
Bangkok’s bustling flower market
Good for: Photo, Shoppers, Unusual
Pak Khlong Talat is a must-visit if you’re blooming mad about flowers. The city’s biggest flower market offers an exotic sensory treat, especially between 2 am and sunrise, when lorries brimming with freshly cut flora, fruit, and vegetables rattle in from neighboring provinces. This is when this unassuming roadside bursts into a symphony of fragrant smells and vibrant colors.
Roses, daisies, chrysanthemums, and indigenous orchids are all here in droves. What’s more, they have minuscule prices. Come see for yourself. Read more
Location: Soi San Chao Ban Mo, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: 24/7
Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)
2. Rod Fai Market
Retro finds and street vibes after dark
Good for: Nightlife, Shoppers
Rod Fai Market, also known as the Srinakarin Train Market, is a paradise for retro enthusiasts, brimming with vintage treasures and authentic local charm. Located just behind Seacon Square Shopping Mall on Srinakarin Road, this market embodies a timeless vintage aesthetic that never goes out of style.
With its laid-back and cool atmosphere, visitors can explore a diverse array of collectibles and memorabilia from bygone eras. From antique furniture to bohemian fashion and intriguing Mao kitsch, Rod Fai Market offers a unique shopping experience that celebrates nostalgia and individuality. Read more
Location: 1, 4 Srinagarindra Rd, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
Open: Thursday–Sunday from 5 pm to 1 am (closed on Monday–Wednesday)
Phone: +66 (0)81 827 5885
Rod Fai Market
3. Erawan Museum
A colossal copper elephant packed with wonders
Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual
Samut Prakan’s Erawan Museum is a surreal cultural landmark, renowned for its impressive three-headed elephant sculpture atop a grand pedestal. This magnificent creature weighs 250 tons, stands 29 meters tall, stretches 39 meters long, and is crafted from pure green-hued copper.
The sculpture serves as the museum itself, offering visitors a journey through a diverse collection of artifacts set in a vividly psychedelic environment. Erawan Museum is a must-see destination for those seeking a blend of art, history, and architectural marvels. Read more
Location: 99 Kanchanaphisek Rd, Bang Mueang Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +66 (0)88 695 9307
Erawan Museum
4. Papaya Studio Bangkok
A charming spot for vintage finds
Good for: Shoppers, Unusual
Papaya Studio Bangkok is a unique and eclectic vintage shop that defies conventional retail experiences. It is like no other shop you have ever seen before. Many have heard of it, but few have actually stepped inside its intriguing doors.
Attempting to list the astonishing array of objects, items, figures, toys, household goods, and furniture packed closely together would be impossible. However, you can’t help but notice the pinball machines, vintage Vespas, and full-size comic characters like Flash, Wolverine, Green Lantern, and Batman, all proudly standing next to an unexpected pair of giant rabbits.
Read more
Location: 405, 1 Sukhaphiban 5 Alley, Tha Raeng, Bang Khen, Bangkok 10220, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 7 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 539 8220
Papaya Studio Bangkok
5. Royal Thai Air Force Museum
Hidden hangars with historic Thai aircraft
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The Royal Thai Air Force Museum, located near Don Mueang International Airport, boasts a small yet surprisingly captivating collection of aircraft.
This hidden gem covers the entire history of Thai aviation, showcasing around 30 aircraft that range from the earliest biplanes to the more modern designs. The museum’s exhibits are thoughtfully arranged, with some aircraft displayed outdoors and others housed within large hangars. Explore a fascinating array of planes that each represent a unique chapter in Thailand’s aviation history. Read more
Location: 171 Phahonyothin Rd, Sanam Bin, Don Mueang, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +66 (0)2 534 1853
Royal Thai Air Force Museum
6. Rama IX Park
Bangkok’s biggest park and peaceful retreat
Good for: Families, Photo, Budget
Rama IX Park, the largest green space in Bangkok, offers a serene escape with its stunning botanical garden, expansive lake, and internationally inspired gardens.
Established in 1987 to commemorate King Bhumibol’s 60th birthday, this vast park on Bangkok’s outskirts provides a refreshing break from the city’s hustle and bustle. Despite its many attractions, the park remains pleasantly uncrowded by tourists, allowing visitors to enjoy an authentic experience of how locals leisurely spend their afternoons. Whether you’re exploring the themed gardens or simply relaxing by the lake, Rama IX Park is a peaceful retreat that showcases the natural beauty of Thailand. Read more
Location: Chaloem Phrakiat Ratchakan Thi 9 Rd, Nong Bon Subdistrict, Prawet, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
Open: Daily from 5 am to 7 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 328 1385
Rama IX Park
7. Khlongs in Bangkok
Gliding past homes on Bangkok’s backwaters
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Explore the khlongs of Bangkok, the city’s historic canal network in the Thonburi area, to catch a glimpse of traditional riverside life. These waterways are lined with stilted homes and wooden shophouses, some of which are still inhabited today, offering a unique perspective on Bangkok’s rich cultural heritage.
A boat ride along these canals typically begins on the Chao Phraya River, the main artery that gracefully arcs through the city. From there, the narrow khlongs branch out, weaving into the urban landscape on either bank.
Khlongs in Bangkok
8. Baan Bat
Bangkok’s last makers of alms bowls
Good for: History, Photo
Baan Bat is perhaps the last existing place in Bangkok that still hammers out, by hand, the brass bowl that Buddhist monks carry with them during the morning alms round. Its name literally means “house of monk’s alms bowl.” The community has been producing monk’s alms bowls since the late 18th Century, but today less than five households continue to make a living selling their craft here.
You can find Baan Bat in a narrow backstreet just south of Wat Saket (The Golden Mount Temple). The common view here is stacks of unfinished brass bowls lying about, as well as constant banging noise echoing from all the forging.
Location: 55 Boriphat Road, Baan Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Open: Hours vary by season
Baan Bat
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