If your idea of a holiday in Bangkok is avoiding the beaten track and taking the path that is less taken, you have come to the right place.
While this town of Thailand may be known for its impeccable gourmet experiences, action-packed nightlife, and culturally inclined locals, Bangkok has countless hidden gems that are still far away from any commercialization. From a pristine island to centuries-old local artwork, this town has something for everyone to spend some quality time in its lap.
Here is a list of all the unconventional places that will make your trip to Bangkok slightly offbeat!
1. Yaowarat Road
Modern Chinatown of Bangkok covers a large area around Yaowarat Road. Yaowarat Road has been the main centre for trading by the Chinese from the time they moved to this place around 200 years ago. Yaowarat Road is famous for its variety of foodstuffs. At night, the area turns into a large food street that attracts a huge number of tourists and locals. Yaowarat Road, the main body of Chinatown, runs parallel to the Chao Phraya River.
How much time is needed to explore:
Tourists might plan a whole day in the bustling Yaowarat Road and never regret it. Visit the Wat Traimit to see the largest gold Buddha in the world on the way and also view the ornate Chinatown Gate from the top of the temple. Pick fortunes from the jumble of goods in the Sampeng Lane. Stop to admire the China Gate at the western entrance to the Chinatown Bangkok. Fill your bellies at the largest street food spots along the Yaowarat Road at night with dim sum, oyster omelettes, flat noodles in a pepper broth, lots of fresh seafood, shark fin soup and bird’s nest soup. Get a surprising panoramic view of Chinatown from Sky View 360 at Grand China Hotel and visit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat –Bangkok’s most important and largest Chinese-Buddhist temple and find some peace and solitude at the Romaneenart Park located at the eastern edge of the China Town. Club all amusement and entertaining activities to have a gala full-day tour of Yeorawat Road and its nearby Bangkok attractions.
Distance from Pratunam & Sukhimvit: The distance from Pratunam to Yeorawat Road is around 6.5 kilometres and takes around 18 minutes to reach by road. The maximum time to reach via taxi is 21 minutes. The time to reach via bus ranges from 25 to 32 minutes.
The distance from Sukhimvit to Jim Thompson House is around 7.4 kilometres and takes barely 16 minutes to reach by road via taxi.
How to Reach (Bus, Taxi, Included in City Tour), Any Tips & Suggestions:
From Pratunam: The cheapest way to get from Pratunam Market to Yaowarat Road is to take a bus that will cost you 10 – 35 baht and take 34 minutes. There are direct buses departing from Royal Thai Police and arriving at Wat Phlapphla Chai every 15 minutes operating on a daily basis. The journey time is approximately 10 minutes. There is a direct bus departing from Hua Lamphong Bus Terminal which arrives at Bus Stop BTS Ratchathewi and plies at a frequency of every 15 minutes and operates on an everyday basis. The Bus 511 Outbound takes 32 minutes and charges 35-75 baht. The journey time via this route is approximately 8 minutes. The quickest way to get from Pratunam Market to Yaowarat Road is to hail a taxi service which is a bit more expensive costing 100 – 130 baht and takes merely 5 minutes. The BTS and MRT option from Pratunam Market to Chit Lom by walk and from Chit Lom to Asok via MRT and change and reach Sukhumvit to reach wat Mangkon and then walk down to Yeorawat Road would take around 36 minuets and cost 40 – 94 baht.
From Sukhumvit: The cheapest way to get from The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, to the famous Yeorawat Road or Chinatown is to avail an MRT that costs 25 – 35 baht and takes 17 minutes to cross the distance. The quickest way to get from Sukhumvit to Jim Thompson House, however, is to avail a taxi that costs 110 – 140 baht and takes just about 7 minutes to take you comfortably to your destination. From Sukhumvit a train departs to arrive at Wat Mangkon every 5 minutes and operates every day with a journey time of approximately 14 minutes. If you do not have a car at your disposal, then the most preferred way to travel from Sukhumvit to Yeorawat Road is to opt for the MRT that takes 17 minutes of travel time and costs 25 – 35 baht.
Thus the easiest way to reach Chinatown in case you want to avoid the traffic and travelling by bus or taxi is to travel by boat, also known as the Chao Phraya River Express. You need to get off at the Ratchawong Pier, and walk up from Ratchawong Road to reach Sampeng Lane and Yaowarat Road comfortably. Alternatively, avail the BTS/Skytrain to reach Asok BTS station, and from there walk down to the Sukhumvit MRT station. Then from Hua Lumpong, you need to walk to Chinatown.
2. Rattanakosin Island
Rattanakosin Island is the main island of Bangkok and is also called Rattanakosin or Old Town. It is famous for housing the ornate Grand Palace and the majestic and sprawling temple complex called Wat Pho, famed for the remarkable and huge reclining Buddha. In its parks such as the Sanam Luang, locals play sepak takraw or kick volleyball game. Boutique hotels often allure visitors with the temptation of riverside dining.
Ticket Cost in THB
There is no entrance fee for visiting Rattanakosin. But there are fees for visiting Rattanakosin Exhibition hall and it is 100 baht for all foreigner visitors, adult and children.
How much time is needed to explore
A few days should suffice a complete tour of Rattanakosin. The island of Rattanakosin is the historic centre of Bangkok and possesses most of the spectacular jewels or tourist attractions, including the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Visit city pillar shrine is Bangkok is known as San Lak Muang, go shopping at Phahurat Wholesale Market, visit the Bangkok National Museum, take a stroll at the Saranrom Park, visit Chinatown, Mahakan Fort and the Wat Ratchanatdaram next to it to name a few. Spending a few days in this remarkable district of Bangkok will give you an opportunity to soak up the essence of culture, history and religion of the Thai people also give you a chance to stay amazed at the traditional Buddhist temples, palaces, museums, parks and monuments.
Distance from Pratunam & Sukhimvit
The distance from Pratunam to Rattanakosin is around 6.3 kilometres and takes around 11 minutes to reach by road. The other taxi route is of 8.2 kilometres and takes around 13 minutes and yet another route that is 7.2 kilometres. The time taken to reach Rattanakosin via bus ranges from around 34-52 minutes.
The distance from Sukhimvit to Rattanakosin is around 11.2 kilometres and takes approximately 15 minutes to reach by road via taxi. The other taxi route is of 8.2 kilometres and takes around 16 minutes and yet another route that is 8 kilometres takes 17 minutes. Bus on the other hand will take more than an hour.
How to Reach (Bus, Taxi, Included in City Tour), Any Tips & Suggestions
From Pratunam
The cheapest way to reach from Pratunam Market to Rattanakosin Island is to take a bus that will cost 10 – 35 baht and takes 15 minutes to reach. The quickest way, on the other hand, to get from Pratunam Market to Rattanakosin Island is to avail a taxi which costs 90 – 110 baht and takes 5 minutes to transport to the destination. Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Pantip Pratunam and arriving at Wat Ratchanatdaram. Buses depart every 10 minutes and operate every day on a regular basis. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes.
From Sukhimvit
The cheapest way to reach Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok from Sukhumvit is to take a bus via Thailand Life which will cost 10 – 35 baht and take approximately 40 minutes to reach. The cheapest way to get from Sukhumvit to Rattanakosin Island is to avail the MRT which will cost around 28 – 33 baht and take 16 minutes to reach. The quickest way, on the other hand, to get from Sukhumvit to Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok is to avail a taxi which will cost 100 – 130 baht and takes 9 minutes to cover the distance. There are direct buses departing from Thailand Life and arriving at Wat Pho in Rattanakosin. Buses depart every 15 minutes and operate every day on a regular basis. The journey time is approximately 38 minutes. There are direct buses departing from Soi Sukhumvit 10 and arriving at Wat Ratchanatdaram at a frequency of every 15 minutes and operating daily. The journey takes approximately 17 minutes.
3. Thon Buri
Thonburi or Thon Buri is the charming Bangkok neighbourhood located west of Chao Phraya River. Experience the magic of long-tail boats gliding down narrow waterways lined with wooden houses. View the magnificence of the towering pagoda and rows of gilded Buddhas of the iconic Wat Arun temple spread along the riverside. Grab your favourite street-food stalls of the area that serve savoury snacks such as grilled sausages and coconut pancakes.
How much time is needed to explore
Thon Buri calls for a day trip as you lose yourself while exploring the snaking alleys, Thonburi Canal or khlongs and winding roads of this old town and visit Wat Prayoon’s khao mor and Wang Derm Palace, Wang Lang Mrket, Wat Arun, Wat Kalayanamitr, Wat Prayoon, Wat Rakhang Khositaram, Wichaiprasit and also grab some sumptuous meals at the innumerable eateries in the location.
Distance from Pratunam & Sukhimvit
The distance from Pratunam to Thon Buri is around 12 kilometres and takes around 21 minutes to reach by road. The other taxi route is of 16.2 kilometres but takes around the same time of 21 minutes and yet another one is 17.8 kilometres and takes 26 minutes. The time range to reach Thon Buri via bus is minimum of 51 minutes and maximum of 1 hour 13 minutes.
The distance from Sukhimvit to Thon Buri is around 10.5 kilometres and takes approximately 26 minutes to reach by road via taxi. The other taxi route is of 17 kilometres but takes around the same time of 25 minutes and yet another one is 18 kilometres and takes 27 minutes. By bus, it takes much longer. The journey time would be around an hour or more.
How to Reach (Bus, Taxi, Included in City Tour), Any Tips & Suggestions
From Pratunam
The cheapest way to travel from Pratunam to Thon Buri is to take the 79 Inbound bus which charges a fare 10 – 35 baht and takes 39 minutes. Pratunam Market to Thon Buri Station bus services are operated by Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and the buses depart from Pantip Pratunam station and arrive at Opposite Kong Salak station.
Covering the journey partly by bus and partly by ferry will cost you around and will take around 34 minutes. Taxi takes merely 8 minutes but charges more, around 120-160 baht. There is a direct bus departing from Pantip Pratunam and arriving at Opposite Kong Salak. Services depart every 15 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 12 min.
From Sukhumvit
The cheapest manner in which you can travel from Sukhumvit to Thon Buri Station is to take a bus via Thailand Life which costs 10 – 35 baht and takes 42 minutes. The fastest way to travel from Sukhumvit to Thon Buri Station is to avail a taxi that charges 140 – 180 baht and takes 11 minutes. It takes approximately 34 minutes to travel from Sukhumvit to Thon Buri Station, including transfers. There are direct buses departing from Soi Sukhumvit 10 and arriving at Phra Pinklao Bridge. Services depart every 15 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 23 minutes.
Sukhumvit to Thon Buri Station bus service is operated by Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and departs from Soi Sukhumvit 10 station and arrives at Phra Pinklao Bridge station. Sukhumvit to Thon Buri Station train services are operated by Bangkok Metro and the trains depart from Sukhumvit station and arrives at Sanam Chai at an interval of every 5 minutes on a daily basis with a journey time of approximately 17 minutes. The best way to get from Sukhumvit to Thon Buri Station if you do not have a car at your disposal is to go via MRT and ferry which will take approximately 34 minutes and will cost 40 – 75 baht.
4. Giant Swing
The Giant Swing was established by King Rama I (1737–1809), the founder of the Chakri dynasty and is to be still seen in the roundabout of the majestic Wat Suthat temple of Bangkok. It is towering red swing outside its grand entrance. In the ancient period, in a religious ceremony, Thai men used to swing from the 21-metre tall Giant Swing (Sao Chingcha) of Bangkok in 1919 to grab a suspended bag of coins with their teeth.
Ticket Cost in THB
The Giant Swing charges a price of 100 Baht per person. And for the entry to the temple of Wat Suthat the charges are 200 baht per person with free entry for children under 120 centimetres.
How much time is needed to explore
Wat Suthat Thepwararam is located in Bangkok’s Old Town and you can easily enjoy the Giant Swing while during a visit to the Temple. This massive swing now serves as nice photo option for Wat Suthat Thepwararam’s visitors. The entire visit to the temple and swing should be over in 1-2 hours.
Distance from Pratunam & Sukhimvit
The distance from Pratunam to the Giant Swing is around 5.9 kilometres that is reached in 15 minutes and 7.9 kilometres to be reached in 17 minutes and also via another route which is 6.4 kilometres and takes around 18 minutes to reach by road. And the third route takes 22 minutes via 7.5 kilometres. The time range to reach the Giant Swing via bus is a minimum of 29 minutes and maximum of 41 minutes.
The distance from Sukhimvit to the Giant Swing is around 7.8 kilometres and other routes being 12.2 kilometres and 9.2 kilometres take approximately 23 minutes to reach by road via taxi. By bus, time taken would be approximately 41-47 minutes via four different routes. By taxi, it takes 110-135 baht and is the fastest mode of reaching.
How to Reach (Bus, Taxi, Included in City Tour), Any Tips & Suggestions
From Pratunam:
The cheapest way to travel from Pratunam Market to Giant Swing is to take a ferry which costs 10 – 20 baht and takes 39 minutes of travel time. The quickest way to get from Pratunam Market to Giant Swing, on the other hand, is to take a taxi which costs 100 – 130 baht and takes 5 minutes to reach. There are direct buses departing from Pantip Pratunam and that arrives at Wat Ratchanatdaram and runs every 10 minutes daily with a journey time of approximately 10 minutes.
From Sukhumvit
The cheapest way to get from Sukhumvit to Giant Swing is to take an MRT which costs 28 – 33 baht and takes 24 minutes to reach. And the quickest way to get from Giant Swing to Sukhumvit is to avail a taxi that will cost 110 – 140 baht and will take 9 minutes. There is a direct bus running from Democracy Monument and arriving at Sukhumvit Soi 15 every 15 minutes operating every day with a journey time of approximately 20 minutes.
You can easily book a cab/taxi for a half day tour of Bangkok Old Town sightseeing and combine Wat Suthat Thepwararam temple also located in Bangkok’s Old Town with a visit to the other temples of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
5. The Artist’s House
The Artist’s House is an off-beaten and unique tourist attraction. This house is more than 200 years old and sits prettily and serenely along the khlong or canal. The Artist’s House is also known as Baan Silapin and Klong Bang Luang. It is a place for gathering of young and old. Thais and foreigners gather for enjoying drinks, food, the community culture and traditional Thai puppet show. The Artist’s House is hidden away behind the winding sois or streets of Thonburi, which is Bangkok’s old capital.
How much time is needed to explore
You need to spend half day to explore the Artist’s House and its vicinities. As you reach the Artist’s House, go past the few restaurants and indulge in some delicious Thai cuisine in one of the riverside restaurants. As you reach, stay amazed at the wooden tables with colourful paint and décor of portraits, paintings and drawings in the main seating area. Enjoy the beauty of the wooden doors and hanging potted plants, charming trinkets as you float along in the long-tail boat meandering through the canal.
Distance from Pratunam & Sukhimvit
The distance from Pratunam to Artist’s House is around 12.3 kilometres and takes around 25 minutes to reach by road. The other taxi routes are 12 kilometres and 21 kilometres but takes almost the same time to reach. There are no direct buses and bus travel takes an hour approximately.
The distance from Sukhumvit to Artist’s House is around 14.4 kilometres and takes approximately half an hour to reach by road via taxi and takes around 1 hour via by bus.
How to Reach (Bus, Taxi, Included in City Tour), Any Tips & Suggestions
There are no direct buses from Sukhumvit to Artist’s House. You need to walk to reach Nana and then catch a bus to Siam. From there, take the BTS Silom Line towards to Bang Wa. From Bang Wa, you need to walk for about 1.7 kilometres for 22 minutes to finally reach Artist’s House. The entire journey time would be approximately 1 hour.
From Sukhumvit, if you take the MRT Blue Line towards To Lak Sang, you shall reach Bang Phai in about 30 minutes and then walk about 1 kilometre for about 12 minutes to reach Artist’s House.
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