Bangkok is a huge place and it can be hard to know where to go, while avoiding the overly touristy stops (hello Khaosan Road). Here our to-do-list in Bangkok, to experience things completely off the beaten track, and have a real feel of the Thai capital.
Contents
The Death Museum (not for the faint hearted!)
Nicknamed The Museum of Death, the Siriraj Medical Museum is located at Bangkok’s oldest hospital and medical school (est.1886). It comprises six different museums, located within the Hospital. Some of them focus on history, while others on pathology, parasitology, forensic…
It is open to the public and is very valuable to medical students and professionals. It’s a really interesting (and more than unusual) museum but be warned, you won’t be able to forget what you see…
For all info, follow this link to the full article: Death Museum Bangkok (Siriraj Medical Museum) – Not For The Faint-Hearted!
The Airplane Graveyard
If you’re looking to check out something quite unusual, in busy Bangkok, but also a bit thrilling? The Airplane Graveyard is the spot.
It is basically an open wasteland with a few planes that have been scrapped and left there since 2010. The land is owned by a Thai businessman who has been selling the valuable parts of the planes: you can check out a Boeing 747 and two MD-82 jetliners.
In 2015, three families moved on the site and used the planes as their homes. For a small amount of money that they live on, they will let you explore the planes.
For more info, check how to get there and how to enter, check: Visit the Airplane Graveyard in Bangkok.
Chatuchak Market
There are many markets in Bangkok, and so many of them are worth a visit.
In Chatuchak, you can find pretty much anything from food, clothes and souvenirs to illegal pets and gems.
This place is huge and full of surprises, it is a good spot to get lost into for a while, and enjoy the amazing food some of the stalls have to offer.
Escape the city buzz to Koh Kret
Koh Kret is a small island on the river crossing Bangkok. It is peaceful and would give you a nice break from the craziness of the city center. You can easily walk around in a couple of hours, or rent a bike there.
To get there, the easiest way is to take the ferry (Chao Phraya express boat) either from Sathorn Pier (BTS Saphan Taksin) or Tha Chang Pier by the Royal Palace.
It is very cheap (between 15 and 25 baht) and runs every 15-20 minutes. Once at Pak Kret Pier, you’ll have to take a small ferry near the pier for 5 baht that goes directly to Koh Kret.
Free Muay Thai games et the channel 7 stadium every Sundays
Muay Thai is Thailand’s national sport, it is also one of the most dangerous martial arts in the world. If you want to experience it (by watching) surrounded by locals, this is your opportunity.
Channel 7 is broadcasting games on Sundays and for this reason waves the entry fee to make sure the room is full.
The game starts at 2.30 pm, however we would recommend you get there before 1pm as it will get completely full.
Good to know: 1) food and drinks are forbidden. 2) There is a dress code: polo shirt, long pants and closed shoes for both men and women. If you don’t have one, check out the Chatuchak market next door to get one for cheap.
Street eating
The best food is in the street, don’t be afraid to give it a try! Plus, you will pay a fraction of the price you would in any restaurant.
Tips: try the ones that are busy enough with locals, as it means the food you’ll get will be particularly fresh.
The Khlong Canal Taxi
This is an unusual mode of transport that will get you through Bangkok like the locals: the Khlong Canal Taxi. It stops in many places and is easy to use. It’s a real experience, additionally to a mode of transport.
As per Transit Bangkok, the boats ride between 5.30am and 8.30pm on weekdays, and until 7.00pm on weekends.
For more info, check Boat Bus Bangkok -How to take the Khlong Canal Taxi