Bangkok beyond the chaos

Even if you haven’t been there, you probably know a little bit about Bangkok. When one thinks of the city, images of crowded streets, markets and street food vendors immediately spring to mind. But Bangkok is more than just surface level excitement, with a little chaos thrown into the mix. There are many places to see and things to do. In this blog, we’re going to take you through some of the lesser known areas and attractions in Bangkok, helping you make the most of your time there.

First, we’ll take you through some of the best areas to visit.

Banglamphu

Located on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, Banglamphu has a number of historical sites in its vicinity and is known for its vibrant atmosphere. This is a popular area for backpackers.

Khao San Road is a short and busy thoroughfare where visitors can stay in budget hotels, try all kinds of street food or even get a massage or a tattoo. For those wanting an authentic night out in Bangkok, Khao San Road is a perfect destination for you.

But there are many options suited to those wanting to relax as well. For example, the Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is a Buddhist temple associated with the Thai Royal family. Founded almost two centuries ago, it now serves as the national headquarters for the Thammayut monastic sect, which is a form of Thai Buddhism. This is a beautiful and awe inspiring Thai temple that can take up to two hours to properly explore, but visitors should be wary of the strict dress code before visiting.

The National Museum Bangkok also offers the opportunity for relaxed exploration. This is considered to be the largest museum in Southeast Asia, and it provides a snapshot of Thai culture and heritage. It currently houses three exhibition galleries that are all worth having a look at. The Thai History Gallery in particular is fascinating, as it breaks its art into different periods, depicting Thai life through the eras.

Thonburi

Now to the other side of the Chao Phraya River, and we’re in Thonburi; the once capital of Thailand (when it was known as Siam).

The Santa Cruz Church is another great site for those wanting to learn more about Thai culture. This Catholic Church was built right at the end of the Ayutthaya period, and is reflective of the multicultural history of Thailand. The Santa Cruz Church was established by Portuguese explorers after King Taksin granted them land. This was a reward after the explorer had helped defend them from a Burmese invasion (now known as Myanmar).

Despite all the modernity and chaos, there are still some shopping areas that come with a sense of calm and relaxation. Tha Maharaj is a perfect example of this. Born from a restoration of some old shophouses on the riverfront, Tha Maharaj is now a riverside promenade and community garden. You can go to a bookstore, have a coffee or cake at a cafe, or just soak in the sun in this open-air gathering place.

Chinatown

Chinatown in Bangkok, known by the locals as Yaowarat, is one of the livelier districts in Bangkok.

Yaowarat Road is suited to those who love chaos and love street food. At night, it is lit up by neon signs and is full of busy markets and street food stalls. You will find a glorious mixture of Chinese, Thai and international street foods here, with the seafood, dim sum, many kinds of noodle dishes and many desserts just some of a plethora of tasty options.

There are a number of gold shops on Yaowarat road, as well as jewellery stores and traditional Chinese medicine outlets. Many of these stores have been passed down through generations, which adds to the sense of authenticity in Chinatown.

Just nearby Chinatown, you can find the Dragon Lotus Temple. This is a must see for Buddha statue enthusiasts. It houses 5.5 tonne solid gold Buddha; the largest of its type in the entire world.

Ari

Located in the Phaya Thai District, Ari is a residential area with a laid-back atmosphere. With lots of cafes, restaurants and food, this area can provide a fun and relaxed day out.

There are a number of malls in the area that contain modern and nice cafés. Or particular note are the coffee shops, such as Coffee Number 9 which is extremely popular or the Grafika Coffee Stand, which is known for its specialty coffees. You might also be in the Gumps Ari community space, which functions more as a retro food court and shopping mall. Containing a vintage diner and a pancake shop, this is the perfect place to get a bite to eat. Ari is located in north Bangkok and takes anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes to drive there from the city centre, depending on the traffic. It can be easier to catch the train. Located on the Sukhumvit line of the BTS Skytrain, look out for Ari station.

Ekkamai and Thonglor

These are neighbouring districts, and have a trendy and upscale feel. They boast a mixture of dining, entertainment and shopping options and both Thai locals and expatriates love these areas. They offer cosmopolitan living, entertainment and cultural experiences.

Both areas have wonderful creative spaces. Ekkamai, for example, has a number of art galleries, design studios and co-working spaces, the number of which is growing all the time. In Thonglor, the Art Village is well worth taking a look at, as it hosts art exhibitions and workshops. For entertainment, you can visit the Ekkamai Major Cineplex. This screens a mixture of both international and Thai films, and is extremely popular. You could catch a movie and then wander over to Thonglor Soi 10; a street famous for trendy bars and nightclubs. A pretty good day out.

Dusit

Located north of Rattanakosin Island, Dusit is known for its cultural and historical significance, with a number of landmarks to see and places to visit.

The Dusit Palace Park houses the Vimanmek Teak Mansion, which was a royal palace in the early 20th century. You can visit this mansion, which is made up of halls and anterooms, as well as 81 rooms. It has been claimed it was built without using a single nail. Tours of the Vimanmek Teak Mansion take about an hour.

The Sappaya-Sapasathan – The Parliament House of Thailand – has housed the Thai government since 2019. An imposing sight along the Chao Phraya River, the Sappaya-Sapasathan is an awe-inspiring piece of architecture. It is the largest parliamentary complex in the world.

Going back to Chulalongkorn – King Rama V – all Thai kings have resided at the Chitralada Palace. Although it is closed to the public, the palace is nonetheless worth a visit, as the surrounding walls and moat are a beautiful sight.

Other Gems in Bangkok

Finally, we’ll take a look at some places you should visit when moving around Bangkok. The Jim Thompson House Museum, located in Central Bangkok, is a very popular destination for visitors. Also referred to as the ‘Silk King’, Thompson was an American businessman who helped revitalise the crucial Thai silk industry in the 1950s and 60s. The house has many extraordinary artworks, and the tour guides will take you through the tradition of Thai silk.

Lumpini Park is the perfect place to wind down and relax. One of the largest green spaces in central Bangkok, it boasts some gorgeous scenery, with a lake, lush green grass and palm trees. Locals go to Lumpini Park for exercise, tai chi and general relaxing. It is particularly popular on the weekends, as families go and take advantage of all the activities. There are playgrounds, paddle-boats, an outdoor gym and even a basketball court.

If you still need to relax, why not go to a spa? There are many great spas in central Bangkok, but we’ll recommend the Dii Med Spa in Pathum Wan. This classy, upmarket spa has a number of different treatment options that will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and maybe even slightly younger! We think this is the perfect place to wind down after gallivanting around Bangkok.

Conclusion

We imagine we’ve given you some ideas and new places to visit on your next trip to Bangkok. Associated with culture, food and chaos, Bangkok clearly has a lot to offer everybody; even those seeking a quieter time.

To learn more about Thailand, you can read our Thailand blogs. Don’t forget, you’ll get the best exchange rates when you transfer money to Thailand, or any of the other countries on the e-Pocket platform.