Joanna James
Apart for iconic staples, Bangkok is home to a multitude of lesser known attractions. Ideal to take on once you've had your fill of popular sites the following list will be a thrill to discover.
By hkgalbert (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Founded by Ajarn Waraporn Surawadee the Bangkokian is a fine example of Bangkok life in the 40's, 50's and 60's.
Well preserved with period furniture and trimmings from a bygone era the family house of Ajarn was opened to the public as three separate buildings.
More hidden gems such as this are reviewed on Travel Bangkok Now; this is just one of the many informative websites curious travellers could browse for comprehensive information on some of the lesser known Bangkok tourist attractions.
By Johan Fantenberg from Melbourne, Australia CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
An iconic visionary MR Kukrit was the country's champion of Thai arts as well as a creative writer. A multi-faceted personality Kukrit was founder to a local newspaper acted beside Marlon Brando and sojourned as Thai Prime Minister in the 70's.
An ode to the captivating individual he was the Pramoj House was built over a space of 30 years. The compound consists of 5 antique Thai houses each with one room. Displayed within are treasures collected over the years, ranging across Khmer and Thai artefacts as well as antiques.
The landscaped gardens too were cultivated by this multi-faceted individual whose personal abode is well worth exploring.
By Heinrich Damm (User:Hdamm, Hdamm at de.wikipedia.org) (Own work) [CC BY 2.0 , GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This is one of Bangkok's most informative museums that sadly is least known due to its location off the beaten track.
Located in downtown Bangkok the museum houses a rich collection of artefacts that lead back to the Bronze Age. Made up of 8 traditional Thai houses this centre houses royal heirlooms, pottery, ancient weapons and artefacts discovered at archaeological digs in the Udon Thani Ban Chiang region.
You will love the collection of palace artefacts, the rich facades and fine examples of ancient traditions and culture on display.
By Mr.Peerapong Prasutr CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons
The beautiful island of Koh Kret sits on the mighty Chao Phraya River. The place is a sanctuary for an ancient Mon Tribe.
These people almost never venture off the island while the settlement is believed to be over 200 years old. The place specialises in selling baked red clay products.
The pots are decorated with beautiful images and designs that hark back to a lost era. You can explore the serene Buddha Park located in the middle of the island and tour the temples. Even a better experience is Mon treats promising to tantalize your taste buds.
By Xufanc (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL , via Wikimedia Commons
Here's a ghost story that promises to thrill; Mae Nak died at childbirth while her husband was at war. When the man returned he continued to live with a rather lifelike image of Mae Nak's ghost; unaware of course that his wife was dead.
Once a neighbour revealed the truth to him Mae Nak wreaked her vengeance on the entire village. Today there is a shrine dedicated to Mae Nak within Wat Mahabut and many devotees go there to pray for love and also luck in monetary gains such as lotteries.
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