Joanna James
Bored of the same places touristy places that leave you with no room to breathe? Bangkok is a city that is anything but dull, here are a few of the most unusual and wacky places to visit on your next trip.
Those who visit the Erawan Museum in Bangkok is greeted by a large 3-headed elephant. The elephant statue is cast in real copper and weighs 250-tonnes, and is 29 metres in height. The museum depicts Buddhist cosmology and this is the main subject matter shown on all three floors. The earth is in the middle, the hell worlds below and the heavens above. The museum will be a real treat for those who love to learn about eastern belief systems, esoteric and eerie artwork.
It is located in Samut Prakan, which is just outside Bangkok. One can easily get there via the BTS Skytrain. Get on the Sukhumvit Line to Pu Chao Station, from there it is about 1.7 km south of the train station.
The Temple Wat Pariwat is at times referred to as the David Beckham Temple for a unique reason. A decorative shrine at the back of the temple depicts a carving of the popular football player. Drawn in the image of a garuda, which is a being who lives beneath the earth. He is shown carrying the shrine in his arms. This was carved by a football fan in 1998, with the temple abbot's permission.
Wat Samphran has a large sculpture of a dragon that's twisted throughout its cylindrical tower. The temple is a 17 storied structure and the massive dragon's head is even visible from afar. The structure is 40 km away from Bangkok towards the west. If you have some free time it is well worth considering a visit to this unique shrine.
The tower is an unfinished building of over 50 storeys! It remains abandoned since the economic crisis of 1997. The building has a resemblance to the nearby State Tower skyscraper. Various disturbing incidents have unfolded here and Sathorn Unique draws quite a few adventurers wanting to investigate the delipidated construction. Be mindful and use your discretion if you plan on visiting the building.
At Chulalongkorn University you can encounter this amazing Museum of the Human Body. It is a weird yet wonderful exhibition featuring 14 dismembered corpses from Japan. Most might repel at the idea, yet it's a famous stop for many, especially those who love to study the workings of the human anatomy. The exhibition can be found in the Faculty of Dentistry at the University.
The Elephant Tower in Bangkok's Chatuchak district is a novel landmark. There are 3 towers known as A, B, and C. These structures form the shape of an elephant, which is the national animal of Thailand. If you look closely at the right corner of the construction a tusk and eye will be visible. The building is a condominium complex, a language school and an office space.
Siriraj Hospital has an in-house forensic museum. Its exhibits are of course morbid and not for the faint-hearted. Glass jars with malformed foetuses and grim post-mortem images are some of the main attractions. Bound to be fascinating for some, however, it is not advisable for everyone, especially children.
This unique building located in Sathorn was built in 1986. The main inspiration for the designer of the 20-storey skyscraper was the toy robot of his son. The exterior details, such as the 'caterpillar wheels' and 'bolts' serve as covers and sunshades! So next time in Bangkok start exploring the weird side of life! Accommodation in places like Pathumwan Princess Hotel is among the best of many. In Bangkok, hotel bar can be easily found as well.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
