Offbeat Bangkok: 7 Unique Experiences Beyond Temples and Night Markets

Situated in Samut Prakan Erawan Museum is about a 30-minute ride from most Bangkok Thailand hotels. This is an outstanding museum worth exploring due to the huge statue of a three-headed elephant cast in copper placed on a massive pedestal.

The museum consists of 03 levels, the lowest level depicts the world below the earth, the 2nd level represents the earth where humans live, and the 3rd level is meant for heaven. All over the museum are religious icons, eastern antiques and decorations. The museum gardens are worth a stroll with stone walkways, tiny streams and rock ponds with schools of carp. An unconventional experience in Bangkok.

A timeless place of worship and one of the oldest mosques in Bangkok, Haroon Mosque is a silent testament to the ancient Muslim Settlers in Bangkok. Haroon mosque is in Bangrak where a small Muslim Community has lived for centuries.

The first form of the Haroon Mosque was of timber in the early 1900’s.in the Ayutthaya-Java style of architecture. Later in 1934, the structure was upgraded to brick and lime as it stands at present. The faithful residents of Bangrak carry on the Islamic traditions and religious practices centred around Haroon Mosque including Friday Prayers. Visiting here is an out-of-the-ordinary encounter for most visitors to Bangkok.

Talad Noi (or Talat Noi) is one of Bangkok’s oldest neighbourhoods which offers a fine blend of ancient shophouses, mechanic shops and alleyways with hip cafes and modern street art.

Enjoy a stroll down this area, click a few images along with the charming Christian Churches, and street art and enjoy a lazy afternoon over a drink and bites. An unusual yet interesting experience.

The Artist’s House Bangkok is a centuries-old house which has been turned into a privately owned gallery. Situated in Baan Silapin neighbourhood of Thonburi this gallery is across from the Chao Phraya River.

An attractive boardwalk lined with local restaurants, cafes and shops leads to the gallery. Intriguing life-size human statues coloured in red, white and black can be seen sitting by the river as you walk up. The interior has traditional paintings, masks and puppets while puppet shows also happen here regularly. Check in advance if you intend to watch these captivating shows.

Plan to do this immersive ride avoiding the frenzied traffic hours. Such a ride with local tuk-tuk drivers who know the area well will give you a fine overview of the city and its bustling areas and make you interact with locals, and the vendors and capture images of interesting places as you go about.

The majestic Grand Palace, Bangkok flower market, and exotic Chinatown areas provide quite an immersive experience from a local perspective. Make sure you negotiate the fare before you start.

Experiencing the River of Kings in Thailand is an intriguing one. Agree with a boatman to take you on the river to explore the bustling river life along the riverbanks and watch locals busily going about their daily chores.

You will be taken through a network of canals known as klongs in Thai. Experience the old ways of Bangkok in the Thonburi area which is moving slower. Traditional wooden houses still exist adding a charm to the overall picture of Bangkok. Seeing the lives of locals from the river is an out-of-the-ordinary experience.

Just like other Madam Tussaud wax works museums, this one in Bangkok offers you a chance to pose with your favourite celebrity.

As the museum is split into sections of historical figures, musicians, movie characters, sports stars etc. selecting your favourite will not be difficult. And getting to know others is easy as each wax figure carries a small description. Decide whom you want to pose with before you go. Madam Tussauds Bangkok is a 20-minute ride from properties like Chatrium Hotels and Residences.