Joanna James
The Thai capital, Bangkok, is one of the world's most sought-after holiday destinations, loved for its eclectic collection of iconic attractions. However, if you want to go beyond the standard allures, here's a list of unique experiences to enjoy in Bangkok.
A bustling city, Bangkok is loved for its crowds and busy streets, offering a typical Southeast Asian experience. However, a concrete jungle is not all you have to explore. Lumphini Park is a beloved oasis in the heart of Bangkok, ideal for hiding away from the crowds and chaos. Located within the city centre, Lumphini bears the name of the Buddha's birthplace in India, and is an equally serene green oasis of shady trees and cooling ponds. Kids have plenty of room to run free, while jogging tracks circling the large lake are ideal for those of you seeking some morning fitness. If you visit the park in summer, ask for times the Symphony Orchestra plays there for free.
While city hotels in Bangkok offer a range of dining options, there is one spot worth a visit; located in Chinatown, Potong restaurant is tipped to be one of the best fine dining venues in Bangkok—yes, it is worth ditching the amazing street food for one night to enjoy a fancy meal at a posh restaurant that serves mouthwatering cuisine. The place is based inside a Sino-Portuguese building that is over 100 years old, adding character to your experience. The restaurant boasts a delectable collection of modern Thai fusion dishes. Additionally, Potong is located close to some of the best hotels in Bangkok, including those like the Pathumwan Princess Hotel. You can get to Potong easily from these properties. It's also ideal if you are travelling with kids and are looking for a reputable family hotel in Bangkok.
Bangkok is just too vibrant to miss out on a bar-hopping experience, and one of the best places to do so is Soi Nana in Chinatown. Not to be confused with the infamous hub for adult entertainment in Sukhumvit, Chinatown's Soi Nana is a colourful walking street, home to a collection of restaurants offering a variety of Thai and international treats. The street also features chic galleries ideal for admiring the work of talented local and international artists. If you are free to do so, there are plenty of cool bars and cafes lining the street, made for sampling a variety of cocktails and partaking in good times.
While shopping is a major activity to do in Bangkok, ICONSIAM will certainly make it unique. The place boasts an amazing collection of over 7,000 brands to browse as well as over 100 restaurants to explore. Go ahead and reserve a full day for exploring this mall, which caters to families as well by providing plenty of entertainment to keep kids of all ages occupied. Oh, and the icing on the cake is Sooksiam, which happens to be a floating market located in the basement, recreating the iconic riverside culture of Bangkok.
Visit the Talat Noi Street Art precinct, where a series of alleys display wall art in various forms. Enjoy browsing through featured creatives, ranging from masterpiece creations to kooky comics and other graffiti—truly the work of talented street artists. Follow the Google maps location to find the area without a fuss.
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.
