10 Hidden Gems in Bangkok:
The City’s Best Kept Secrets
Experience a more intimate and off-the-beaten-path experience with these hidden gem Bangkok spots
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It would be a mistake to think you know all of Bangkok. The city is home to ornate temples, a pulsing nightlife and colourful markets, yes. But peel away the top layer of guide-book tick boxes and you’ll find a myriad of hidden gems that offer a more intimate experience of this mega-city. While the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Chatuchak Market are often top of the list for visitors, Bangkok has much more to offer those who are willing to get beneath its skin a little. Here’s our guide to exploring some of Bangkok’s best kept secrets.
1. Visit Artist’s House: A Creative Retreat
Visit Artist’s House, or Baan Silapin, is a charming old wooden house located along the old canals of Bangkok. This traditional Thai house, dating back over a century, has been transformed into a space where art, history, and community come together. Explore the beautifully preserved wooden architecture, watch traditional puppet shows and enjoy art exhibitions and workshops. The house’s canal side setting is a contrast from the city’s concrete jungle and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a side of Bangkok very few people are even aware of.
2. Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park: Bangkok’s Green Oasis
Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park, often referred to as the “Green Lung of Bangkok,” is a little oasis in the heart of Bang Krachao; a lush, green peninsula along the Chao Phraya River. This 200 acre park is a much needed escape from the hectic city, with a vast network of cycling and walking paths that wind through tropical forests, mangroves and blue lakes. The park is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers, with plants and tropical birds thriving in this protected area. The park’s raised walkways meander through the mangroves and you’d be forgiven for forgetting you were ever in Bangkok. Wile away an afternoon visiting the botanical garden and maybe take a paddle boat out on the large pond. Finish off your day with a drink at the Bang Krachao Treehouse Café, who’s beautiful bamboo and glass-fronted building blends seamlessly into the dense rainforest surrounding it.
3. Erawan Museum: A Hidden Cosmic Dream
Tucked away in the suburbs of Bangkok, the Erawan Museum is an architectural gem that often flies under the radar of typical itineraries. The museum is famous for its enormous three-headed elephant statue, which is one of the largest sculptures in the world. This colossal beast, standing at 29m high, is both a visual marvel and a symbolic representation of Hindu cosmology. Inside the museum, you’re treated to a beautifully curated collection of Thai art, religious artefacts and antiques, spread across three floors that represent the underworld, earth, and heaven. Each level is intricately designed, with mesmerising stained glass ceilings and serpentine staircases that twist and curl like a dragon’s tail. It’s an immersive and awe-inspiring experience, and that’s before even learning about the exhibits.
4. Phra Sumen Fort: A Glimpse into Bangkok’s Past
One of the few remaining historical fortifications in Bangkok, Phra Sumen Fort stands as a testament to the city’s strategic importance. Built in 1783, the fort was part of a series of defensive structures designed to protect the newly established capital from potential naval attacks. Located near the Chao Phraya River, the fort has a whitewashed, octagonal design, complete with battlements, watchtowers and small cannon emplacements. It’s world’s away from the delicate temples that people usually associate with Bangkok. It no longer serves a military purpose, and nowadays, Phra Sumen Fort sits within the charming Santichaiprakarn Park. Surrounded by greenery and with views of the river, the fort is a popular spot to relax, take a stroll and appreciate an unusual piece of Bangkok’s history.
5. Jim Thompson House: Mysteries, History & Art
While the Jim Thompson House is not entirely unknown, it remains a hidden gem for many visitors. This museum, located in the heart of Bangkok, was once the residence of American businessman Jim Thompson, who played a key role in reviving Thailand’s silk industry. Set in a lush garden, this complex of six traditional teakwood houses, which Thompson meticulously collected from various parts of Thailand, blends Thai design and Western aesthetics. It’s like being on a film set. Inside, you can explore an impressive collection of Southeast Asian art, including exquisite silk pieces, ceramics, antique Buddha statues and ornate carvings. The house itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with its elevated structures, steep roofs and open-air design. However, there’s more to this house than meets the eye. In 1967, while on vacation in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia, Jim went for an afternoon walk on Easter Sunday and was never seen again. Despite extensive searches, no trace of him was ever found and his disappearance remains one of the most enduring mysteries in Southeast Asia.
Photo credit: Once Again Hostel
6. Ban Bat Community: Bangkok’s Ancient Hidden Craft
The Ban Bat Community in Bangkok is a fascinating and historic neighbourhood renowned for its traditional craftsmanship in producing alms bowls, or bat, used by Buddhist monks throughout Thailand. This unique community has been handcrafting these essential ritual objects for generations, preserving a centuries-old craft. The community has remained dedicated to preserving this ancient art despite the challenges of modernisation. The techniques used are largely unchanged, adhering to old practices that have been used for hundreds of years. The bowls produced in Ban Bat are not only functional but also hold symbolic importance in Buddhist practice. They represent the monk’s humility and dependence on the generosity of the lay community, making this craft an integral part of Thai religious life. Today, you can observe artisans skillfully shaping, smoothing and polishing the bowls, made from bronze, brass or copper. The Ban Bat community is a rare opportunity to experience a piece of Bangkok’s living heritage and one we highly recommend you seize, if you have the chance.
7. The Bangkokian Museum: Step Back in Time
You’ve seen the ancient temples and the pulsing night markets, but have you ever wondered how a normal family lives in Bangkok? The Bangkokian Museum is a small but fascinating glimpse into the daily life of a middle-class Thai family during the early 20th century. Housed in a well-preserved traditional Thai house, the museum showcases a fascinating collection of antiques, household items and personal artefacts that vividly illustrate the lifestyle, customs and social norms of the time. Thai textiles, old photographs and everyday objects allow you to step back in time and experience the cultural heritage of Bangkok through the lens of its very own residents.
8. Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC): A Contemporary Art Hub
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is an architectural marvel that stands out against the traditional backdrop of Bangkok. This contemporary art centre hosts rotating exhibitions, performances and workshops, showcasing the work of both local and international artists. The BACC’s bold and modern architecture is a departure from the ancient temples that are scattered around Bangkok. As you walk in, a grand, light-filled atrium greets you. Visit one of the exhibitions taking place, from modern art and photography to sculpture and multimedia installations. Performances often take place here as well as hands-on workshops. It’s a dynamic space where you can experience Bangkok’s thriving art scene first hand.
9. Pak Khlong Talat: 24 Hour Flower Market
Pak Khlong Talat (also known as Yodpiman Flower Market), Bangkok’s bustling flower market, is a colourful, sensory overload. Open 24 hours a day and coming in at 50 years old, the market is a kaleidoscope of colours and fragrances, showcasing an array of fresh flowers, including orchids, roses, marigolds and lilies, sourced from all over Thailand. Watch as vendors arrange flowers into intricate garlands and stunning displays for both religious ceremonies and everyday use. We loved dropping by here, late one evening after a night cap. There’s something special about wandering around a flower market at 12am. The sky is dark and you should be in bed, but you’re in the midst of a unique Asian tradition of ceremony, ritual and worship. By the morning, many of the blooms you see will be draped around a Hindu statue.
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10. Wattana Panich: Taste a Stew That’s 50 Years Old
When we have leftovers, we usually eat them the next day, not the next century. Except in the case of Nattapong, who has been lovingly tending a beef stew for half a century. You can sample this perfectly simmered delight at his small restaurant, Wattana Panich. The beef stew cooks away in a huge vat, with new batches made daily. He employs an age-old cooking technique called ‘Perpetual Stew’ – where leftovers from the previous day are used to start the next batch. The stew features tender chunks of beef and organs, slow-cooked in a deep, aromatic broth infused with a blend of herbs and spices. The restaurant’s nostalgic atmosphere and the one of a kind, time-honoured recipe make it a cherished dining spot for both locals and visitors. This is just another page in Bangkok’s richly storied food culture.
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