There isn’t much of a challenge to finding unusual attractions in Bangkok. The Thai capital is famous for things that some people with more basic or “ordinary” taste buds would find offensive.
But how can one really understand the delightful eccentricity of Bangkok without actually visiting the city? Although cringe-worthy ping-pong exhibitions are well-known as Bangkok oddities, they hardly bring this interesting and vibrant city to life.
To help you narrow it down from the hundreds of unusual attractions in Bangkok, I have already compiled a list of the top 10 unusual attractions in Bangkok you don’t want to miss on my blog. There are more unusual attractions in Bangkok than just the typical tourist spots like Khao San Road, Chatuchak Markets, and the Grand Palace. Don’t get me wrong—I still want you to visit those places.
I came up with some fresh sites to visit in 2024 since the most unique things to do in Bangkok seldom make it to the conventional tourist blogs and listings. Having said that, the unusual attractions in Bangkok spots are good places to start if this is your first visit. Unusual attractions in Bangkok that are a little bit out of the ordinary are highlighted on this list.
Top Unusual Attractions in Bangkok right now
There is a plethora of unusual attractions in Bangkok to include in your agenda beyond the annoyingly loud beeps of the endless traffic. Let’s start things off by checking out the Top 10 unusual attractions in Bangkok both during the day and after dark, then we’ll move on to the nightlife.
- See the Willy Wonka statues
I had to grab your attention, didn’t I? There’s more to it than that, however. Oh, I see. I see now. If you’re looking for an unusual attractions in Bangkok, you may want to start with a spot in the Phloen Chit neighborhood that has two sculptures of enormous penises.
What’s so significant? The original site had hundreds of enormous penises, so it was rather stunning. However, the relocated monument is less striking and has fewer sculptures to see.
So, what’s going on? For Hindus, this is the place to pay homage to Goddess Tubtim, the fertility goddess who is female. Many infertile couples seek solace here, lighting incense sticks and praying to the Goddess for a miracle pregnancy.
I apologize if my words came across as cheeky, but please use tact if you find the huge willies hilarious when visiting this shrine. Some couples may be going through a very tough time emotionally trying to have a family.
My previous statement remains unchanged: the new location, which is situated on the premises of Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, falls short of the former. Even if Thais are typically superstitious at heart, it’s still worth a visit to attempt to understand the culture of the nation you’re in.
Operating hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm. Saturday and Sunday are closed.
Your level of interest in this location will determine how long you want to stay here. You can simply stroll up to the shrine, take a few pictures, and be on your way, or you can take your time exploring the grounds and taking it all in. Taking a bus to Neon Market or a boat to Pratunam/Wat Sriboonruang will get you to the shrine. Alternatively, you can take the BTS to either Chit Lom or Ploen Chit and then walk for about 8 minutes.
- The elephant with three trunks
I had never seen unusual attractions in Bangkok in a guidebook, and I had no clue that there was a temple here or that a three-headed elephant towered above the city.
Although traveling to the Erawan Museum, which is situated in the Mueang Samut Prakan District to the south of downtown Bangkok, might be a bit of a challenge, seeing a 29-meter-tall bronze sculpture of a three-headed elephant isn’t something you see every day. One of my favorite travel suggestions for Thailand is to just hire a Grab cab to take you to the Erawan Museum.
Admission to the museum is 400 baht for adults, which is a little steep, but it’s well worth it if you’re seeking for unique things to do in Bangkok. This may not be the ideal spot to go in Bangkok if you’re trying to watch your spending. The three-headed elephant is visible from the outside as well. Looking at the elephant from the outside will save you money, despite its massive 29-ton weight and 39-meter length.
- The underground marketplaces of Sathon
Despite Sathon’s reputation for skyscrapers and office workers, the neighborhood’s lively side alley is teeming with people on the hunt for great deals on everything from sunglasses to handbags and gourmet cuisine.
The food is great, plus it’s far cheaper than the restaurant only 100 meters away, which is why I love this unusual attractions in Bangkok so much.
Hideaway 7 Alleyway is a real find; it will transport you away from the relentless blaring of horns and into a spot where you can eat dinner (with a drink) for $1 or $2. Among these unusual attractions in Bangkok , I couldn’t leave out the Sathon markets, which I frequented throughout my two months there.
- Thrilling warehouse malls in Chinatown
You would be completely mistaken if you assumed that Chinatown just included temples and streets selling Chinese cuisine. If you go a little farther into this lively neighborhood—which happens to be one of my favorite spots in Bangkok—you’re likely to find a multitude of malls and warehouse stores offering, well, you name it—everything.
- Stop by the Airplane Cemetery
Imagine seeing a massive, deserted, decommissioned airplane that doubles as someone’s house if you find haunting abandoned buildings strange.
Among Bangkok’s cemeteries, the airport cemetery stands out. Although it could not be your first thought when planning a vacation, it is nonetheless a fascinating side attraction that might be a nice change of pace for those who have “done” Bangkok before.
If you are interested in aircraft, post-apocalyptic landscapes, or weird photography, you should definitely check this out.
What we have here is basically a massive outdoor junkyard. Although they aren’t necessary for aircraft, they are the main attractions for visitors. Please be aware that three families have established their homes in these aircraft and will charge entrance to the area.
I would want to show you all the cool things to do in Bangkok, but I really want you to be safe on the road since there have been reports of serious drug users migrating onto the site.
It is situated in Bank Kapi, much to the east of the city. Big concerts typically take place in the Bang Kapi neighborhood, which is also home to the Thai national soccer team. Many students live in this region, which is mostly residential.
Families who dwell at the site will charge 300 THB per person to tour, even though it is not an official attraction. Be wary since there are conflicting opinions on their politeness.
Although the official hours are 9 am to 6:30 pm, there will be some wiggle room as this is not a popular attraction.
The present residents will have the last say on this.
Delving into the wreckage in this junkyard might easily consume half a day. You should include in travel time, which could change based on your starting point since it is not in the city center.
Taking a Khlong boat and disembarking at Wat Sri Bun Rueang (the last stop on the route) is the most direct route. The aviation cemetery is a short walk away from that point. Soi 103 is accessible via taxi from Ramkhamhaeng Road.
- At Night, Chong Non Si Markets
While expats frequent Chong Non Si, tourists visiting Bangkok seldom make the journey. The Chong Non Si neighborhood is my go-to whenever I’m in Bangkok since it’s so much less crowded than the city center. One of the nicest things to do in Bangkok at night is to visit the Chong Non Si Night Markets, which are not too touristy.
The street food in Bangkok is really incredible and so cheap; it’s one of the primary reasons I go there. There are plenty of occasions when I wish I had three stomachs because it’s that good! Having said that, the food quality varies greatly from one Bangkok site to another, and the top restaurants aren’t always located in the city center.
Because of the reduced heat and the abundance of activities, night markets are often preferable than their daytime counterparts. You can purchase everything from freshly cooked pad Thai to freshly juiced coconuts at the customary market booths crammed along the side of a very busy road in Chong Non Si.
Of course, the most costly cuisine in Thailand is served in posh restaurants, but the cheapest is sold, you guessed it, on the streets! The fact that Thai street food is so delicious is a big reason, but it’s also because I like going there on a tight budget. As a result, going to Chong Non Si is a great way to spend some time in Bangkok without breaking the bank.
Tom Yum, a sour and sweet soup with tons of fresh veggies and meat of your choice, is one of my favorite Thai meals, and my go-to dessert is a perfectly cooked taro bun or custard bun.
From Sathon Bus Station, it is not hard to reach the Chong Non Si Night Markets. For for 15 baht each way, you may take the bus that stops many times along route to Chong Non Si, or you can hail a cab.
- Jump on the wakeboard bandwagon in Siam!
This is your opportunity to attempt this “extreme” activity without going into debt if you’ve ever desired to. Although it is further from the city center, Zanook Wake Park is smaller compared to the famous Thai Wake Park. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the Thai Wake Park.
Wake boarding is one of those unique things to do in Bangkok that may not have crossed your mind first, but it’s sure to be an enjoyable and refreshing experience, especially considering how hot it is in Bangkok year-round.
- The Experience of Lunchtime
I, like the majority of people on Earth, love to get lunch on the go, but the Thai people are really nuts about it! Every single day, between 11 and 12 o’clock in the afternoon, workers in Bangkok take a lunch break, and I tell you what? That’s when traffic is at its worst, outside of rush hour.
of the midst of all the action of Thailand’s capital, finding a quiet spot to have lunch might seem like an uphill battle. No office worker is required to partake; there are literally hundreds of eateries spread out around the city that may satisfy your hunger before heading back to the workplace.
Hundreds of merchants fight for customers’ attention at Sathon, a city center attraction where thousands upon thousands of laborers swarm into cramped rooms replete with plastic chairs, tissue paper, chopsticks, and knives and forks. I spent a few hours there. Get in on this strange Bangkok activity with the locals if you’re seeking something out of the ordinary.
One of the toughest things about Bangkok is picking a dinner. There are so many options, and the greatest part is that they’re all inexpensive—a good portion will cost you less than 60 baht ($2).
What a great method to pay for food in Bangkok! You load up your card at the counter, then choose your dish, wait for it to be prepared right in front of you, and finally, the chef scans your card to deduct the money from your card.
Refunds are available at the front desk of the stalls in the event that you do not spend the whole amount on your card.
You can find these eateries in almost every shopping center and market in the city.
- Explore Soi Arab on foot
Just across the street from Nana is a lively area called Soi Arab, which is a real Bangkok hidden treasure. Despite its relatively central location, Soi Arab is one of Bangkok’s less frequented areas.
Soi Arab is remarkable because it is diametrically opposed to Nana, a neighborhood full of Irish pubs, western restaurant chains, and dazzling lights that is on every tourist’s bucket list in Bangkok. On the other hand, Soi Arab is a serene circuit of streets adorned with palm palms and delightful Middle Eastern embellishments.
Expect to find several restaurants serving Middle Eastern food, football being shown on a variety of flat-screen TVs as passionate followers watch, and a somewhat more laid-back atmosphere on Soi Arab, despite the typical hawker attempting to coax you into buying a cheap gift.
Soi Arab is a one-of-a-kind spot in Thailand where you may savor delicious cuisine prepared by some of the friendliest locals and experience authentic local culture. Soi Arab is far more enjoyable than its notorious Bangkok attraction Nana, I promise.
- Stop by Ayutthaya!
While Ayutthaya isn’t really in Bangkok, it’s near enough that I like it. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok (depending on traffic), and once you get there, you’ll be in heaven. The Chao Phraya winds its way past the Wat Chai Temple and other old ruin temples, and the parklands are verdant and beautiful.
With a number of Khlongs (canals) winding their way through the city, Ayutthaya is essentially an island in the center of Thailand, encircled by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak, and Lop Buri rivers.
In contrast to the ubiquitous golden and crimson Wat Kasattrathirat Worawhiran temple, the 17th-century Wat Chai Watthanaram is a remarkable Buddhist temple.
Rama Public Park is located in the heart of Ayutthaya. It is a beautiful park with plenty of trees, bike lanes, and walking pathways. Among the park’s old Buddhist monuments are the distinctive spires of Wat Phra Ram, which are believed to have been constructed in the 13th century in the Khmer style.
Sit down with a spicy dish of food and a Thai drink in the late afternoon after touring the Ayutthaya temples to watch the sun go down over these incredible historic monuments.
This is one of the out-of-the-ordinary things to do in Bangkok since Ayutthaya is not far away and you can simply take a Grab cab to get there and back. It is well worth your time to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and enjoy a breathtaking sunset in Ayutthaya.
Conclusion
We hope you liked our list of interesting and entertaining things to do in Bangkok since there is a lot to see and do and not always enough time.
You can customize your visit to Thailand’s capital city in an infinite number of ways, from seeing its iconic temples to perusing its fascinating marketplaces, relaxing on its beautiful beaches, and feasting on its diverse array of fresh seafood and local products.
Safe journey!
