An Introvert’s Guide to Bangkok

While parks such as Lumphini and Chatuchak may be some of the most popular parks in the capital, we suggest that introverts head somewhere a bit quieter to experience Bangkok’s most coveted green spaces. Though it is a bit more of a trek, Bang Krachao, otherwise known as Bangkok’s green lung, is one spot in the city that will make visitors feel like they are anywhere but the bustling capital. Introverts can cycle the island for the day with nothing but amazing sites keeping them company. Ko Kret is another great spot to avoid the crowds, though it is a bit farther from the city center, and visitors will need at least half a day to explore it in its entirety.

There are plenty of bookstores and libraries around the capital that provide introverts with ample space to curl up and enjoy the company of a good book. The Neilson Hays Library sits in a rather quiet part of town and is a great spot in which to spend the afternoon. Another bookstore worth visiting in the capital includes Dasa Book Café, and there are also a few places that sell books in the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, including Hardcover Art.

Introverts need to steer clear of some of the top temples in Bangkok. Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew—these are certainly all incredible structures, but introverts are sure to find that the crowds here are more than they bargained for. Even the most extroverted of humans will find themselves shying away from the herds of people milling about the religious structures. Instead, try to hit up the temples that are a bit off the beaten path, including Wat Chakrawat, Wat Sangwat, and Wat Sam Phraya, just to name a few.

Art galleries are meant to be quiet affairs, so introverts who frequent these venues are less likely to deal with pestering patrons. 100 Tonson Gallery is a contemporary art space with cool minimalist décor in downtown Bangkok. The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, though likely to have larger crowds, also has spacious galleries and exhibitions, keeping introverts busy for hours. HOF Art Space, the National Gallery, the Bangkok Art Galleria—the list of venues goes on and on.

Movie theaters found in Siam Paragon and EmQuartier, for example, are bound to have one too many fellow movie lovers in attendance. Instead, those introverts looking to catch a film in the capital should head to the Scala Theatre found right across Sukhumvit Road from Siam Paragon. The theater’s décor will capture the hearts of visitors at first, but the lack of people will keep introverts coming back for more. If you visit in the middle of the day during the week, you may be only one of a few movie fanatics in the theater.

Just because you are an introvert does not mean you do not like people; it simply means you enjoy your company better than that of others sometimes. What better way to do this than with a visit to a meditation school in Bangkok? Retreats, classes, and workshops are all available at meditation centers found around the city, including the House of Dhamma and Bangkok Meditation.

Chinatown is one of the most historic and cool neighborhoods in all of Bangkok, but it is also the busiest. Locals swarm Sampeng Market in hopes of finding the best deals, and tourists crowd around already busy food carts in search of the most delicious eats, making the area itself overwhelming, even for the most extroverted of traveler. Instead, introverts should steer clear of this area and make a beeline for Talad Noi, a neighborhood found in Chinatown that is quiet, nearly free of tourists, and filled with unique finds. From street art to abandoned temples and more, this area is a perfect one to explore for introverts in the capital.

If humans just aren’t your style, maybe a pet café will be more to your liking. From cats to Siberian Huskies, there are plenty of places that have furry friends found lounging throughout. Grab a coffee and enjoy the company of yourself and the animals at any one of the pet cafés in Bangkok, including Caturday Cafe and True Love Cafe.