It doesn’t take long to realize why Bangkok is a cultural bonanza for offbeat travelers. This vibrant city exhibits eye catching attractions that offer an unusual traveling experience. A well renowned destination for gourmet, cultural and historical odysseys, Bangkok gives you a peek inside a whole new world. If you’ve already been amazed by the ancestry of the Grand Palace or are tuckered out from a day’s worth of shopping at the Chatuchuk Market, The Culture Trip reveals a few secrets to add to your travel list.
The Golden Buddha welcomes travelers as they set off the beaten track while visiting Bangkok. What makes the Golden Buddha unusual is the fact that the statue is the largest ever constructed from pure gold. Weighing five and a half tons, the statue is around three meters tall and is the hidden glory of Bangkok’s Chinatown district. Once you’re done gazing at the beautiful statue of Lord Buddha, you can assemble your offerings alongside the locals who hum their daily prayers at the shrine. Officially known as Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon, the statue is laid out inside the Wat Traimit Temple that is constructed with golden exteriors.
Bangkok showcases one of the most macabre exhibitions of all times at the Forensic Medicine Museum that invites curious minds to observe a plethora of ancient pathological remains that have been safeguarded for centuries. Come visit the Pathology Museum, featuring a number of preserved chambers containing genetically impaired babies. For those who have medical idiosyncrasies, this is a playground of scientific exhibits that also features a large collection of appalling parasites. This isn’t an activity for sensitive people, especially since the museum reveals a morbid collection of embalmed bodies of Thailand’s most notorious convicts.
For an absolute floral experience, enrich your olfactory senses as you step inside Bangkok’s biggest flower market: Pak Khlong Talad. Nestled in the Old City, the Flower Market stretches across the Chak Phet Road near the Memorial Bridge with local merchants eager to sell fresh collections spewing with aromatic scents of different varieties. Indulge yourself as you pick out a bundle from the aesthetic spread of orchids, roses, daisies, carnations and more. While you’re out visiting Wat Pho, make a detour and step inside this enchanting market where you can pick up floral related items, souvenirs and popular flowers sold in packs of 50 to 100.
The second most popular floating village is Amphawa, which often goes unnoticed by travelers because of its small population and size. The floating market offers an ethnic experience showcasing a wonderful and budget friendly round of delicious seafood delicacies. It is an ideal retreat for Thai weekenders who prefer traveling 50 kilometers out of Bangkok into the heart of this village. Enjoy mouthwatering treats like the grilled prawns or herb shellfish, which is absolutely irresistible. With customers perched atop stairways that lead into the water, the Amphawa Floating Market is a bustling attraction that majorly gets crowded at the end of the boardwalk, where a famous restaurant rests near the canal.
As a majestic three-headed elephant nestled atop a gargantuan pedestal welcomes visitors in, you can take a step back and admire the grand interiors of the Erawan Museum in Bangkok. The museum is a towering expansion which is 29 meters high and is cast in pure green-hued copper. Hundreds of travelers tumble onto the steps of this museum while roaming past Eastern clad antiques, Western inspired psychedelic décor and the religious icon, Erawan, the Hindu elephant. Situated in Samut Prakan, the museum is a gigantic architectural work that houses exquisite art collections.
One of the most unique setups in Bangkok is Baan Silapin, also known as the Artist’s House, that comprises of an old wooden hut accessible only through a Khlong. While most Thai traditions are wearing out, Artist’s House recollects the ethnicity of the culture and showcases an array of unique exhibits in this beautifully restored foundation. While most tourists speed past this secretive hut, a few are successful at finding Baan Silapin which is owned by Khun Chumpol Akkapantanon. Step aside from the rushing traffic at Thonburi and wheedle your Khlong through back alleys as you come across the Artist’s House, famous also for traditional puppetry shows and galleries.
Playing with Reptiles at Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm
Catch a glimpse of Bangkok’s most exciting zoo, Samutprakaran Zoo, which unravels a crocodile farm that was established back in 1950 and has become the largest of its kind in the world. Originated by Mr. Utai Youngprapakorn, the crocodile farm focuses on the research and rehabilitation of crocodiles. The entertaining feature of the farm is the live shows it hosts in its 300 acre area where 100,000 crocodiles are being protected. Enjoy watching their deranged performers as they plunge inside an arena with crocodiles showcasing various antics.
Whether you’re wandering the streets of Suan Luang for a walking meal of chicken satay or waiting in a queue of eager customers for a meaty treat of steamed sea bass, Bangkok will never disappoint a true foodie. But if you’re tired after extensive hours of sightseeing and are looking for some solace, step inside the eclectic Double Dog Tea Room for a blissful retreat. Let your taste buds revel in the exotic flavors of a variety of teas, blended and presented with a unique feel. Nestled on the high streets of Chinatown, this traditional tea house offers a ceremony of delicious tea served in ceramic pots and home made buns.
Right next to Wat Mahathat is Bangkok’s biggest Amulet market that presents a fantastic expanse of religious charms, exotic talismans and ancient amulets. If you’re visiting on a Sunday you’ll come across the old faithful, followers who study the traditional amulets, their belief in keeping with the knowledge that it will ward off evil and bring good fortune. Hundreds of merchants offer an incredible variety of amulets, each encompassing a sacred purpose and charm that signifies luck, misfortune, gaiety, fertility, health etc. You can also buy traditional medicine at the Amulet market, composed of natural herbs with their own unique healing properties.
The secretive life of a tribal community is always intriguing for those who travel for anthropological interests, so it isn’t a surprise that the island of Ko Kret has become another doorway to tourism in Bangkok. Located 20 kilometers north of the main city, the island secludes centuries-old temples and is home to a native community that shows excellent craftsmanship in clay wares. As you step inside the countryside, Ko Kret is an ethnic civilization that houses the Wat Poramaiyikawas, a sacred pilgrimage site that symbolizes Mon ancestry. The Ko Kret community retains much of its traditional characteristics through Mon artistry –earthen clay pots forged on the island.
