Here are 5 good reasons to visit unusual Bangkok (in part). Of course, the Thai capital has much more to offer. So the selection was tough. We were able to appreciate the richness of the Venice of the Orient on our first trip to Thailand in 2009. Since then, we've been captivated by the beauty and bustling life of this South-East Asian megalopolis, and we've never been able to stop going back again and again. What's more, you can always find a cheap flight from Paris to Bangkok to get there. So, are you ready to discover 5 good reasons to visit unusual Bangkok?
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1. Visit Bangkok's temples
There are countless temples to visit at least once in your life in the fascinating city of Bangkok. The emblematic Wat Arun, Wat Pho and its gigantic reclining Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew nicknamed the Emerald Temple, Wat Saket and its 300 steps or Wat Traimit and its Golden Buddha are all good reasons to visit Bangkok. And the list goes on and on! That's why you'll need more than one trip to see them all.
Here's a video summary of our favourite temples in Bangkok.
One of our favourite temples in Bangkok is Wat Arun.
Situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun temple, nicknamed the Temple of Dawn, is the most emblematic of them all. It's a must-see when visiting Bangkok, as you can climb the steep stairs of its central prang to enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding area and the majestic Chao Phraya River, which flows through the capital. This large Khmer tower is surrounded by 4 smaller ones. The architectural interest of this must-see tourist site in Bangkok is that the monuments are all inlaid with earthenware from pottery and colourfully patterned plates. It reminds us of some of the well-known tourist sites in Barcelona that we love so much.
We also love going to Wat Arun because getting there is a real journey in itself. After crossing part of the city by boat, taking in the busy life of the Chao Phraya, we dock at Maharaj Pier.
We recommend combining a visit to Wat Arun with one to Wat Pho, just opposite on the east bank of the Chao Phraya. The best time to come is at the end of the day to enjoy the beauty of these temples, especially at suns et from a terrace.
2. Tasting excellent Thai food: Unusual Bangkok
You could write a whole book on Thai gastronomy. There are thousands of restaurants in Bangkok, but the best part is getting lost in the markets and sampling the street food on the go. The Silom district is perfect for this after dark, as you can combine shopping with street food. Chinatown is also full of good local restaurants.
We discovered several addresses during a tour on the theme of gastronomy and street food at night in Bangkok. We invite you to watch our unforgettable experience in this video, which might just make you hungry!
3. Cycling in Bangkok's natural surroundings
When we talk about Bangkok to travellers who have already visited, the theme that comes up most often is traffic. And no one will advise you to visit Bangkok by bike, as it can be very dangerous. There is, however, a green district that lends itself completely to cycle tourism, which again is not what you'd expect here.
We advise you to go to the south of the Thai capital, and more precisely to Bang Kachao Island, which lies on a bend in the Chao Phraya River. Getting there starts with a micro-adventure on the river ferry. Once on the island, you simply hire your bike and the exploration of Bangkok's lungs can begin. You'll then be able to wander through a luxuriant natural environment of jungle and water. Don't be surprised if you come across a few cute, harmless monitor lizards along the way!
Bang Kacho Island can be explored on a half-day or full-day basis.
4. Bangkok rooftops and Urbex: unusual Bangkok
We're not going to list all the rooftops where you can enjoy a delicious cocktail while taking in the sights and sounds of Bangkok from the sky.
Instead, we're going to give you a good plan outside the usual circuits and reserved for the brave only. To reach the top of the Ghost Tower, as it is called, there is no lift. The reason for this is that the tower we're inviting you to visit was never completed. The site is therefore reserved for adult adventurers who are not afraid of heights.
Follow us on video as we take you on an unusual tour of Bangkok, a Bangkok that few have ever seen or experienced!
And if you want to dine out with an incredible view of Bangkok, we'd still recommend an address that we really enjoyed: the Baiyoke Tower. Unforgettable!
5. Visit Bangkok's Chinatown
It all starts at the front door of Bangkok's Chinatown. Guaranteed to take you on a journey within a journey! You can visit this district by day, but also by night. A district with many faces, ideal for exploring in 1 day.
Start by visiting the famous Wat Traimit temple, home to the 5-tonne Golden Buddha, before strolling through the streets of the Talat Noi shopping district.
After a short boat trip on the Chao Phraya River, lose yourself in the maze of the Talat Mai market, then spend the rest of the day on the busiest street in Chinatown, Yaowarat Street, with its brightly lit shop signs.
To conclude this blog post on our 5 good reasons to visit Bangkok,
As you've realised, Bangkok is a tourist destination that has to be experienced.
Of course, you can limit yourself to visiting the must-see sites, but the Thai capital lends itself to so many other experiences, particularly unusual ones.
So, it's true, you either love Bangkok or hate it. But we love it!