Bangkok , Top unusual things to do!

Visiting Bangkok is on most travellers' bucket lists. And a trip to the capital is certainly one of the best things to do in Thailand, if not the whole of South East Asia. There's no doubt that the noise and chaos of the big city can be overwhelming. But the energy and sheer amount of incredible experiences to be had never cease to fascinate and amaze those who visit. Even if you only have a day in Bangkok, the city is sure to surprise with its chaotic temples, public transport and mango sticky rice.

Looking for unusual things to do in Bangkok? Check out the top 15 things to do in Bangkok.

1. Be amazed by the Grand Palace

Without a doubt, this is one of the city's most famous landmarks. The dazzling complex of buildings that is the Grand Palace is a must-see when visiting Bangkok. Built in 1782, the ornate and intricate details of the beautiful architecture will leave you impressed. There are several impressive buildings in the complex. Such as Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Just be aware that the attraction is very popular with Thai and international tourists. So it can be extremely busy. Also, as Thailand's holiest site, it has a strict dress code. Basically, you should only ride on the skin of your hands and face.

2. Visit the floating markets

One of the most popular things to do in Bangkok is to visit a floating market. This is your chance to see a more traditional side of the city. Real hives of activity, they create a fascinating place to spend a few hours. Just make sure you don't visit on a full stomach. Because with the amount of fresh produce and local specialities on offer, will tempt you.

There are quite a few in the town and further afield. Khlong Lat Mayom on the outskirts is a favourite among many. It also offers long-tail boat trips from the heart of the market through lush green countryside to nearby villages.

3. Treat yourself to a Thai massage

It's impossible to visit Bangkok and not try an authentic Thai massage. Shops are everywhere and the combination of great quality and affordable prices can get you slightly hooked.

If you've never had one before, you should know that it's customary for the masseur to get on the massage table with you. This is so he can use his body to manipulate your back and limbs in weird and wonderful positions. If you're not ready to embark on a full-body massage, you can simply opt for a foot or head massage.

4. Get lost in Chinatown

As one of the largest in the world, Bangkok's Chinatown is a must-see experience in the city. A blur of neon lights, bustling crowds and delicious smells, Bangkok's Chinatown is truly an assault on the senses. Market stalls peddling traditional Chinese produce and street restaurants offering all manner of gastronomic delights are the attraction here.

Yaowarat Road is the main thoroughfare. But many delights can be found along the network of narrow streets. There's no point trying to follow any kind of map or plan. The best way is to immerse yourself in the bright, infectious chaos.

5. Explore Wat Pho

Visiting Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha as it's otherwise known, is also one of the best things to do in Bangkok. In fact, the complex is made up of a number of fabulous and vibrant monuments and buildings. But the one that houses the star of the show is the most important. It's a 46 metre long gold-leaf Buddha standing on its side.

In addition, within the 8 hectare temple complex is a massage school. It is well known and you can book a massage there. As an important religious site, visitors should also dress respectfully.

6. Shopping at the Chatuchak weekend market

Thailand is full of markets, and this one is the biggest of them all. In fact, it has 8,000 stalls spread over 27 different sections. So there's literally nothing you can't find here. From leather bags to vintage jeans and handmade soaps to intricate household items, you'll wish you'd left more space in your suitcase.

There's also a crazy amount of restaurants and food stalls at Chatuchak Market. They sell a varied selection of traditional Thai and international cuisines.

7. Winding your way through Khao San Road

Visiting Khao San Road is one of the most popular and fun things to do in Bangkok at night. The bars are super affordable and there's a great party atmosphere with infectious energy. Even if you're not much of a party person, you'll find plenty of interesting things and people to see.

The street is also an Aladdin's cave of fake Ray Bans, and fancy printed t-shirts. Whether you can't get enough or think it's just trashy tourism, a trip to Khao San Road is a must when in Bangkok.

8. Rooftop dining

There are so many rooftop bars in Bangkok that it can be hard to choose which view of the cityscape will delight you. The 63rd floor Skybar Rooftop in Lebua, now synonymous with Hangover 2, is very popular. Another favourite is the Vertigo and Moon Bar on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel with its uninterrupted 360-degree views of Bangkok's rooftops.

If you're looking for a less upmarket bar without the need to make a reservation, try the Wanderlust Rooftop or Skytrain Jazz Bar.

9. Relax in Lumpini Park

In a city as busy and overcrowded as Bangkok, open green spaces are a rarity. And so the downtown paradise of Lumpini Park is a cherished escape for residents and tourists alike. Weekends are filled with families and laughter, while weekday evening sunsets make for a perfect quiet evening stroll.

The endearing green lung attracts people of all ages to outdoor aerobics sessions and popular yoga, cycling, running and tai chi communities can be found here every day of the week.

10. Try the street food

A visit to this captivating city wouldn't be complete without trying Bangkok's world-famous street food. From mango sticky rice to BBQ pork kebabs and juicy pad thai to spicy papaya salad, an explosion of flavours will burst your taste buds.

Some of the best places to dine on a tiny plastic stool under the sky are the areas around Victory Monument, Sukhumvit 38, Charoen Krung Road and Bangrak. Just pick one of the busy stalls with lots of people and try all the unique sweet, sour, salty and spicy combinations you can get your hands on.

11. Watch a Muay Thai match

Dating back hundreds of years, Muay Thai is an important part of Thai culture. Historically a fighting skill that all Thai men had to master, it has since been adapted as a sport and is now practised internationally by both men and women.

It is an exciting sport with elaborate pre-fight rituals called Wai Kru Ram Muay. Although there are Muay Thai fights in Bangkok, many are just exhibition matches organised for tourists. If you want to experience the real professional stuff, head to Rajadamnern Stadium or Lumpinee Stadium.

12. Visit Jim Thompson's house

Jim Thompson was an American entrepreneur who moved to Thailand after World War II and founded the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. He gained worldwide recognition for generating international demand for Thai silk and was awarded the Order of the White Elephant for his services to Thailand.

After disappearing on holiday in Malaysia in 1967, his home, a carefully designed traditional Thai structure, was turned into a museum. It houses his extensive art collection and tells the story of "Thailand's legendary American".

13. Cross the river

There are many different options for exploring Bangkok's riverside region. If you just want to cross the river, you can take what is essentially a raft with a roof from 32 different crossing points, the most popular route is from Tha Tien pier between Wat Pho and Wat Arun.

If you want to explore the Chao Phraya River in more depth, you can hop on an express water taxi. The ones with the blue flags are the best for tourists as they stop whenever you want. Others are boats that go between the main stops only. Or you can privately hire a Longtail boat for a more personalised trip.

14. Take a cooking class

Learning to cook Thai food at a Thai cooking school is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Bangkok and should be at the top of your travel itinerary. Typical half-day courses include a trip to the market to choose your fresh ingredients, a chance to try your hand at cooking three or four dishes and a recipe book to take away.

Being able to prepare traditional homemade Thai food is the perfect way to impress your friends back home. Courses at the Blue Elephant and Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy are among the best.

15. Try fried insects

Last but not least, a popular thing to do among the more adventurous tourists is to try Bangkok's unusual delicacies. You'll find hawkers pushing their carts laden with fried insects all over Bangkok, but particularly around Khao San Road, Soi Cowboy and Pahurat near Chinatown.

And you're spoilt for choice, take your pick from crickets, grasshoppers, silkworms, ants, water bugs, scorpions and even tarantulas.