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7 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Bangkok for the Curious Traveler

January 13, 2021 By Ryan Victor 6 Comments

Corrugated metal fence with yellow cat mural painted on it.

Bangkok is, in a word, overwhelming. The traffic is insane, the malls are gigantic, there are people everywhere, and there’s always something new to discover.

Many first-time tourists focus on the main sites, like the shimmering Grand Palace, the endless stalls of Chatuchak Market, or the backpacker haven of Khao San road. But if you’re a repeat visitor, sometimes you want to see something a little different, and in a city known for its nightlife and chaos, it might feel like there’s nothing that raises an eyebrow. After all, some of the weirdest things to do in Bangkok are among its busiest attractions.

Oh sure, there are the themed cafes where you can dress up as a unicorn and the optical illusion “museums” where you can take selfies, but those are getting to be a dime a dozen, especially in Southeast Asia. Visitors snap the same photos, and then there’s not much to do but post on Instagram (or TikTok now, I guess). But what about places to experience Bangkok off the beaten path?

Looking for something a little different in #Bangkok? Put these offbeat attractions on your itinerary! #Thailand Click To Tweet

I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve been through Bangkok, and we try to find something new to do every time we’re there. After many stops, these are some of the most interesting and lesser-known spots we’ve visited, all sure to please the Atlas Obscura-loving traveler. If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Bangkok, start with these!

Table of Contents

  • The Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Bangkok
    • 1. Nightingale-Olympic Department Store
    • 2. Sathorn Unique Tower
    • 3. Siriraj Medical Museum
    • 4. Papaya Design Furniture and Studio
    • 5. Tuba Design Furniture and Restaurant
    • 6. Erawan Museum
    • 7. Amulet Market
    • Bonus: Cabbages and Condoms
  • Even More Unusual Things to Do in Bangkok

The Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Bangkok

1. Nightingale-Olympic Department Store

Back in the 1960s, in a very different Bangkok where many of the houses were still built with bamboo, Nightingale was the city’s first department store. The building’s Brutalist design is an eyesore by today’s architectural standards, but at the time, it was the height of modernity.

The glitzy new department store was filled with all sorts of luxury items from Europe, like tennis racquets, musical instruments, and some of the weirdest massage chairs you’ve ever seen.

Department store entrance flanked by two glasses cases containing knick knacks like a soccer ball, billiard balls, and small toys.

So what makes an old department store one of the most unusual things to do in Bangkok? Absolutely nothing has changed since its grand opening in the 60s! The owner, who is in her late-90s and has worked there her entire life, wants to preserve the memory of what Nightingale once was, and it’s become a living museum to its former grandeur. 

All those items that must have seemed so novel and fancy 50 years ago look like things you’d find at a thrift shop today. Between the architecture and the products, the store feels frozen in time – so frozen that no one seems to be doing much to maintain it; dust blankets just about everything, and at least half the light fixtures have burnt out. 

Row of antique belt massager exercise machines in front of glass display cases.

The store’s bizarre stock of vintage items could be a photographer’s paradise, but the owner feels gawking tourists and snap-happy instagramers would sully the store’s former glory and has posted No Photography signs throughout the store.

While the rule isn’t too strictly enforced, don’t come here with a DSLR set-up; there’s enough security wandering around that you’ll be pushed out pretty quickly. Not that I advocate violating posted signs, but you might be able to get a few stealth shots with your phone.

With a plethora of high-end shopping malls like EmQuartier and Siam Paragon lining Sukhumvit Road, there’s little reason for anyone to do their actual shopping at this dusty old department store, so you’re not likely to run into many other people there.

Location: 70 Tri Phet Road, near the Sam Yot stop on the MRT

Cost: Free, unless you buy something

2. Sathorn Unique Tower

Often referred to as the Bangkok “Ghost Tower,” the 49-story Sathorn Unique building is one of the city’s most haunting architectural pieces. Ground broke on the tower in the early ‘90s, but construction was halted in 1993 – when the real estate developer funding it was arrested on charges of plotting to murder the president of Thailand’s supreme court. The case dragged on for 15 years, resulting first in a conviction, and then an acquittal on appeal a couple years later. 

Investment in the tower dried up after the developer’s arrest, and when the Asian Financial Crisis hit in 1997, construction all over Bangkok came to a halt. While many other projects have since been completed, the developer’s stubbornness in financing the tower under its original terms has prevented any further construction.

Some residents of the surrounding community believe the tower is cursed, and that the unfinished structure’s shadow has cursed the neighborhood.

Unfinished concrete skyscraper overlooking graffiti-covered fence.

In the absence of building tenants or maintenance crews, much of the tower’s interior is crumbling, with walls and floors reduced to rubble and large pieces of rebar sticking out at all angles. The deterioration makes it a favorite with urban explorers, and one of the reasons it’s among the weirdest things to do in Bangkok.

In past years, the tower was much more accessible – search for Sathorn on YouTube and you’ll find plenty of videos taken by foreigners who’ve climbed its 49 floors for a chance at some of the most spectacular views of Bangkok. While urban exploration was not officially sanctioned, squatters (and later, guards) could be bribed for around $20 to let you take a look around.

The police are cracking down, though, as more foreigners try to climb the tower. Since I’m completely opposed to spending even one night inside a Bangkok jail cell, we just wandered around its base instead.

No trespassing sign on metal privacy fence in front of unfinished building.

Oh, if this tower looks familiar, it’s because the nearby State Tower, which has a similar architectural style, was used for the rooftop bar scenes in The Hangover Part 2.

Unfinished skyscraper covered with large Pepsi banner and seen from a distance.

Location: Charoen Krung Road, just up from the Saphan Taksin stop on the Silom Line of the BTS

Price: The cost of bribing a security guard (~500 baht)

3. Siriraj Medical Museum

Siriraj Hospital’s Medical Museum, sometimes called the “Museum of Death,” is just a short boat ride across the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok’s more popular National Museum – but it could not be more different. While the National Museum features on most Bangkok itineraires, the Siriraj Museum is only for those with an iron stomach and a high tolerance for the grotesque (and I’m not messing around when I say that). 

So, what’s so horrifying at Siriraj? The museum is separated into several sections, so let’s start with the forensic medicine exhibits. It’s where you can see the mummified remains of a serial killer and the skulls of dozens of murder victims, many with bullet holes in them. 

Over in the parasitology area, you can learn about the meter-long flatworms that are native to Thailand and how they can build a home in your intestines (a reminder that your street food needs to be served piping hot!). Inside the anatomical section of the museum, you can peruse displays of human hearts, kidneys, and all sorts of other organs. And I’m leaving out the more disturbing exhibits.

All of this begs the question – why? Is this simply for voyeuristic curiosity? Not at all. 

The museum, housed in the country’s largest and oldest public hospital, was designed as a learning tool for Thai medical students, and student groups are its main visitors. As for the average tourist visiting the museum, I think many of us have a distant relationship with death and sickness, and it’s an eye-opening experience to see them in such a raw form.

There’s also no photography allowed inside the museum, which keeps some of the more disrespectful Instagrammers out. Admission to the museum includes an audio tour, which isn’t the best, but explains some of the exhibits that are lacking signage in English.

Location: 10700 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, reachable by a boat taxi from any of the ferry terminals on the east side of the river

Price: 200 baht

4. Papaya Design Furniture and Studio

This one’s pretty far off the beaten path in Bangkok, and it’s a bit of a trip to reach – but I promise you, it’s worth the journey. Like Nightingale-Olympic, Papaya is something of an antique shop. It might feel more like someone’s storage shed than an actual store, but everything’s for sale. And all of it is incredibly weird – like shelves upon shelves of rotary telephones or a life-sized Jar Jar Binks figurine – that level of weird. 

Rhino and elephant statues outside shabby chic storefront.

Cavernous warehouse space filled with vintage couches, chairs, and lamps.

Wandering Papaya’s cavernous halls can take hours, and even when you think you’ve seen everything, there might be a rickety staircase that’ll take you to a room filled floor-to-ceiling with old bicycles, or a little hallway that’s populated with grandfather clocks. Every inch of this building is an experience.

Unlike at Nightingale, photography isn’t prohibited – but it is heavily restricted. Only phones and point-and-shoots are allowed; DSLRs and other larger cameras have to be stored in lockers near the entryway. You can, however, pay to conduct a full-on photo shoot in the store. The building’s third floor has several studio spaces, where photographers can grab anything from the store and configure the room however they wish.

Varying styles of vintage clocks on a blue wall.

Naked mannequin seated on a vintage-patterned couch with old portraits hanging on the wall behind it.

Although everything at Papaya is for sale, almost none of it is priced. If you’re interested in an item, you have to take a photo of it to show the manager to find out the cost.

Location: Soi Lat Phrao 55/2, Lat Phrao Road, Wang Thongland, two miles from the Lat Phrao BTS station

Price: Free to browse, but you should at least buy a coffee in the cafe. 

5. Tuba Design Furniture and Restaurant

The people behind Tuba must be connoisseurs of unusual things to do in Bangkok – because they run Papaya as well. Tuba takes the eccentric decor out of the warehouse and plops it down in a lounge.

Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a life-sized Incredible Hulk, then walk past a soda fountain counter that’s straight out of the 1950s, and settle in for a tasty cocktail on a sofa that looks like it came from your grandma’s basement; an impressive row of Jesus statues will silently judge as you imbibe.

Lit up purple neon sign that says Tuba Design, Furniture, and Restaurant amongst palm leaves.

Ceramic Jesus Christ busts with framed photos of Thai families in the background.

Tuba is a quirky spot that’s popular with expats and young Thais, although not too many tourists make it there. The living room furniture and laid-back atmosphere make conversation a little easier than at a loud and crowded bar or club.

The food is an okay, if not a little overpriced, mix of Thai and Italian dishes. The cocktails aren’t cheap, but they are rather large, and there’s a two-for-one in the early evening.

Like at Papaya, everything you’ll see at Tuba is for sale – for the right price. The rules about cameras are a bit more lax here, since they make plenty of money off food and drink and don’t have to worry about tourists wandering in just for a free photo tour. That said, no one will appreciate you busting into their happy hour to get a shot of the Santa figurines just over their shoulder, so just be respectful of the other patrons. 

Jar Jar Binks statue in front of yellow wall with avant garde portrait in the background.

However, you should definitely save some time to explore after you’ve had a drink or a curry; the upstairs offers a pool table and more lounge space, with plenty of eccentric art to enjoy. 

Location: 34 Ekkamai 21 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, near the Khlong Tan stop on the Airport line

Price: 300 baht for a cocktail, but they’re two for one during happy hour (5:00-8:00pm)

6. Erawan Museum

Ride the Skytrain’s Sukumvit line toward Bangkok’s southern suburbs, and you’ll have a hard time missing the 150-foot-tall elephant statue that is the Erawan Museum. This museum was the brainchild of Khun Lek Viriyapant, an eccentric Thai millionaire who owns the Mercedes-Benz factory across the street from the museum. He also founded two other unique attractions in Thailand – Ancient Siam on the edge of Bangkok and the Sanctuary of Truth Museum in Pattaya.

Massive elephant statue on an ornate pedestal looms over courtyard filled with tourists.

Erawan consists of three levels: one inside the elephant, one inside the elephant’s pedestal, and a basement that sits below the pedestal. Most visitors come mainly to see (and take selfies on) the grand staircase that occupies the pedestal. The ornate stairs are covered in dragon’s heads, gods, and goddesses, and everyone needs an Instagram with it. 

Couple taking photos on ornately carved staircase below a stained glass skylight.

Above the stairs is another staircase (or an elevator) that will transport you to the top of the elephant, where a Buddhist shrine is located. As this is a sacred area, there won’t be anymore selfie snapping; it’s incredibly peaceful, and there’s some beautiful art depicting the universe. 

Buddhist shrine with blue and gold walls. Artwork on the ceiling depicting celestial bodies.

What really surprised me, though, is what’s in Erawan’s basement – a collection of Chinese vases from the Ming and Qing dynasties that are up to 600 years old. Antiquities like that wouldn’t be out of place in a proper museum, but the entrance to the basement is barely visible to wandering tourists – we almost missed it completely – and the displays holding these precious objects look like a high school gym’s trophy case. The panels explaining the vases are of limited use to English-speaking tourists. 

Low-ceiling basement room with lighted display cases filled with ornate pottery.

Getting out to the giant elephant is a bit of a trip, and the 400 baht admission fee is pretty steep compared to Bangkok’s other attractions. So this museum may not be for everyone – but it’s an interesting look at what an eccentric businessman with millions of dollars will build to preserve his country’s heritage.

Location: 99 Bang Mueang Mai, 20-minute walk from the Chang Erwan stop on the BTS Sukhumvit line

Price: 400 baht

7. Amulet Market

Anyone who’s traveled around Bangkok in a tuk-tuk knows it’s a risky endeavor. You’re bopping through insane traffic in a vehicle with about as much crash protection as a go-kart, narrowly avoiding collisions by just a few feet.

As a passenger, the dangers are infrequent (don’t most tourists use ride-sharing apps now, anyways?), but the drivers look death in the face multiple times each day. Having a little bit of luck could go a long way towards staying alive, and where does one find such luck? Why, at the Amulet Market, of course.

Despite being wedged between the Grand Palace and the river, the Amulet Market isn’t on most tourists’ itineraries. Maybe that’s because there’s no English language sign announcing its presence, or because there’s no rhyme or reason to the layout or to the meaning of the amulets sold there. 

Older woman exiting a crowded market filled with housewares and drink containers.

You have to decide for yourself which trinkets will bring you luck, safety, and prosperity. It could be a Buddha figurine for your dashboard, maybe a brass medallion to hang from your neck, or perhaps a string of beads adorned with a phallic pendant – you’ll know it when you see it.

Market table covered in stone amulets with miniature buddhas behind it.

While many of Bangkok’s markets feel like they’re cleaned up to attract tourists, most of the stalls in the Amulet Market are crammed into dimly lit corridors, where shopkeepers and buyers flip through dusty price lists and animatedly haggle.

If you collect travel souvenirs, this is an excellent spot to pick them up. Not only do most of the amulets cost less than $1, but what better story to tell than how you snagged an authentic tuk-tuk driver good-luck talisman in Thailand?

Middle-aged man carefully examining small amulets in a crowded market filled with plastic bins containing amulets.

Location: 1 Sanam Phra, near the waterfront between the National Museum and the Grand Palace

Price: Free to browse, and amulets are usually inexpensive.

Bonus: Cabbages and Condoms

Cabbages and Condoms is hardly un-touristy or off the beaten path in Bangkok. It’s a popular restaurant and a top attraction that’s rife with opportunities for selfies and social media posts. But still, it’s one of the most unusual things I’ve seen anywhere, and it supports a good cause, so I’m going to mention it here anyway.

Network of bamboo lamp shades below a canopy of leafy trees.

We’ve had a few friends from home visit us in Thailand, and Cabbages and Condoms is inevitably one of the first places we take them. This contraceptive-themed restaurant/social enterprise is one of Bangkok’s more convenient oddities to access – just down the road from the Asok BTS stop or the Sukhumvit stop on the MRT.

You’ll know you’re in for an experience as soon as you reach the entrance, where you’re greeted by several mannequins in outfits made entirely of condoms – Santa Claus, a police officer, superheroes, even a phallic-shaped cartoon character. An entertaining video plays nearby, demonstrating some alternative (and occasionally ill-advised) uses for condoms like waterproof shoe covers, rubber bands, and of course, water balloons.

Human-sized phallic statue covered in neon-colored condoms. Mannequins in the background are wearing clothes made of condoms.

It’s not all for laughs, though. The noodles and curries at Cabbages and Condoms are a good introduction to Thai food, and the main dining area is inside a beautiful courtyard with walls carpeted in verdant plant life. There’s just one small variation in the dining experience – there are no after dinner mints with your bill, but rather a handful of condoms.

Condom packages with Thai writing on them sitting a plaid tablecloth.

A gift shop near the restaurant’s entrance is filled with all sorts of giggle-inducing souvenirs, like condom bouquets and ties bedecked with colorful condom cartoons. But all of the restaurant and gift shop’s profits go toward public health programs run by the Population and Community Development Organization, so you can feel good about your ridiculous souvenirs.

Location: 10 Sukhumvit 12 Alley, near Asok stop on the Sukhumvit line of the BTS or the Sukhumvit stop on the MRT

Price: Entrees around 250 baht

Even More Unusual Things to Do in Bangkok

There are still so many other places to experience Bangkok off the beaten path. These are just a few of the spots on our list for future trips:

Bang Krachao: This man-made island in the Chao Praya River feels a world away from bustling Bangkok. Referred to as the Green Lung of Bangkok for its forested interior, its leafy dirt paths make for an excellent cycling adventure, free from the city’s notorious traffic.

Wat Hua Krabeu: This Buddhist temple is dedicated to the legacy of the water buffalo, once a symbol of Thai agriculture. A tenacious monk there has made it his mission to construct a tunnel of buffalo skulls for visitors to walk through, along with an educational memorial focused on this majestic mammal. It definitely sounds like one of the most unusual places to visit in Bangkok!

Somdetchaopraya Psychiatry Museum: Didn’t get enough medical history at Siriraj? Somdetchaopraya is less gruesome, focusing on the mental health side of medicine and how Thailand has incorporated traditional practices into what has been a largely Western-dominated field.

Wat Samphran: This 17-story pink tower outside of Bangkok seems entirely out of place among its largely rural surroundings. Designed as a place of study for Buddhist monks, adventurous visitors can climb the massive dragon-shaped staircase that encircles the tower (or just look up at it from below!).

Airplane Graveyard: A favorite among urban explorers, this plot of land halfway between the city center and Bangkok’s main airport plays host to three abandoned jet aircraft. Squatters have taken refuge inside the planes, so you’ll need to pay them a small fee to have a look inside.

Click here for an interactive version of the map!

Street map of Bangkok, Thailand, with blue pins.

If you’re a frequent visitor to Southeast Asia and have had your fill of standard temples and glitzy malls, these are just a few of the places that can reinvigorate your love for Bangkok. Really, quirky attractions like these are what make the city such a fun place. All you need to do is pop into a random alley, and there’s a good chance you’ll find something unexpected.

Know of other non-touristy things to do in Bangkok? Share them in the comments!

PIN IT!

The top Bangkok attractions have been listed a million times - but what if you want to experience Bangkok off the beaten path? If you’ve already seen the city’s must-do sights, head to one of the spots on this list during your next trip. From quirky museums to one-of-a-kind stores, these are some of the best non-touristy things to do in Bangkok. #Bangkok #Thailand #BKK There are so many iconic sights in Bangkok, from the Grand Palace and Wat Arun to Khao San Road. But if you’re looking for something a little different, try this list of non-touristy things to do in Bangkok. From abandoned buildings to one-of-a-kind restaurants, these are some of the weirdest things to do - and maybe the most memorable. #Bangkok #Thailand #offthebeatenpath

Filed Under: Asia, Off the Beaten Path, Thailand Tagged With: Bangkok, featured

Comments

  1. Hemantha K Pamarthy says

    February 18, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    Been to Bangkok many times but never came across these. Thank you for sharing. I would certainly endeavour to cover some of them if not all during my next visit.

    Reply
    • Ryan Victor says

      February 18, 2021 at 8:04 pm

      That’s awesome! There’s always something new to explore in Bangkok, glad we could add a few of them to your next itinerary.

      Reply
  2. Riana Ang-Canning says

    January 29, 2021 at 8:38 pm

    Aw I wish I had this guide when I first visited Bangkok in 2019. I didn’t love it but this list is inspiring me to go back! My partner works in healthcare and would love the Siriraj Medical Museum. The Erawan Museum is definitely calling my name with that ornate staircase. And I’m loving the cool markets!

    Reply
    • Ryan Victor says

      February 2, 2021 at 7:37 pm

      There’s something for everyone in Bangkok. I think a lot of people get hung up on the most popular tourist attractions and miss out on the city’s vibrancy. We were fortunate enough to have several short trips through there over a year (it’s a useful travel hub for all of SE Asia), and I feel like we got to try out different neighborhoods with each one.

      Reply
  3. Veronika says

    January 22, 2021 at 11:43 am

    I’ve been to Bangkok many times but haven’t made it to any of these quirky places! So much inspiration, thank you 🙂 I can’t wait to head to Thailand again and explore a few from your list 🙂

    Reply
    • Ryan Victor says

      January 22, 2021 at 6:25 pm

      Thanks, there’s something new every time with go there! We’re also really excited to see the new train station. From the photos it looks as big as an airport terminal.

      Reply

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