A Guide to Lesser-Known Attractions: Hidden Gems in Bangkok.

Although the popular tourist attractions usually serve as one of the unique features of the city, lesser-known attractions, or hidden gems, are considered worth exploring as well. Bangkok is a city that is full of rich cultural heritage despite its modern architecture. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the city’s charms, mostly the temples, the cuisine, and the festivals. Nonetheless, there are some hidden gems in Bangkok that are mostly known to the locals, making them quite rare and mysterious for tourists. In this article, we’ve provided you with some hidden gems in Bangkok, with a variety of tastes for you to choose from.

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand

Bangkok can easily be considered a flashy city with its skyscrapers and modern architecture. Together with vibrant nightlife and luxury shopping malls, the capital city of Thailand is mostly known for its famous attractions and popular places, such as the Siam Shopping District, Thonglor, and Silom areas. Moreover, glittering temples, such as Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew, are adorned with intricate details, gold leaf decorations, and sparkling mosaics, making the city more vibrant when illuminated by the sunlight. Tourists usually know the popular places, which indeed represent some unique features of the city. However, that’s not all Bangkok has to offer. There are still hidden gems in Bangkok, waiting for visitors to explore and search for them.

To clarify, the word “hidden gem” is used for the less popular and well-known attractions, spots, places, or even restaurants. The terms are widely used for places that are considered unique and special despite their little fame. Most of the places will be less crowded than the popular spots. This can also be an advantage for those who like to thoroughly explore the places and dwell in the atmosphere. Additionally, the hidden gems are not limited to just new visitors; they can be for tourists who have seen most of the popular places in Bangkok as well.

Bangkok’s hidden gems

Here’s some recommendations for Bangkok’s hidden gems:

MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok):

MOCA Bangkok is a privately owned museum dedicated to contemporary art. The museum is located in Chatuchak district, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum boasts an extensive collection of contemporary artworks by both established and emerging Thai artists. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, mixed media art, installations, and more. MOCA Bangkok contributes to the city’s art scene by showcasing the talent and creativity of Thai artists and offering a platform for artistic dialogue and appreciation.

Siriraj Medical Museum:

The Siriraj Medical Museum is part of Siriraj Hospital, which is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. The museum is situated on the bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok and is housed within the hospital’s campus. The museum is divided into several specialized museums or sections, each focusing on different aspects of medical science and history. These sections include the Ellis Pathological Museum, Congdon Anatomical Museum, Songkran Niyomsane Forensic Medicine Museum, Parasitology Museum, and the Prehistoric Museum. The museum has gained recognition by showcasing Thailand’s medical heritage, research, and contributions to the field of medicine. It is considered a national treasure and a symbol of medical excellence.

Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara (Loha Prasat):

Wat Ratchanatdaram is known for its distinctive architectural features, particularly the Loha Prasat, which translates to “Metal Castle” in English. It is one of the few remaining metal temples in the world and stands as a remarkable example of Thai craftsmanship and architectural prowess. Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara is located in the Rattanakosin Island area of Bangkok, near the Democracy Monument. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including taxis, tuk-tuks, and the Chao Phraya River express boat. The temple is within walking distance of other popular attractions, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew.

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen:

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen features a blend of traditional and contemporary architectural styles. The main hall, or ubosot, showcases intricate wood carvings, beautiful murals depicting Buddhist stories, and ornate decorations. The temple grounds also include various structures such as meditation halls, pagodas, and accommodation facilities for monks and meditation retreat participants. The temple is actively engaged in community and social welfare activities, such as Buddhist festivals, merit-making activities, and meditation retreats. Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is located in the Bhasicharoen district, which is situated on the western outskirts of Bangkok. The temple is easily accessible by public transportation, including taxis and buses.

The Bangkokian Museum:

The Bangkokian Museum (The Bangkok Folk Museum) is a unique museum located in the Bang Rak district of Bangkok. The museum’s main building is a beautiful example of a traditional Thai wooden house, reflecting the architectural style of the early 20th century. It features intricate woodwork, elevated floors, teak panels, and a distinct roof design. The house consists of several interconnected rooms, each showcasing different aspects of daily life in old Bangkok. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including taxis, tuk-tuks, and the BTS Skytrain (specifically Saphan Taksin BTS station).

Conclusion

The aforementioned places are just some of the hidden gems in Bangkok. There are still a lot more, both in Bangkok and Thailand. You can also search for hidden gems by starting with places that are located near public transportation, such as the BTS Skytrain. When you want to call it a day and take a rest, we recommend you stop by the VIE Hotel Bangkok. The hotel is located extremely near Ratchathewi BTS station, offering you the utmost convenience. The VIE Hotel Bangkok is also located near the Airport Rail Link, so tourists can commute and explore the city straight from the airport with ease. You can rest assured that you will feel rejuvenated again after a good night’s sleep at the hotel.

Ref: 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293916-Activities-zft12156-Bangkok.html