What To See, Things To Do in Bangkok, Thailand The Next Time You Visit

Bangkok is a city in Southeast Asia that is worth coming back. There are actually endless reasons to stay longer in the capital city of Thailand. Whether you're staying in a cheap backpacker hostel or a luxurious villa in Thailand, you'll never ran out of what to do - only time. If you're like the rest who have already conquered the most coveted temples and night markets everywhere, it's time now to get loose and see the other quirky, crazy and scary sides of Bangkok. Since this trip is your nth time, we know you aren't concerned of squeezing everything to see from sunrise to sunset so you can decide at your discretion, take your time and move at your own pace. 

1.  Get to know Thailand more by visiting Erawan Museum and Ancient Siam Museum

Bangkok's most stunning temples and museums aren't only found at the city's center. Samut Prakan, which only takes an hour to get from the city center, is home to two of Thailand's most revered sites. Erawan Museum features a three-headed elephant statue on top of a big dome. It depicts Airavata, on top of a big dome that's 250 tons in weight, 29 meters high and 39 meters long.   Ancient Siam Museum will bring you to the yesteryears of Thailand. Over 116 replicas of the country’s  historical sites were put together in one place. It's the world's biggest outdoor museum. Please ready your best outfit with your flower crowns and flamboyant dress because every spot in here is certainly an eye candy.

2.  See the Elephant Building    

The elephant is Thailand’s national animal. It would be not a surprise to find decorations and arts that represent this revered symbol. Literally the "biggest" example, Bangkok's Elephant Tower which is  said to be the “most talked about building in Thailand" as well as the world's largest elephant building. It is 335-foot high urban complex made of a shopping mall, officers and a luxury condo.  

It was built by a Thai senator who is quite obsessed about elephants - owning a museum of more than 2, 000 elephant - inspired art and an advocate of elephant welfare. Despite the fact that it is a very modern structure it’s three towers literally form an elephant shape and if you view it from the right edge you can even see the eyes and the tusks!

Photo credit Tripadvisor reviewer Carl H

4. For women who want to conceive, visit Bangkok’s Penis Shrine

Bangkok's Penis Shrine honors Chao Mae Tubtim, a female fertility spirit. From teeny tiny to up to ten feet tall, women who want to have babies come here to offer lotus, jasmine and Chinese incense sticks. It is said that this shrine has a good success rate. Women should return when their wish is granted, then put another penis (phallus) at the shrine to give thanks. It is found on the grounds of the Swissotel Nai Lert Hotel in the heart of Bangkok.  A spirit house was built for the spirit who is believed to reside in the large banyan tree.

Photo credit: Wikipedia Ddalbiez

4. Smarten up at Bangkok Museum of Science & Planetarium

Bangkok Science Museum and Planetarium  the oldest planetarium in Thailand and Southeast Asia. For those who love science or those who just simply wanted to brush up their education days, this is the answer. There are activities, exhibits, models, multimedia presentations and real objects in the name of astronomy including the world of energy, robot technology, the human body and pre-history.  

5. Get "drunk"  inside speakeasy bars

Speakeasies or hidden bars originated in the US in 1920’s when liquors were prohibited for sale, reproduction and transportation. This idea was born out of the necessity of those who love booze by putting up anonymous and illicit drinking spots where customers enter after whispering the correct password to the heavily armed guy behind the door.  That ban is now over, no need to worry about the police ruining the night.  Hidden bars of today have evolved into a place for partyphiles who are well-dressed and well-heeled;  who prefer privacy and are ready to splurge a bit - that is paying extra for a finer drink handcrafted based on their taste.

If you still had no idea, check out Tripadvisor reviews of these: Havana Social, Q & A Bar, Maggie Choo's, Rabbit Hole and J. Boroski .

6. Learn some history at Kamthieng House

In a megacity like Bangkok you would be surprised to know that there are still well-preserved old houses like Kamthieng.  It is a beautiful, stilted 19th rice farmer's teak house dismantled piece by piece from the banks of Chiang Mai's Ping River then assembled in Bangkok in 1964. Kamthieng House is now the headquarters of the Siam Society - a place dedicated to preserving and promoting Thai culture and heritage. 

Inside is a collection of agricultural and domestic items - woven fish baskets and terra-cotta pots among other items - which show the everyday lives of ordinary people in the past. The spirits of three ladies - previous occupants - are said to haunt the house and watch over it. The gardens are landscaped like a northern Thai garden in a style known as Lanna.

7. Shop around the world at Terminal 21

We know there are lots of shopping malls in Bangkok but this one is worth a specific mention. Did you know that you can “travel the world“ in downtown Bangkok’s Terminal 21 mall? Find yourself wandering around a maze of shops in Tokyo City, sauntering down London’s Carnaby Street, bagging a bargain in an Istanbul zouk, or shopping for something to fill your growling stomach at the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. 

When you’ve had enough of street food and don’t want to shell out for hefty prices of other restaurants, the food court at Terminal 21 mall will not disappoint you. With a wide range of food selection from Thai to international cuisines priced reasonably, you can eat here every day without eating the same one you ordered previously.  The nine floors at Terminal 21 houses some 600 shops, a Cineplex and a Gourmet Market too.

Photo credit: Bangkok.com

8. Face your fear at Bangkok Forensic Museum

If you’re up to see scary  sights and probably got a third - eye you need to challenge further, head to Bangkok Forensic Museum. Located inside the Siriraj Hospital on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, you’ll be treated to see anything morbid: dead bodies of babies affected by genetic disorders, human organs destroyed by parasites such as incredibly long tape worms and a 35kg human testicle affected by elephantiasis, bodies of accident victims, murderers, dried body of a famous madman who was known to eat kids' livers in the 1950’s and cabinets full of skeletons.These are frozen in time inside formaldehyde-filled jars. WARNING:  Not for the faint of heart!  Don’t say we didn’t warn you! 

Photo credit: Bangkok.com

9.  Surf and swim at Flow House
When you're itching to go to the beach but don't have much time to spare, come to Flow House. Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie, Flow House made it a lot easier to enjoy surfing with the aid of simulated wave surfing machine. Qualified instructors are around all the time to ensure safety to all guests. For those who just want to relax and swim, this is the also the place to be. 

Plunge pools, billiards, bar and restaurant among other things you are definitely in for an exciting yet relaxing day. If you're tired playing with the waves you can play ping-pong, darts and football; check out Chang Surf Bar showing all the latest live sports from around the world and take advantage of the Free WIFI to post your awesome pics to friends.

10. Sweat out at these three nature parks

Bangkok doesn’t have just one but three nature parks that are open to anyone who longs to breathe some fresh air from the surrounding trees: Lumphini Park, Benjasiri Park and Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Botanical Garden. 

Lumpini Park is an inner-city haven of tranquility, fresh air and shade. It is also home to ever rarer indigenous flora, a forest park, and some quirky residents like the water monitor lizards. Before sunset you can sweat it out at free open-air aerobics sessions to high-energy techno tunes. 

Benjasiri Park offers outdoor sports facilities rarely found at other public parks, including a basketball court, roller skating/skateboarding rink, tennis court, swimming pool and a multi-purpose court for volleyball and sepak takraw.  Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Botanical Garden is a great escape from the heat and concrete of the city. The garden is a combination of jungle and manicured botanicals. 

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Getting lost in Thailand's congested sois (alleys), thanons (roads) and khlongs (canals) can be fun. If you have been to Chatuchak weekend market, check out these as well: Soi Rambuttri, W Market, Soi 11, Rot Fai Market and Talad Neon Market. Just because this isn't your first time, it is never an excuse to always find time to explore things because you will never know when it is going to happen again.