Lesser known Attractions: Bangkok
Just because I got around three months notice before leaving for my recent Bangkok vacation, I utilized that time researching about the place and what it can offer other than what it is already famous for...
Here I should mention that I went there with my wife and I am going to list things that you can enjoy with your spouse, a bunch of friends or even children. Please note that tickets for all attractions can be bought for quite a steep discount in advance at hotels2thailand.com. I can’t tell you how but we managed to cover all these locations within 2 days, that too not compromising on the amazing street shopping experience of Bangkok. We enjoyed Metro-rail, tuk-tuk ride and what not….!
Art in Paradise, Espelande Mall, Ratchada
Leaving all the super-famous malls of Bangkok near city center, we first went north. The Espelande mall on its fourth floor, hosts a place that gave the booster to our holiday spirit. It is an amazing 3D art museum where you can be a part of all the paintings and sculptures in the photos you click. You can check out more about it at artinparadisebkk.co.th. They also have one museum in pattaya.
Plus: There is no end to your imagination and creativity here, taking pics is really easy with directions given for almost all art pieces. Add nice and helping staff. We also got a free developed pic as a part of promotion on Valentine’s.
Note: You can surprise you partner and children by not telling them anything about this place before visiting as I did.
Yes, Bangkok has its own Madame Tussauds museum. Right at the well known SIAM pentagon, it’s on sixth floor of the SIAM Discovery building. I don’t have to say much about the brand, but the one in Bangkok will have many statues of famous Thai people which not everybody can relate to; but that doesn’t mean they won’t have all the famous Hollywood celebrities, some from Bollywood and of course the Mahatma Gandhi, the Einstein, everyone’s there. Check out more at https://www.madametussauds.com/Bangkok/en/
Plus: The staff is friendly and they’ll take some professional clicks for you that you can get printed in various options at the exit. There are interactive games at some places that makes everybody feel like kids.
Note: The celebrity party room is the life of the museum.
Previously known as the SIAM Ocean World, this attraction is also located at the SIAM Pentagon Shopping Center (in basement). This aquarium offers you everything in a small package, underwater tunnels, back of the house tour, glass boat ride + fish feeding. You can buy a combined package which includes the 7D theater show but in my opinion, it was the worst 7D experience of my life so please don’t ruin your otherwise great aquarium trip by including this show.
Plus: Everything is very organized. They had recently added penguins in Feb, 2015 when I visited. Don’t miss the different small frogs, and the chance to touch and feel a starfish (at a designated point).
Note: Again, do NOT take the 7D theater.
Asiatique, The riverfront
Now this one has the potential to become everyone’s favourite. It’s a street mall that opens in the evening (5 p.m.) and remains open till 12 midnight. As the name, it’s situated on the riverfront; gives a great view of the river and the lit buildings of Bangkok under open sky at night. There are various shopping options, don’t miss the fruit-art soaps and the paper-cut greeting cards. There at numerous eateries and ice cream parlors as well. We took the tuk tuk ride on our way back. You won’t believe the speeds it can reach on the empty roads of late night.
Plus: A ride on a Giant wheel, a bit pricy but worth it.
Note: Take the fish spa for your feet at your own risk. There’s always scope for bargain in Bangkok.
Also known as the Baiyoke building II, this is the tallest building in Bangkok and offers you a 360 degree view of the city from its 80th floor which has an open rotating balcony where you can just stand and see the sun setting at the horizon and the citylights slowly coming to life. You can buy a dinner package at their Baiyoke Hotel restaurant, or a cheaper package that includes a drink and access to the rotating balcony.
Plus: We also enjoyed some food from the Café of the Baiyoke Hotel, which was yummy and at a relatively cheaper price than expected in such hotels.
Note: Try to have perfect timing for the sunset to get both day and night views of the city.
While travelling it would be great to know what Metro stations are nearest to the attractions your are visiting. Also, it helps to stay at a hotel nearby a metro station. We stayed at Imm Fusion Sukhumvit near Metro Station On nut.
Watch this space for my next similar post on Phuket’s lesser knowns.
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