Like an Adventure? 7 Hidden Secrets of Bangkok, Thailand

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The secrets of Bangkok are never-ending. The 600-year-old city is home to some of the world’s most amazing wonders and attracts over 22 million tourists each year. Venturing off the beaten track, you will find treasures like the Artist’s House and a cat cafe. So, here are some more.

An Exhilarating Ice Bath

All cultures have their own versions of taking hot and cold baths. And bathhouses have been around for thousands of years. Hot and cold have their own benefits and are used for different things. There’s nothing more relaxing than a hot spring. However, ice baths are becoming popular because of the health benefits of cold therapy. You can take an ice bath in Bangkok in Thonglor, instructed by Kam Waritsara, the world’s only certified Thai Wim-Hoff instructor.

The Secrets of Bangkok Includes the Artist’s House

Known locally as Baan Silapin, or the Artist’s House by tourists, this is one that you won’t find on many tourist maps. The house itself is hundreds of years old and now acts as an art gallery in Thonburi. Overlooking one of Bangkok’s main canals, the wooden house also offers photography artwork and a puppet theater. It’s not really meant for tourists, and you will mostly find Thai people there. It’s a great place to see, but it’s like a paradise for creative minds.

A Market on a Railway, You Say.

Another local treasure, and one for the foodies among you, is the Maeklong Railway Market. Yes, you read that right. A market on a railway. You can find this about an hour and a half outside of Bangkok, and it’s a wonderfully shambled testimony to the aloofness of Thai life. The trains pass inches away from market stalls moments after their warning sirens sound, alerting people to move and pick up their stuff. After passing, the market suddenly springs back to life.

The Many Scenic Parks of the City

No city visit is complete without checking out a few parks. No matter where you go, each city parks a little differently, and there are always monuments and wonders to behold. Fortunately, Bangkok is no different, so here are a few of the best parks you need to check out:

• Lumpini Park: the oldest city park with monitor lizards, bridges, and a man-made lake.
• Chatuchak Park: great city views and boasts amazing Thai food street vendors.
• Benjakitti Park: a modernized park with plenty of bridges, rivers, and walking paths.
• Benjasiri Park: pretty small but has stunning city views alongside Sukhumvit Road.
• Sanam Luang includes a stunning royal palace used for religious celebrations.

These city parks are just a few of many. They all offer unique experiences, and some are a bit further from the city. Of course, there’s also Khao Yai National Park about 50 miles north.

How About a Cat Cafe?

Do you like cat hairs in your coffee? If so, then this is the place for you. The Caturday Cat Cafe offers you the chance to dine and drink your favorite beverages among felines. Not surprisingly, it is a massive hit with locals and tourists, so places are very limited since it isn’t that big. You can get there by Skytrain, and the Ratchathewi station is very close by. The cafe offers food like rainbow crepes and many different teas while you sit and relax among some very furry friends.

Or the Double Dog Tea Room?

If dogs and tea are more your thing, the Double Dog tea room might be a better option. Alas, there are no actual dogs to stroke while you relax. However, this calming oasis provides a great respite from the hustle and bustle of the city in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Of course, there are many, many teas to choose from. But don’t be afraid to ask the very friendly staff about the menu selection as they are more than happy to help. And they even sell matching cakes. Yay!

Wat Phra Dhammakaya. Come Again?

Thailand is known for its extremely unique and stunning structures. Among these is the Wat Phra Dhammakaya. However, unlike most of Thailand’s treasures, this one is only 50 years old. The building is a massive temple founded by Buddhist monks who grew wary of the modernization of traditional temples. Today, it is used for mass religious ceremonies, and there is even some controversy surrounding the commercialism of the huge Buddhist temple. 

Summary

Maybe you fancy an ice bath while looking for the secrets of Bangkok from the country’s only Wim-Hoff certified instructor. Or maybe sipping coffee among cats is more your thing. No visit to Thailand is complete without a temple visit, so maybe the modern Wat Phra Dhammakaya?