Discover Less Touristy Places to Visit in Bangkok

Escape the crowds and explore Bangkok's lesser-known attractions — tranquil temples, local markets, quiet parks, and cultural treasures

By Travel Guide Spot 🌏

Last updated: April 21, 2025

If you are looking to escape, to discover less touristy places to visit in Bangkok and uncover the soul of Bangkok, you will soon notice that Bangkok is full of lesser-known places, offering a more authentic, peaceful, and creative side of the city. We have explored from serene canal-side art houses in Thonburi and secret green spaces in the waterways to some quirky markets and indie galleries to bring you some of the hidden gems you need visit in Bangkok. Whether you’re into contemporary art, quaint and peaceful parks, or some fun, hidden shopping havens, this guide to Bangkok’s hidden little gems will take you beyond the usual guidebook.

Travel Guide Spot Bangkok Map

Check out the most comprehensive tourist map on Bangkok. This has the attractions marked their districs. Ensure to save it to your google maps and use it offline on your trip to Bangkok

What are the less touristy places to visit in Bangkok?

The 4 Floating Markets Route
The Artist’s House
Jim Thompson House
Bangkok Art and Culture Center
Ban Baat (Monk Bowl Village)
Lumphini Park
Benjakiti Park
Saranrom Royal Garden
Rama IX National Park
Wachirabenchathat Park
Si Nakhon Kheun Khan Park
Bang Krachao
Ko Kret
Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street
Amulet Market
Papaya Antique Store
Wat Bowonniwet
Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat)
Sri Mariamman Temple (Wat Khaek)
Phra Sumen Fort & Santi Chai Prakan Park
Mahakan Fort
Democracy Monument
Sao Ching-Cha (Giant Swing)
Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

Less Touristy Floating Markets right in Bangkok

1. The 4 Floating Markets Route (Taling Chan, Khlong Lat Mayom, Song Khlong, Wat Saphan)

There is a free shuttle bus that connects these four markets on weekends (9:00 am - 4:30 pm), starting from MRT Blue Line Bang Khun Non Station (Exit 3). This is a great way to spend the day away from the crowds going to the usual floating markets further away. They are authentic and more frequented by the locals.

Taling Chan Floating Market

Weekends only, 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Highlights: Fresh seafood, live music, one of Bangkok’s biggest floating markets

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

Weekends and holidays, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Highlights: A very authentic local atmosphere, boat tours are available at a very reasonable rate, less touristy market

Song Khlong Floating Market

Weekends, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Highlights: Relaxed atmosphere, boat noodle soup, Thai iced coffee, traditional food

Wat Saphan Floating Market

8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Highlights: A small authentic market for a traditional experience, grilled seafood is fantastic here

Pak Khlong Talat Mai Flower Market

Open 24/7 (busiest during early morning/late night)
Highlights: Thailand’s biggest flower market is a complete sensory experience

Hidden Arts and Culture Gems in Bangkok

2. The Artist’s House

This historic wooden house by Khlong Bang Luang canal in Thonburi is part gallery, part cultural space. It’s an art zone mixed with a cafe, all in a quaint old wooden house. Free Thai puppet shows take place daily at 2:00 pm (except Wednesdays), and visitors can enjoy the peaceful canal-side setting.

Food is served only on weekends.
There’s a free Thai puppet show at 2:00 PM. It’s fun and not something you would see every day.
This is also the ideal area to experience what real Bangkok canal life used to be like, that is still preserved here today.
Find it via Thanon Charan sanitwong 3. At the end of the road, Cross the canal onto soi 28, then its about 100m to your left.

Contemporary Art at Gallery VER

One of Bangkok’s most cutting-edge art spaces, Gallery VER showcases bold and experimental works by local and international artists. Admission is free, and the on-site cafe often hosts talks and workshops.

Open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 6pm. A taxi from Si Lom is the easiest way to get there.

3. Jim Thompson House

The former home of Jim Thompson, an American who worked as a spy as well as a silk merchant in Thailand during the 1950s and 1960s. This museum gives you a peek into his fascinating life. After serving his time in the military, he played an important and leading role in bringing Thailand’s silk industry back to life. He mysteriously vanished in the highlands of Malaysia in 1967. The theories range from him getting lost or killed while hiking to even the possibility of him staging his own disappearance. He lived in a traditional Thai house constructed from beautiful teak wood and surrounded by lush gardens right next to the Khlong Saen Saep. The museum showcases the traditional Thai teak houses as well as his personal collection. There are guided tours that offer an insight into his life and legacy, while the gift shop sells fine silk products.

The house is surrounded by lovely gardens, ponds, and tropical flowers, making it a nice spot to unwind in busy Bangkok. As you explore, you’ll learn about how silk is made and see Jim’s impressive collection of Southeast Asian art. Don’t forget to swing by the shop where you can find a variety of high-quality silk items, from scarves and ties to clothes and home decor.

Located at 1 Khwaeng Wang Mai, website jimthompsonhouse.org.
Open daily from 10am-5pm.
A reasonable admission fee applies which maintains the property and museum.

4. Bangkok Art and Culture Center

The Bangkok Art and Culture Center, opened in 2007, hosts art, music, theater, film, design, and cultural events. It also houses an art library, cafe, gallery, craft shop, and bookstore. This center offers a place to view local art. Check their website for event schedules.

Address: 939 Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Getting there: Very easy access from the BTS Silom Line National Stadium Station or The BTS Sukhumvit Line Siam Station. We Its right on the Khlong Saen Saep and we took the boat to there
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Entry: Free, but event costs vary. See the BACC website for more details

City parks are definitely among some of the less touristy places to visit in Bangkok. They are a perfect way to escape the buzz of the city. They also impressive and offer couples, nature lovers, joggeres and fitness enthusiats and even the burnt out office person a place. Here are some of the best parks in Bangkok:

5. Ban Baat (Monk Bowl Village)

Ban Baat is the last of three original villages founded by Rama I for crafting bàht bowls, used by monks for alms. Now serving mostly tourists, the craft survives through one extended family. Visitors can witness the handmade process—assembling eight steel pieces (symbolizing Buddhism’s eightfold path), fusing with copper wire, and finishing with lacquer. Small bowls cost around 300B. To find it: from Th Bamrung Meuang, turn down Soi Ban Bat, then first right.

Parks and Gardens in Bangkok

6. Lumphini Park

Named after Buddha’s birthplace, it is perfect for a nature escape right in the heart of the city. King Rama VI opened it in 1925. Here one can escape the city’s chaos in this green sanctuary away from the crowds and congestion in Bangkok’s largest green space. Lumphini Park offers an urban retreat with its shaded walkways, serene lakes, wooded areas, and monitor lizards. It’s best to go early, not only is it cooler, but you’ll also see tai chi practitioners, and locals jogging, attending aerobics classes, and even practicing dance moves. Late evening is also a good time - for cooler temperatures where you will find locals relaxing or cycling.

Wandering around Lumpini Park feels pretty special. It’s peaceful and lush, even though you’re right in the middle of the city surrounded by tall buildings. Check out the big fish ponds and keep an eye out for large monitor lizards swimming by. Grab a coffee from one of the many cafes around the park.

Check out the Chinese-style clock tower in the southeast corner.
King Rama VI’s statue is at the southwest entrance.
You can rent paddleboats, use the playgrounds, or hit the outdoor gym.

If you’re up for a bit more movement, head to the northeast corner of the park where you’ll find the Lumpini-Benchakitti Park Walkway, also known as the Green Mile. This 2-kilometer path connects Lumpini Park to the newer Benjakitti Forest Park.

7. Benjakiti Park

One city block east of Lumphini Park, conveniently connected by the Green Mile you will find Benjakiti Park. This is a 20.8-hectare park with a 2km track around a lake, and the perfect spot for cycling, (cheap bike rentals available from 8am to 7pm) jogging, or just taking in the beautiful city escape. The park is also home to the Benjakiti Forest Park Museum.

8. Saranrom Royal Garden

Originally planned as a royal residence under Rama IV, this Victorian-era garden became public in 1960 after briefly serving as the People’s Party headquarters post-1935. Visitors can stroll past a Victorian gazebo, frangipani-lined paths, and a moat surrounding a marble monument to Queen Sunantha, who tragically drowned in 1880. The customs of the time forbade any of her attendants from touching royalty, which prevented her rescue.

9. Rama IX National Park

This is Bangkok’s largest park. Its foculpoint is the gold and white Ratchamangkhala Pavilion. It features expansive lawns and botanical gardens, and is mostly frequented by locals. Located 15km from downtown.

10. Wachirabenchathat Park

Also known as Suan Rot Fai (Railway Park), It is a spacious green retreat, with cycling paths, manicured gardens, shaded areas, and family-friendly attractions like White Road Theme Park. It’s a great spot for jogging, cycling, or unwinding after a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market. There is a driving range for golfers and a gym. Ensure you visit the butterfly garden, and the 50-meter Bird Wave Bridge. It is located near Chatuchak Weekend Market and also connects to Queen Sirikit Park and Chatuchak Park, offering plenty to explore. Late afternoon is the best time to visit as locals gather for sports and leisure.

11. Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (Snake Farm)

Asia’s oldest snake farm (est. 1923) produces antivenom by injecting snake venom into horses, then harvesting the resulting antibodies. Milking sessions are held at 11am on weekdays; snake-handling shows run at 2.30pm on weekdays and 11am on weekends. The outdoor amphitheatre hosts thrilling demonstrations with species like the 3m king cobra. The farm also displays various pythons in secure enclosures. Donations are welcome at the office.

Non Touristy Day Trips from Bangkok

12. Bang Krachao

See our article on Bang Krachao - often referred to as the “green lung of Bangkok,” this man-made island on the Chao Phraya River offers bike paths all around the island, nature trails, a bird park, a floating market and more.

Si Nakhon Kheun Khan Park

Situated in Bang Krachao, Thailands “Green Lung”, this park is ideal for walking, cycling, experiencing quint Thai traditional life, and bird-watching. it offers a lush escape with a serene lake and an observation tower. Get there via the BTS to Bang Na, followed by a taxi, then a ferry ride.

13. Ko Kret

See our article on Ko Kret Bangkok - a small island on the Chao Phraya River known for its old Mon culture, pottery villages, a zone with no cars and completely relaxed atmosphere.

Less Touristy Walks in Bangkok

14. Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street

The Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street in Bangkok is a historic canal that forms part of the outer moat around Ko Rattanakosin Island. The name means “Canal of Jars and Bowls”. One can see its history as a busy spot for pottery trades made by the local communities.

The city has since revamped the canal into a lively public area, with a beautiful walking street and a night market. This makeover even won an award for urban improvement.

Every weekend, from Friday to Sunday, the walking street buzzes with life from 4:00 to 10:00 pm. Here one can find over 100 food stalls that are serving up a mix of Thai, Nepalese, Chinese, Korean cuisines to name a few.

There are also live music performances happening here that range from local folk tunes to classical pieces by both amateur and professional musicians. The atmosphere is very laid-back and of course fun.

One can also kayak along the canal while enjoying the music and the sights around the khlong - over 100 street art murals brighten up the area, that showcase local culture, along with five unique pipe cover artworks that are tucked along the canal and the nearby streets.

Less Touristy Markets in Bangkok

15. Amulet Market

Located near Wat Pho, the Amulet Market is a fascinating spot to observe locals trading Buddhist talismans. Collectors scrutinize tiny charms with magnifying glasses, hunting for rare finds with spiritual significance.

16. Papaya antique store

This massive antique store feels more like a museum of retro treasures. it’s a treasure trove of vintage collectibles, vintage furniture and movie memorabilia, Papaya is a feast for the eyes, even if most items are priced as high-end collector’s pieces.

Less Touristy Temples in Bangkok

17. Wat Bowonniwet

Founded in 1826, Wat Bowonniwet (or Wat Bowon) is the national headquarters of the Thammayut monastic sect, a reformed school of Thai Buddhism established by Rama IV (King Mongkut). Mongkut served as abbot here before becoming king and began the royal tradition of ordination at this temple. Rama IX, Rama X, and other royal males have also been ordained here. The bòht (ordination hall) features murals depicting 19th-century Western life, possibly copied from magazines. The ashes of Rama IX are enshrined here. Due to its royal status, proper dress is required.

18. Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat)

Built in the 1840s for Rama III, this temple’s design is inspired by ancient metal temples of India and Sri Lanka. Known as Loha Prasat (‘iron palace’), its 37 spires represent virtues leading to enlightenment. Behind the gardens is a market selling prá krêu·ang (Buddhist amulets). At night, the illuminated spires resemble a glowing birthday cake. The temple’s interior is simple, with symmetrical halls evoking Angkorian architecture.

19. Sri Mariamman Temple (Wat Khaek)

Built in the 1860s by Tamil immigrants, this vibrant Hindu temple features a 6m-tall facade crowded with colorful deities. Though rooted in Indian culture, it attracts Thai and Chinese devotees alike, reflecting a blended spiritual landscape. Officially Wat Phra Si Maha Utama Devi, it’s colloquially known as Wat Khaek - an outdated term meaning “guest,” often applied to Indian Thais, though now considered insensitive.

Non Touristy Forts and Monuments in Bangkok

20. Phra Sumen Fort & Santi Chai Prakan Park

Rattanakosin | QF7W+H7WOnce a sugar factory site, this small riverside park offers great views and lively evening activities, including communal aerobics. Its main feature is the bright-white Phra Sumen Fort, built in 1783 to defend the city. Named after the mythical Mt Meru (Phra Sumen), the octagonal fort was one of 14 city watchtowers along the old city wall. Only this and Mahakan Fort remain.

21. Mahakan Fort

Dating to the late 18th century, Mahakan Fort is one of two surviving defensive citadels of old Bangkok. It’s a short but scenic stop on the way to Golden Mount. The wooden-house community nearby that is over 100 years old, has resisted demolition since the 1990s and now promotes itself as a Living Heritage Museum. Visitors can climb the ramparts and explore the village.

22. Democracy Monument

Located on the grand Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, this monument commemorates Thailand’s 1932 shift from absolute to constitutional monarchy. Designed by Mew Aphaiwong, with reliefs by Italian sculptor Corrado Feroci (aka Silpa Bhirasri), the monument blends art deco and socialist styles. The 75 cannonballs represent the Buddhist year 2475 (1932), the 24m-high wings mark the date of the constitution (24 June), and the 3m-high central plinth reflects June as the third month in the Thai calendar. Bas-reliefs show civilians, soldiers, and police involved in the revolution. It has been a key protest site, especially in 1973 and 1992.

23. Sao Ching-Cha (Giant Swing)

This red arch once featured in a dangerous Brahmin ceremony honoring Shiva, where participants swung in hopes of grabbing a gold bag from a 15m pole—sometimes with fatal results. The tradition ended during Rama VII’s reign after the 1932 revolution. The current swing, built in 2007 from giant teak logs from Phrae, replaced the original, now housed in the National Museum. A photo of the old rite is displayed at nearby Wat Suthat.

24. Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

This domed neoclassical building was built as a royal reception hall under Rama V, though completed in 1915 after his death. While closed to the public, it remains a striking photo stop. Historically used for major royal events—including Rama IX’s 60th jubilee (2006) and Rama X’s coronation (2019)—it also hosted Thailand’s first parliamentary meeting.