5 Hidden Attractions To Visit in Bangkok

As one of the world’s top tourism destinations, Thailand’s capital city has countless sites all competing for space on your itinerary. Get the most out of your stay, sampling a full spread of Thai experiences with these top things to do in Bangkok.

With hundreds of temples, markets and street food stalls within Bangkok’s lively city limits, exploring the Thai capital in full can be as relentless as its whizzing tuk-tuks and all-hours nightlife. This guide will help you see the city through experiences that highlight its history alongside elements of modern Thai life, from street art that explores Bangkok’s communities to the intricate preparation of centuries-old cuisine.

* Country's first Buddhism school

The Land of Smiles didn’t earn its moniker without a bit of soul-searching. Thailand’s Buddhist tradition is grounded in Vipassana meditation, a practice centred on mindfulness and gratitude. There are centres throughout the city that offer everything from introductory classes to multi-week silent retreats, or to just test the waters you could check out the International Buddhist Meditation Centre at Wat Mahathat, right near the Grand Palace. Three free guided meditation classes are held daily from 7am to 10am, 1pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm, assisted by English-speaking monks.

* Dine at Jay Fai, the world's only Michelin-star street cart

The so-called ‘Queen of Thai street food’ runs the city’s only Michelin-star street cart, serving up fiery portions of noodles and curries from her two woks. Known locally as Jay Fai – or Sister Mole, a nod to her quirky style and the ski goggles she wears for eye protection – her shopfront is famous for its huge crab omelettes, earning her a spot on the recent Netflix special Street Food. If seafood is not your thing, there are plenty more savoury takes on Thai staples on the menu, from gravy-laden drunken noodles to spicy glass-noodle salad.

* Cook like a royal chef at the Blue Elephant

Royal Thai cuisine refers to dishes originally only served in Thailand’s palaces, with its recipes and methods closely guarded for centuries. Preparation starts with the art of choosing the finest, freshest ingredients and combining flavours to achieve a perfect balance and presentation. Long-standing culinary schools like the famous Blue Elephant adhere rigidly to these ancient traditions, passing down the secrets of recipes such as lon tao jiew puu, soy paste with crab and classically prepared massaman beef.

* Explore Phra Nakhon street art

In 2018, the Thai government commissioned 10 street artists to design murals throughout the Phra Nakhon neighbourhood. Beginning at the Pipit Banglamphu Museum, you can follow a self-guided walking or bicycle tour through Bangkok’s Old Town. The murals on the route reflect the spirit of the neighbourhood’s unique communities, depicting artists’ interpretations of local crafts, traditions and foods. You can also take a break from the city heat at the museum itself, which highlights the area’s long history of mixed cultures, music, silver and goldsmithing and unique crafts like banana stalk carving.

* Get a vintage portrait taken at Chaya Jitrakorn

This classic portrait studio was once the most distinguished in Thailand, photographing prominent Thai politicians and celebrities over the last century. The shop’s three floors evoke another era altogether – there’s a vintage changing room, a salon with classic dress uniforms and an opulent Rococo-style portrait studio. Join photographer Chaya Jitrakorn’s elite clientele by having your photo taken the old-fashioned way and touched up by hand using traditional oil-painting techniques.