5 under-the-radar things to do in Bangkok

Anyone who has been following our travels over the past few years will know that Thailand is one of our favourite places in the world.

Since we ditched our 9-to-5 jobs back in 2013 to travel the world, we’ve found ourselves living, working and travelling across Thailand on 3 separate occasions….and we’re certainly likely to return yet again in the very near future!

During our multiple stints living in Thailand, we’ve been fortunate enough to visit the capital city of Bangkok on many occasions and we’ve explored the city in-depth.

Bangkok is a city that everyone should visit at once in their lifetime – not just for the chance to follow the trail of the legendary “wolf pack” from The Hangover 2 or to visit the hotspots on every typical travellers checklist – but to get a “real” feel of the city.

On our visits to Bangkok, we’ve found a number of amazing yet completely under-the-radar things to see and do in the city.

Here’s the inside scoop on 5 of them:

1. JJ Green Vintage Market

Our mission on each trip to Bangkok has been to explore as many street food stalls and street markets as possible. Authentic Thai cuisine is amazing and given that the local street food in Thailand’s capital city is legendary and cheap as chips, eating lost of local food is always top of our list of things to do in Bangkok.

Amongst the many, many street markets in Bangkok, we found a particularly delightful gem in the JJ Green market.

It’s a small, laid back vintage market close by the famous Chatachuk Market and offers a variety of different shops and stalls, pop-up bars and a great selection of curries, salads and traditional soups.

2. Siriraj Medical Museum

This bizarre and yet ultra-fascinating museum is located just upriver from Wat Pho and is not for the faint hearted. The fact that it’s nicknamed the “Museum of Death” doesn’t exactly help to sell it as a cool tourist attraction!

The museum houses a number of exhibits which depict a number of diseases, disorders, and disasters that, well, ultimately can be “deadly”. Sure it’s controversial and sounds a little crazy but it is really informative and unlike any museum you’re likely to come across again anywhere on your travels.

3. Sub-Zero Ice Skate Club

If you’ve had your fill of the amazing street food Bangkok has to offer, a great way to burn it off is to pay a visit to the Sub-Zero Ice Skate Club in the Esplanade Mall in Ekkamai.

If nothing else, you’ll at least be able to escape the crazy hot temperatures and levels of humidity that the city experiences. During the day, the Sub-Zero Ice Skate club is your typical large-sized skating rink but at night it really comes alive.

From about 5pm onwards, a DJ hits the decks and you can chill out with a cocktail or a beer at one of the real ice bars surrounding the rink.

The glamorous “Angel Dancers” ice-skating dancing troupe provide great entertainment as they perform amazing moves and twirls on the ice rink.

4. Static Surfing at the Flow House

If you’re looking to take in some water sports activities but find the only activities on offer everywhere are Muai Thai related, don’t despair.

The Flow House is an incredibly cool spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok….without actually leaving the city.

Located in Klongtoey, The Flow House offers much needed beachside vibes and the opportunity to surf a static wave. You’ll laugh, have fun, fall over, practice your balance, test your surf moves and/or fulfil your desire for adrenaline all at once.

It’s definitely worth a visit – did we mention there’s a beach bar too?

5. Experience luxury accommodation without paying top dollar prices

Ok, this final point isn’t exactly under-the-radar but many people don’t know about it. There are some amazing luxury hotels in Bangkok and they’re incredibly affordable – especially when compared to similar standard hotels in Europe or the United States.

We thoroughly recommend that you use your trip to Bangkok to treat yourself to at least one night in a top class luxury hotel, especially if you’ve been moving from hostel to hostel while travelling elsewhere.

You’ll find it difficult to find luxury accommodation so affordable elsewhere in the world so take advantage of it while it’s on your doorstep!

So if you’re planning on visiting Bangkok towards the end of 2016 or in 2017, we hope that including just one of the aforementioned suggestions to your list of things to see and do will add so much more depth and value to your trip.

And, if you’re anything like us, you’ll fall in love with the city that has endless possibilities and you’ll want to return again, again…and again!