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Secret Temples and Hidden Spiritual Gems
Beyond the most famous temples like Wat Pho, home to the impressive Reclining Buddha, Bangkok harbors a myriad of more discreet yet equally enchanting sanctuaries, where spirituality, history, and local traditions intertwine.
Wat Saket and the Golden Mount
Perched on an artificial hill, Wat Saket offers one of the most stunning panoramic views of Bangkok. Its golden stupa, nicknamed the "Golden Mount," gleams under the tropical sun. Climbing the 318 steps is rewarded with a 360° view over the city.
➜ Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
➜ Admission: 50 THB
➜ Tip: Especially magical during the Festival of Lights (Loy Krathong) in November
Wat Ratchanatdaram and Its Unique Loha Prasat
This temple is home to the Loha Prasat, a one-of-a-kind metal structure with 37 spires representing the 37 virtues required to attain enlightenment. This architectural masterpiece remains surprisingly untouched by mass tourism.
➜ Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
➜ Admission: Free
➜ Note: Recently proposed for UNESCO World Heritage status
Wat Benchamabophit, the Marble Temple
Nicknamed the "Marble Temple," this early 20th-century Buddhist sanctuary stands out for its Thai neoclassical architecture. Its galleries house 53 representations of the Buddha, each in a different style.
➜ Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM, daily
➜ Admission: 50 THB
➜ Highlight: The ashes of King Rama V are kept beneath the main Buddha statue
Urban Experiences and Unique Panoramas
Bangkok also reveals itself through striking contrasts: on one side, serene old neighborhoods with lively alleyways and traditional markets; its natural parks, and on the other, business districts dominated by sleek skyscrapers, symbols of triumphant modernity.
Mahanakhon SkyWalk, Guaranteed Thrills
Dare to walk on the glass floor of the Mahanakhon at 314 meters high! This pixelated-architecture skyscraper features one of the most spectacular observation decks in Asia.
➜ Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM, daily
➜ Admission: 880 THB
➜ Tip: Book your ticket online to avoid long queues
The Creative District of Talad Noi
Once an old Chinese neighborhood undergoing a renaissance, Talad Noi has become a hotspot for Bangkok's artists and creatives. Its narrow alleys are home to art galleries, stylish cafés, and artisan workshops.
➜ Don’t miss: Sarnies Bangkok café and the Speedy Grandma gallery
➜ Best time to visit: Weekdays, when artisans are at work
Benjakitti Park and Its Elevated Walkway
This recently expanded urban park offers a surprising green oasis in the heart of the city. Its new elevated walkway winds through an urban forest and wetland areas.
➜ Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM, daily
➜ Access: MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre
➜ Activities: Bike and pedal boat rentals on the lake
Authentic Markets and Local Experiences
To truly soak up Thai culture, nothing beats wandering through the markets, where stalls overflow with exotic fruits, fragrant dishes cooked before your eyes, and local handicrafts. This is where Bangkok’s daily life pulses.
The Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
Unlike the tourist-packed floating markets, Khlong Lat Mayom retains a genuinely local atmosphere. Bangkok residents gather here on weekends to enjoy Thai specialties prepared on traditional boats.
➜ Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
➜ Access: Taxi or Grab from BTS Bang Wa station
➜ Tip: Arrive early (before 9:00 AM) to avoid the crowds
The Ratchada Train Night Market
Every evening, hundreds of colorful stalls set up near the MRT Thailand Cultural Centre station. Seen from above, the market offers a stunning visual with its multicolored canopies.
➜ Opening hours: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Thursday to Sunday
➜ Highlights: Grilled seafood and cocktails served in buckets
➜ Photo spot: The multi-story car park of the Esplanade Shopping Mall offers the perfect view
Immersive Culinary Experiences
Thai gastronomy is a cornerstone of local culture. Discover Bangkok through participatory culinary experiences, just as you might explore the cuisine of others countries on another journey.
Home-Cooking Classes
Go beyond the standard tourist experience by taking a cooking class in a local home. Bangkok families open their doors to teach you recipes passed down through generations.
➜ Duration: Half-day
➜ Average price: 1500 THB
➜ Booking: Platforms like Cookly or Airbnb Experiences
Food Tour in the Bangrak District
This historic neighborhood is considered Bangkok's gastronomic epicenter. A guided food tour will introduce you to family-run stalls that have been open for generations—some even Michelin-starred.
➜ Duration: 3–4 hours
➜ Number of tastings: 7–10 stops
➜ Highlights: Roast duck, boat noodle soup, mango sticky rice
Unique Night Experiences
When the sun sets, Bangkok unveils a vibrant and captivating side. Lively rooftops, night markets, and neon-lit festive districts set the scene for its effervescent nights.
Hidden Rooftops
Beyond the famous and pricey rooftops, Bangkok hides more authentic and affordable panoramic terraces. Vanilla Sky Bar on Sukhumvit and Bar Yard in Chinatown offer spectacular views in a relaxed atmosphere.
➜ Average cocktail price: 250–350 THB
➜ Tip: Arrive for happy hour, usually from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
➜ Dress code: Casual chic, much more relaxed than luxury rooftops
Authentic Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium
Watch a real Thai boxing match in the country’s oldest Muay Thai stadium. Far from touristy shows, the electric atmosphere of local bets and cheers immerses you in a time-honored sporting tradition.
➜ Fight nights: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday
➜ Ticket prices: 1000–2000 THB depending on seat location
➜ Tip: Choose ringside seats (2nd class) for the best experience
Day Trips from Bangkok
Thanks to its central location, Bangkok is an ideal base for exploring nearby treasures. Ayutthaya, with its ancient temples, and Kanchanaburi, blending lush nature with historical memory, offer a soothing contrast to the capital's hustle and bustle.
Ayutthaya, the Former Royal Capital
Just 80 km north of Bangkok, the majestic ruins of Ayutthaya bear witness to the grandeur of the former Kingdom of Siam. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes dozens of temples and palaces dating from the 14th to the 18th century.
➜ Travel time: 1.5 hours by train from Hua Lamphong Station (20 THB)
➜ Tip: Rent a bike on-site to explore the historical park
➜ Don’t miss: Sunset over Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Kanchanaburi and the Bridge on the River Kwai
This excursion combines poignant history with stunning natural scenery. Visit the famous bridge, then the JEATH Museum, which recounts this dark period. Finish with a swim at the Erawan waterfalls.
➜ Distance: 130 km west of Bangkok
➜ Transport: Train from Thonburi (100 THB) or organized tour
➜ Ideal duration: Plan an overnight stay to make the most of the trip
Questions / Answers
What is the best time to visit Bangkok?
The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to February, during the dry and relatively cool season. Temperatures are more pleasant, ranging from 25°C to 32°C, with lower humidity and generally clear skies. It's also the high tourist season, perfect for fully enjoying outdoor activities—from temple visits to floating markets.
In contrast, from March to May, the heat intensifies, often exceeding 35°C, which can make certain activities exhausting. From June to October, the rainy season brings frequent showers, often in the late afternoon, but it also offers a greener atmosphere and more affordable prices for travelers.
How to get around Bangkok?
The BTS Skytrain and the MRT are fast and efficient ways to avoid the city’s heavy traffic. The Chao Phraya river boat-bus is a scenic alternative for reaching key historical sites. For taxi rides, always insist that the meter is turned on to avoid surprises. Additionally, the Grab app offers a reliable alternative to taxis, with fixed fares guaranteed in advance.
What are the tips to make the most of Bangkok?
Stay alert to avoid common scams—especially if a tuk-tuk offers a free tour, which can quickly turn into an unpleasant experience. When visiting temples, be sure to respect local customs by covering your shoulders and legs. At markets, start bargaining by offering about 30–40% less than the initial asking price. For your safety, only drink sealed bottled water. Also, a local SIM card, costing around 300 baht, is easily available at the airport upon arrival.
