5 unique places to visit within 24 hours in Bangkok
Pressed for time? Here are five unique places you can visit in Bangkok for a thrilling time.
Bangkok is one of those cities where many memorable experiences can be found just below the surface. Amazing restaurants are tucked down backalleys, the best shops are hidden in the depths of a market, and that perfect food stall is probably found between a laundromat and a 7-Eleven. To save you search time, here are a few must-see sites that are not on the typical Bangkok list.
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1. Wat Leng Noi Yi
Built in 1871, Wat Leng Noi Yi, also called Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, is the most important temple in Chinatown. Worshippers are here at all hours, letting birds free from tiny cages, praying at altars and burning paper offerings. The last time I was there, I arrived just in time for the start of a ceremony with dozens of monks chanting in unison. With so much activity going on, the most respectful thing to do is find a quiet corner and take it all in. This is a great window into the Thai-Chinese life.
Wat Leng Noi Yi is on Charoen Krung Road near its intersection with Soi Itsara Nuphap. It's a long walk from the MRT station at Hualamphong. Open daily 6am-6pm.
2. Monk Bowl Village
A tiny back alley that is the one and only place in Bangkok where alms bowls are still made by hand, Baan Bat is truly one of the most unique places in town. A glimpse back to the Bangkok of yore, this little community has been making alms bowls for hundreds of years. If you're adventurous enough to find and speak to them, they might just show you just how the bowls are created. Wood-fired kiln, freshly hammered steel? My two favourite ways to start the day. Buy a bowl, and you'll receive a neighbourhood alley tour, and a pretty incredible souvenir for around 1,000 baht.
Baan Bat is located on Soi Baan Bat off of Thanon Bamrung Meuang. The bat makers are there daily from 10am until 6pm. The 508 bus stops nearby as does the khlong taxi to Tha Phan Fah. Follow the sounds of the hammers and make sure to hit up this particular spot, not the more tourist-ready bat makers on the main road.
3. Wat Sam Phran
A massive dragon enveloping a pink temple? Count us in! Located one hour outside of Bangkok, the Wat Sam Phran temple can be found in the Sam Phran District in the Nakhon Pathom province of Thailand. There are two modes of transport to get here: a direct taxi or a train ride to Lak Song MRT station, followed by a taxi.
If you're coming via a taxi, you can observe the dragon from the highway. Up close, you'll notice the dragon's feet at the base of the temple and the dragon circling the 17-storey tower that reaches a height of 80 meters. There are stairs that tourists can hike up to the top of the storey, but for those with jelly legs, they can take an elevator for ease.
Wat Sam Phran is located at 92 Sam Phran, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom 73110, Thailand. Open daily from 9.00 to 5.30 on weekdays and 6am to 5.30pm on weekends.
4. Chocolate Ville
Looking for pictures for your 'gram? For some reason, there is a unique 19th-century European theme park called Chocolate Ville, a 30-minute drive from downtown Bangkok. The open-air complex actually houses cottages, windmills, and F&B restaurants. The new addition to this park is the cute and furry capybara, so don't forget to snap pictures of them.
Chocolate Ville is located on 23 1-16 Prasert-Manukitch Rd, Ram Inthra, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok 10230, Thailand. Opens daily from 15.00 to 00.00.
5. Papaya Design Furniture & Studio
Feast your eyes on this museum-like store in Bangkok. This four-storey building in an abandoned town houses thousands of furniture and decorations sourced from 18th century onwards. This is a treasure trove for production sets needs, and visitors like myself get transported to moments frozen in time. From theme park statues to vintage bicycles, sculptures, dolls and more, you'll spend close to two hours just discovering all the knick-knacks from every corner of the warehouse.
Papaya Design Furniture & Studio is located on 405 Soi Sukhaphiban 5, Tha Raeng Subdistrict, Bang Khen District, Bangkok 10220 Thailand. We'd advise coming here by taxi as the area is quite secluded. Opens daily from 9am to 7pm.
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