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Bangkok is one of the most popular cities to vacation in and has so much to offer when it comes to sightseeing and new experiences. It has numerous historical landmarks and temples galore which impress visitors with their outstandingly beautiful architecture and design. Although the temples are some of the most popular attractions in the city they are not the only things to see, and Bangkok has many incredible museums, shopping centers, parks and palaces as well.
If you are lucky enough to be visiting the capital city of Thailand then you will want to plan your trip well. There is so much to see and you won’t want to miss out! If you want to make your trip truly unforgettable, you should find some unusual and unique things to do. Below we’ve listed some of the adventures that you just won’t want to miss! When you are ready to go out exploring the city we suggest stowing your backpacks and extra gear somewhere safe in Bangkok so you don’t have to carry them around with you.
Stay at Sook Station Overnight
To start off our list of unique adventures in Thailand, make your way to Sook Station. This is actually a local prison where you can stay overnight and pretend that you’re an inmate! You will fit right in sporting black and white striped pajamas, although you will be allowed to leave your cell as you please.
The prison also has bigger and friendlier communal areas that you can hang out in so you will have a much more enjoyable time than if you were in a real prison. It is still a super cool experience and can be fun for the whole family! Book a family cell if you are traveling with kids. As a souvenir, you can bring home a photo of your own mugshot!
Check Out the Terminal 21 Mall
Terminal 21 Mall is much more than a shopping center. Visiting this massive supermall is a vacation on its own since each of its 6 floors follows a different theme, and a trip throughout the mall is like going on a journey around the world!
You will change destinations as you move from one place to the next, taking a detour from Tokyo to Rome and stopping by the Caribbean and Istanbul on the way. It is a great way to get a taste of different cultures and places around the globe and you can do some shopping at the same time!
Spot Themed Buildings Around the City
Despite being home to some truly beautiful ancient temples, Bangkok has some pretty cool modern buildings as well. There are a few office buildings and structures that are built to look like something else, and they can be subtle so you might not realize it at first!
Some examples include the elephant tower in the Chatuchak district where three buildings were placed together to form an elephant! If you make your way to Sathorn you might be able to see the robot building which was constructed back in 1986. From afar the 20-storey structure might look like a regular building, but up close you will notice round windows for the eyes as well as bolts and wheels that serve as canopies and sunshades!
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Visit an Airplane Graveyard
Visiting Bangkok’s airplane graveyard is not as easy as you’d expect, since it is actually private property and there are a couple of local families who have built their homes next to it.
If you want to get access to the grounds you will have to pay an entrance fee by speaking with one of the locals and then you will be able to walk around exploring abandoned airplanes on your own! Bring your camera since you will be able to get some pretty cool shots, especially since it isn’t an official tourist activity and will probably not be busy.
Go Dining in the Dark
There are lots of great places to grab a meal in Bangkok, but have you ever eaten dinner completely in the dark? At DID in the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit luxury hotel you can! This restaurant employs visually impaired waiters and waitresses that will lead you to your table and serve you your meal in the pitch-black darkness, and it is quite an amazing experience.
Rumor has it that when you lose your sense of sight you will pay more attention to the taste of the food as your tastebuds will be heightened. Plus you will get the opportunity to try some really great Thai meals! They offer vegetarian, fish and meat menus.
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Brave the Mahanakhon SkyWalk
This one is not recommended for anyone who has a fear of heights. The King Power Mahanakhon building is an interesting place to see on its own since the architect designed it to look like there are pieces missing from the structure, and from afar it gives the impression that the building is falling apart.
Don’t worry though, it’s completely safe! If you take a trip to the 78th floor you will find a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city beyond and an area with a glazed floor that allows you to look straight down to the city below you. It is quite an amazing sight from 314 meters above!
Visit Ancient Temple Ruins
Within the city of Bangkok, you will see some stunning temples that are well preserved and cared for, but if you head 50 miles north of town you will find a completely different place. Ayutthaya once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Siam and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What was once a thriving city between 1350 and 1767 is now a place filled with ruin and mystery, and one of the best adventures near Bangkok.
Take a stroll around the ancient Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which used to be a Royal Monastery, and try to imagine the Royal Palace that once stood inside the now collapsed walls. Nearby, you will also find the Wat Chaiwatthanaram temple ruins. As you explore the area try to spot the Buddha’s head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree at the location of the destroyed Wat Mahathat temple!
Unique Things to do in Bangkok
Bangkok has a reputation for being a place of glorious temples and an incredible culture, and that is definitely true. However, the city also has many hidden secrets and experiences to offer that you definitely won’t want to miss out on. Try going on some of these adventures the next time that you are in Bangkok!
Citations
https://www.tourismthailand.org/Destinations/Provinces/Bangkok/219
https://ca.hotels.com/go/thailand/unusual-bangkok-sights
