Every traveller wants to sample different cultures, but mass tourism ruins the experience. You visit a famous temple, but instead of a quiet place of reflection, you’re met with the flash of cameras and the digging of elbows as you’re shepherded around.
This is the experience of many Bangkok tourists every day. But by looking beyond the Instagram posts and travel guides, there are plenty of ways to escape the city’s crowds. Here are five ways to find yourself some breathing room in Bangkok and become that traveller who always has unique stories to tell.
1. Hire a Long-tail Boat for a Private Cruise
Bangkok is home to such an extensive network of canals that in the past it was known as “Venice of the East.” You can still use them to navigate the city today by hiring one of the country’s ubiquitous long-tail boats. You won’t have to share with other tourists outside of your party, and you’ll get to see many of the city’s famous sites, like the giant golden Buddha at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen.
2. Indulge in Some Fine Dining
To enjoy a meal away from the crowds, it’s best to head to a fine dining restaurant in Bangkok. Let the other visitors crowd the night markets and street food stalls. The country’s capital is home to several world-class restaurants that provide an ideal place to relax after a day of sightseeing or shopping. Several even feature in the Michelin Guide. Yet you’ll find most travellers ignore these in favour of cheaper options.
3. Explore the Vibrant Art Scene
Bangkok is home to more people than London and even New York. This means you can find events and establishments that cater to an extremely diverse array of interests, but most visitors are interested in just a couple of things, like historical landmarks or nightlife. One interesting and accessible area they tend to overlook is the city’s art scene. Whether you enjoy traditional art or street art, there’s much to enjoy around the city.
4. Visit Lesser-Known Temples
Bangkok’s temple architecture is beautiful, unique, and not to be missed by any visitor. But most tourists make a beeline for two famous temples in the heart of the city: Wat Arun and Wat Pho. For a more serene experience, however, it’s worth checking out some of the hundreds of other temples in the city. Several have unique features, like Wat Yannawa and its boat-shaped hall, or Wat Prayurawongsawat with its towering white stupa.
5. Head Outside at Dawn
No matter where you are in the world, there’s always a different vibe if you wake up and head out early. This is true of Bangkok, too. Head out between 6 AM and 8 AM to enjoy cooler temperatures, emptier streets and quieter roads. It’s a great time for snapping some photos, especially in spots like Talad Noi, where you can find lots of street art.
Conclusion
From private cruises and fine dining to simply exploring the city before the crowds wake up, there are plenty of easy ways to have a calmer, more unique experience in Bangkok. You can even apply these tips to other destinations, too.
