Zhen Wei Soh
Planning to visit the Land of Smiles, Thailand, this year? Bangkok, its bustling capital, is always a popular destination, known for its vibrant mashup of culture, street food, and city life. Perhaps you are considering travelling there but want to avoid the crowded tourist spots.
Whether it’s your first time in Bangkok or not, we have compiled a list of places recommended by locals and frequent travellers, with a focus on lesser-known, unique spots.
theCOMMONS
We know how ironic it is that a list about less “common” places in Bangkok starts off with a location known as theCOMMONS. But trust us — this is a place you can potentially spend an entire day at. With a focus on “building a wholesome community”, theCOMMONS is a family-friendly destination with a large collection of lifestyle and food and beverage concepts.
You will not just find a wide variety of all-day restaurants, but also wellness stops and community events. You can also shop for sustainable products and activewear.
Imagine a day like this: you start off with breakfast at the egg-centric Crackhouse, then drop by All Kinds to look at healthy, planet-conscious snacks you can bring back home.
After your food has mostly digested, you head to Absolute for a Pilates class — stretching and strengthening your body. And of course, after the session, you take a nice shower in the boutique fitness studio’s facilities.
After you’re done, you feel the familiar hunger pangs after a workout session. So, you decide to have lunch at Easy Buddy for Thai food with a twist. Soon, your belly is full, and you just want to have some time to give in to your food coma.
Your next destination is Clay Head Spa — where you treat yourself to a Nano Hair Therapy with a relaxing head massage. Before you know it, evening approaches and you look for your next hangout spot from the numerous bars in the same complex.
If what we’ve described sounds like your perfect holiday, you know where to explore the next time you’re in Bangkok. For the full list of vendors and activities, including the WHOLESOME Run Club, visit theCOMMONS’ website.
Note that theCOMMONS can be found at three locations around Bangkok, so make sure to check which location you actually want to visit before you travel there.
theCOMMONS
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍 Various locations
🕚 Various timings
24 BLVD
Looking for another all-day chillout location? 24 BLVD is a social district with establishments that are also open till late, ranging from breakfast and lunch spots to dinner and after-hours venues. If you’re looking for a lifestyle destination where you can eat and hang out for most of the day, this is for you.
In the day, lovers of hearty, soulful food can drop by Amore, where fresh ingredients and classic flavours meet a casual atmosphere. From brunch staples like English Breakfast and Sandwiches to delicious mains like Pasta and Steak to desserts like Tiramisu, you will be spoilt for choice.
Want something else to do? Fairway Golf & City Club welcomes you to spend an hour or two in their indoor golf simulator and karaoke rooms. When evening comes, 24 BLVD takes on a different vibe, with nightlife hotspots like Upper House opening its doors to patrons.
24 BLVD
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍 88/2, 88/9 Sukhumvit 24 Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
🕚 7am–2am (Daily)
JIAN CHA Tea
This one might sound familiar to those of you who are tea enthusiasts. JIAN CHA Tea has two outlets in Singapore currently, but did you know it is actually a Thai tea brand? JIAN CHA Tea, known for its premium fresh fruit teas and tea smoothies, first started in Thailand in late 2023.
Since then, it has grown to more than 60 branches across Thailand and has also expanded to outlets in Australia, Singapore, and Spain. It is definitely possible to find a JIAN CHA Tea outlet as you’re exploring Bangkok, so make sure to give it a try if you see one!
For first-timers, we recommend trying the best-selling Grape Handmade Tea Smoothie. To check out other signature drinks from the brand, click here. For JIAN CHA Tea’s locations in Bangkok, look at their full list of branches here.
JIAN CHA Tea
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍 Various locations
🕚 Various timings
Lumphini Park
Want to get closer to nature and the outdoors? Visit Bangkok’s first public park — Lumphini Park. Located near the central business district of Bangkok, this park feels like an oasis where you can slow down, take in some fresh air, and appreciate the city skyline while taking a stroll.
At the same time, the park is home to numerous sights and activities. You can go for a morning run, exercise with some upbeat music in the background, or explore the library in the park. Just make sure to watch your steps as you might run into a monitor lizard or two!
One popular activity at Lumphini Park, however, would have to be renting a Swan Paddle Boat or rowing boat and having a short trip out on the lake. Definitely try this if you want a different park experience.
Lumphini Park
Website
📍 192 Wireless Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand
🕚 4.30am–10pm (Daily)
The Adoptable Puppy Cafe
If you’d like to do something a little more wholesome during your trip to Bangkok, consider attending one of the pop-up events by The Adoptable Puppy Cafe. This social enterprise and dog rescue initiative has helped more than 800 dogs find their forever homes since its start in 2019.
Their events are usually held at cafes and venues around Bangkok, where you can spend a few hours enjoying some coffee or a meal, and meet adorable dogs at the same time. More than just playing with these pups, all of them will also be up for free adoption.
While only local adoptions are accepted, entry to these events is free, and donations are welcome. So, if you’d like to do something meaningful and support a cause during your trip, keep an eye out for The Adoptable Puppy Cafe’s events. They might just be hosting an event during your vacation to Bangkok.
For more updates on their upcoming events, visit The Adoptable Puppy Cafe’s Facebook page.
The Adoptable Puppy Cafe
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍 Various locations
🕚 Various timings
Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium
Thailand is also home to Muay Thai. If you are a fan of the martial art or combat sports in general, you have to visit Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium at least once. Fights are hosted at the venue every night from Mondays to Sundays, so it should be easy for you to slot one into your itinerary.
If you want to experience Muay Thai up close and be immersed in its cultural heritage, this is the place to go. Thrilling fights, large dome projections, and electrifying crowds will give you a memorable Thai boxing experience you can only get in Bangkok.
For more information on scheduled fights and ticket purchases, visit the stadium’s official website.
Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website
📍 8 Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
🕚 Various timings
MOCA BANGKOK
To all our artsy readers and museum goers, you are not forgotten. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a five-storey museum that houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions, showcasing works from Thai and international artists.
If you’d like to enjoy a slower, quieter day away from the hustle and bustle of the city while seeing a different side of Thai culture, this is for you. The design and architecture of the museum itself is an art, giving visitors a pleasant experience both visually and practically.
It is easy to move from space to space, and there is even a coffee shop within the museum’s facilities. For those of you looking for rest or creative inspiration, MOCA BANGKOK is a compelling place to visit.
Check out the current exhibitions at the museum and find ticket information here.
MOCA BANGKOK
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website
📍 499 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
🕚 10am–6pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon
Found any of our recommendations on this list interesting? Bookmark this article and check back again when planning your next trip to Bangkok!
For more lifestyle updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @confirmgood.