How To Explore Bangkok Off The Beaten Path

Off the beaten path, non-touristy, unusual, unique, if those are what you're looking for in Bangkok, I am happy to take you on a little walk off the known temples and sights people see when visiting this cosmopolitain city.

Of course, the top tourist spots in Bangkok which you find on Tripadvisor or whatnot are surely worth visiting but if you are a bit like me or have been to Bangkok before, here are some destinations that will surprise you.

This is not a page in your usual travel guide, this is for the ones who like quirky adventures, cool shopping and exploring the city through different modes of transportation – like roller skates or by bicycle.

Even more adventurous activities like surfing in the middle of the city and learning Parkour à la action movie star, can all be found in quirky Bangkok.

#2 Visit Caturday Cat Café Or Neverland Dog Café

I think I just died and went to cat heaven…or at least a heaven on earth for can lovers. Caturday Cat Café does take their cat-themed café seriously from the enormous cat mascot out front, the wandering cats by the entry way, the cat-themed faucet to wash your hands before you enter, and of course, the cute and cuddly cats roaming the inside.

Come in the morning and they are very willing to play with you! Whereas lunch time is nap time and many cats laze around the place. You can even buy some cat snacks for the kitties. And f course, you can have your fill too of yummy hot or cold drinks and snacks for reasonable prices. I saw the Rainbow Crepe Cake with Strawberry Sauce go over the counter many times!

There are adorable cat images on the wall, colourful murals, and decors. See their Facebook page for gorgeous photos and videos of the café and its furry inhabitants.

If cats are not so much your thing, no worries, there is a place for the human's best friend too. Drop by TrueLove @ Neverland, a dog lover's café that is home to 25 Siberian Huskies, 1 Japanese Akita, 2 Australian Shepherds, and 1 MoMo. Entrance fee is at 350 baht inclusive of a free cake and beverage and of course, one-hour playtime with the doggies.

Playtime isn't available the whole day so do take note of the following interaction time. The café is open daily except on Mondays. On Tuesdays-Thursdays, the visiting hours are 12:30pm and 3:3pm. On Fridays-Sundays, the open hours are 12:30pm, 3:30pm, and 6pm. Get a glimpse of the awesome doggie life at the café through their Facebook page.

Different brands come together to envision the different lifestyle concepts such as the digital lab, his & her lab, street lab, play lab, and creative lab. The laboratory design is evident in the lab-inspired decors and installations in the form of molecular structures, flasks, test tubes, and beakers. A lot of the furniture and fixtures enhance the place with a geometric style. Chic and classy does not even cover the beauty of this mall. When wandering the floors, it feels like walking through someones house as the goods are naturally laid out instead of being piled up as we know it from traditional stores.

British top chef Jamie Oliver has also opened a restaurant in his classic, rustic style on the ground floor.

#5 Catch A Wave At The Flow House

Enough of shopping, let's go back to having a blast! You might know how much I love surfing and miss it when I travel away from the ocean. If you have a little surfer heart living inside you, your dream to catch a wave in the concrete jungle of Bangkok can actually come true! And there's no need to ride out hours to the beach as you can now catch the waves at the Flow House.

Whether you are a complete first-timer or a pro surfer, there are instructors at Flow House to help you out. The walk-in price for a ride is 750 baht per hour. Wave sessions are hourly so arrive earlier than your reservation time so you won't miss the full hour. Flow House is open daily. On Monday to Friday, they are open from 2pm to 11pm. On Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, they are open from 10am to 11pm.

#6 Cruise The Smaller Channels Instead Of The Chao Phraya River

While some might argue that a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River is lovely, I'd say opt for the smaller canals or “khlongs” that reveal a more authentic side of Bangkok. Instead of haggling with boat drivers at the tourist piers who would normally overcharge you and won't even give you any info, cruise by traditional Thai houses and see the real Bangkok life.

Other than the well-educated guides, a plus when joining the Pandan Canal Tour is that your carbon footprint is radically lessened because their boats run on natural gas unlike the common longtails that contribute to the noise and air pollution.

They offer pick up and drop off at your accommodation, a rare inclusion in river boat tours. Then the choice is your, you have different tour packages or you customise your very own itinerary depending on what riverside landmarks or interesting sights you want to focus on. A few sites you can see include the different temples, an orchid nursery, floating markets, flower markets, and so much more.

#7 Join The Bangkok Roller Derby Every Tuesday

I don't know about you but I love to go inline skating in another city and have joined a few meetups in other cities already. With the Bangkok Roller Derby, you can experience this points-based contact sport firsthand and meet other people from all over the world. They meet every Tuesday from 8-10pm.

If you're a beginner, you can have an early warm-up on 7:30pm at Imperial World, Lad Phrao. No need to fret if you don't have the necessary equipment. There are skates and pads that you may rent. It's the perfect occasion to get active, sweat a little and make friends from all around the globe. Keep up to date of announcements and other details through their Facebook page.

#8 Paddleboat Through Lumphini Park

After seeing all the grey concrete and the shiny facades of the city, the hustle and bustle of cars, people, and tuktuks, a patch of green surely will be a welcome sight. Lumphini Park is one of the largest park spaces in the city.

It comprises of more than 142 acres of greens, playgrounds, and an artificial lake at the center. Access to Lumphini Park is free of charge. Other than just enjoying the change of scenery, you should also take advantage of a leisurely paddleboat ride.

You have a choice of the white duck and swan paddle-boats, a regular one, or a rowing boat. All cost 40 baht an hour. The pretty swan boats aren't even the best part!

While on the water, keep an eye out for curious wildlife such as turtles, catfishes, birds, and best of all, the big monitor lizards. They are the size of teenage crocodiles but don't get scared if they head your way. They are not necessarily a threat, even though I won't blame you if your heart beats a bit faster.

#10 Go On An Evening Bike Tour

Cycling around in the daytime are a cool way to explore Bangkok and other cities around the globe. But how about an evening bike tour through Thailand's vibrant capital? Because at night is actually the time when the city really wakes up and the climate is mild and the sun not as burning. It's a perfect way to see the sights in a different light, literally. With Grasshopper Adventures you can explore the city under the light of the moon and stars. Meet-up time is at 5:30pm in the Grasshopper Adventures Shop near Khao San Road. There are some great places to stay around here too!

When the clock strikes 6, the 3 to 4-hour tour will take you around town, along the river and show you the hidden spots. One of the advantages of having a night tour is that all the tourist spots are free of crowds and are lit up gloriously in bright lights.

The night bike adventure will lead you to the backstreets of Bangkok, on a ferry crossing over the Chao Phraya River, then on to Wat Arun which is the Temple of the Dawn and on to the beautiful and bustling flower market. Wat Pho temple, one of my favourites in Bangkok, lies just past the Grand Palace and is the last stop before the night market. The bike tour costs 1,250 baht and is truly worth every penny, I would do it over and over again!