First-timers to Bangkok often visit the city's historic landmarks and famous places during their holiday. All must-see attractions are popular for good reason so yes, you should see them at least once if only to tick them off the list.

But if you’re a repeat visitor, you’ll find plenty of hidden gems that only locals and knowledgeable expats know about. In a city so full of contrasts and surprises, we’ve developed an affinity for lesser-known places. We often uncover or rediscover little treasures, as well as revisit places we underestimated. If you think you have seen everything in Bangkok, check out our list of hidden gems in Bangkok.

    • Families
    • History
    • Photo

    The Artist's House is an art gallery occupying a centuries-old wooden house in Thonburi. It’s most popular for hosting traditional Thai puppet shows, where intricately-made puppets are manipulated by artists dressed in black. A boardwalk leading to the gallery is lined with shops, cafes, local restaurants, and a temple. You can also spot many unusual and human-sized statues painted in white, red and black sitting by the water.

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    Location: Soi 28, Wat Kuhasawan, Thonburi, Bangkok 10160, Thailand

    Open: Daily from 10am to 6pm

    Phone: +66 (0)2 868 5279

    Map
  • 2

    Steve Cafe & Cuisine

    Steve Cafe & Cuisine
    • Food

    Steve Cafe & Cuisine is tucked away on the riverside, far from busy streets, with no easy access and with no big signage. Opened in 2012, this Thai restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere with a cool river breeze and friendly staff to complete the whole easy-going experience. No dishes are cooked in advance, so some dishes can take some time to prepare and when the restaurant is full (which is every night), service can be a bit slow.

    Location: 68 Sri Ayuthaya Road, Soi Sri Ayuthaya 21, Wachira Phayaban, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand

    Open: Daily from 11am to 10.30pm

    Phone: +66 (0)2 280 2989

    Map
    • Budget
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Bang Nam Pheung Market is one of the most authentic marketplaces near Bangkok. Mostly frequented by locals, it's a chance to discover and sample local foods, sweets, and unusual fruits. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. People are very friendly, especially if you're keen to sample interesting-looking dishes at the market. Rows of low tables are set along the riverbank under a long and thatched roof.

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    Location: Bang Nam Phueng, Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan 10130, Thailand

    Open: Friday– Sunday from 8am to 2pm (closed from Mondays to Thursdays)

    Map
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    Bangkok Street Food Tour

    Bangkok Street Food Tour
    • Budget
    • Food

    The Bangkok Street Food Tour takes you on a walking tour of the Bang Rak area near the Saphan Taksin BTS Station, where you can discover plenty of great restaurants and really get a feel of the area and its food history. A friendly English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the trip and can answer any questions while adding a personal twist to the tour.

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    Double Dog Tea Room

    Double Dog Tea Room
    • Food

    Double Dog Tea Room in Bangkok’s Chinatown serves a range of premium teas and Chinese cakes with all the pride and ceremony of a traditional tearoom. This air-conditioned shophouse on Yaowarat serves as a casual hangout after a day of exploring the endless alleyways of traders and vendors. For newcomers to the world of tea, the menu is informative and easy to read, with separate sections on different tea types and regions. At Double Dogs Tea Room, there are speciality teas from China, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and Japan.

    Location: 406 Yaowarat, Sampanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

    Open: Tuesday–Thursday from 1pm to 9pm, Friday–Sunday from 1pm to 10pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +66 (0)86 329 3075

    Map
    • Families
    • History
    • Photo

    The Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok (MOCA) houses a comprehensive collection of modern painting and sculpture in Thailand. A must for any lover of art, the 5-storey museum contains over 800 pieces of art collected by communications magnate Boonchai Bencharongkul and showcase the development of Thai fine art since the introduction of modern western concepts. The Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok is in Chatuchak, about 6.5 km north of the Mo Chit BTS Skytrain Station.

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    Location: 99 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10am to 6pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +66 (0)2 016 5667

    Map
    • Adventure
    • Families

    Fantasia Lagoon is a relatively large and attractive waterpark built on the roof of The Mall Shopping Center in Bangkae. Despite being opened for many years, the park is surprisingly unknown to tourists. The waterpark is a fun place for kids and young adults to spend a day with huge pools and decent size sliders. A very attractive entertainment zone is located right below the waterpark.

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    Location: The Mall Shopping Center, Ngamwongwan Branch, Bang Khae, Bang Kapi, Bangkok 10160, Thailand

    Open: Monday–Friday from 10.30am to 8.30pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10am to 8.30pm

    Phone: +66 (0)2 363 3119

    Map
Willy Thuan | Compulsive Traveller