7 Hidden Gems in Bangkok

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 specialty teas from China, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and Japan.

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.

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.