28 Unique and weird things to do in Bangkok every first timer must try

Written by Veyroniqa
Edited by Dawn Pillay

You think you know Bangkok – but do you really?

Besides all the exciting (and cheap!) shopping, affordable spas, endless night markets where you can find the trendiest fashion (yes Bangkok is one of the trendsetters in Southeast Asia!)…

Did you know that this vibrant cosmopolitan city is actually home to strange phenomenons and the oddest places, food and items?

No, we’re not just talking about that fried cricket or tarantula that your boyfriend dared his best friend to try. You know all about the creepy crawly delicacies. But have you hugged a giant cockroach cushion? Or had lunch in an abandoned plane in the middle of a market?

If you haven’t, you haven’t been to the real Bangkok! Here, we’ve curated a list of weird things that’s so regular to locals, but appear bizarre to us travellers!

So watch on the sidelines no longer. Try them like the locals do.

We dare you. 😛

 

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Interesting things to buy at convenience store

1. Surprises in a convenience store – 7-11

You think it’s dangerous letting a girl loose during a sale? Then you’ve never seen hungry travellers ripping up the aisles in a 7/11 while in Bangkok. If you’re wondering what’s so special about it, then clearly have been missing out.

In Thailand’s 7-11, there’s so many variations of yummy local food you will not find anywhere else in the world.

Apart from the standard Basil Chicken Rice with a sunny side up, there are goodies like 7-11 brand Banana Marshmallows, Love Farm’s Dried Lemon with Salt and Chili Powder, Tasto’s Strawberry Milkshake potato chips. You’ve gotta explore a local 7-11 for yourself!

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2. Here’s how to NOT waste time in Bangkok – AIRPORTELs’ Airport Luggage Service

Holidays are usually meant for relaxation, but it can be weird how travellers like us seem to speed up when in Bangkok. (I remember speed-exploring Talad Rot Fai in an attempt not to miss out on any great food and buys!)

This particular service was inspired by travellers who wanted to go straight into shopping right after landing – instead of wasting time bringing their luggage to the hotel and checking in, then heading out after.

Good thing the airport luggage service gives us more time to do what we want – and it also delivers our luggage right to the airport upon check out.

PS: For travellers like us who are constantly looking for convenient travel options, Klook also provides local SIM cards, airport transfers and city transfers at great prices!

3. Here’s how ordinary folks can spend one night in prison – Sook Station

On the bucket list of some, you’ll see the words: get thrown in jail at least once. We did say “some” – but if you’re one of those who have secretly wanted the experience, look no further!

Along with the bars, you’ll get a pair of black and white jammies and your mugshot taken! Don’t expect any glamorous service; it’s not just a themed hotel with fluffy sheets. It legitimately simulates what it’s like to be in an overnight lockup.

But unlike an actual cell, you’re free to walk.

Weird food in Bangkok

You didn’t think you’d get through this list without food, did you? There is so much more than deep fried critters and boat noodles or pad thai. What else is there? You’re about to find out!

4. It’s probably one of the oldest soups in the world – Wattana Panich

There’s a myth that says the longer a wok hasn’t been washed, the tastier the food. Now that might sound unhygienic and very, very suspicious… But wait till you get a load of this.

Since Wattana Panich first opened almost 60 years ago, this local street food stall in Bangkok has saved their soup every night instead of throwing it away. You might think that it sounds disgusting or downright weird, but it’s actually an ancient Chinese technique for creating complex and ultra flavourful dishes!

5. Eating curry crab in a KFC? – Thailand KFC

You might have a friend that laughs at you for wanting to try out a fast food joint overseas since they’re supposed to taste the same all over the world.

That’s because they don’t know that franchises cater to different taste buds all over the world, so don’t let them hold you back.

Only in Thailand’s KFC will you find uniquely Thai tastes such as the Spicy Curry Crab Rice Bowl or Spicy Zabb Fish Rice Bowl. Crab being served in a KFC? Now that’s something out of the ordinary!

6. This is affordable fine-dining… with a creepy crawlie twist – Insects in the Backyard

Waiter! There’s a fly in my food. Wait, no. My plate is filled with creepy crawlies! And it’s only acceptable at Insects in the Backyard. A fine-dining experience with ants, silkworms and other insects.

The chefs at the restaurant take great care in the presentation of their food and beverages, if you’re hankering for something new and adventurous… Why not give this weird dining experience a go!

7. Drink your selfie! – KC Selfie Coffee

This is one of the most narcissistic things anyone could ever do – and we love it! Have your favorite selfie printed on a steaming cup of coffee. We’re not kidding! You can actually get your face printed in the foam of your caffeine fix.

All you’ve got to do is send the picture of your choice to their line account and voila!

The ink is made from food colouring so it’s completely safe, and the printer was imported from the States. You can also pick up some comfort food like spring rolls and quesadilla – to give it a little pizzazz, it’s served with peking duck, cucumber and a sprinkling of green onions.

Now, forget pretty ferns or ostentatious bears and unicorns on your foam. Presenting, the next level of coffee art.

8. Eat according to your blood type! – Vistakitchen

Apparently, there’s a diet out there that caters to your specific blood type – and you’ll be able to find a restaurant in Bangkok serving exactly this.

Located in Lumphini Sub District, Vistakitchen serves you healthy food based on your blood type, whether you’re O, AB+, A- and more.  You can also get an assortment of healthy snacks, ranging from rice to dried fruit.

9. It’s Kung Fu… Chicken? – Suan Aharn Kraton (The Flying Chicken Restaurant)

This is definitely not your regular restaurant. Why wait for your food to be cooked behind closed doors, when it can be tossed around by dancers as it’s scorched to perfection?

No, seriously. First you order, then an acrobat will set your chicken on fire and toss it over the heads of other customers onto a spike… In a waiter’s mouth. Or a plate, or a helmet of spikes. Oh, and he does it on a unicycle. Then, it’s bon appetite!

10. Weird things to buy in Bangkok? – Cockroach & Ghost Pillows

Surely everyone needs a bolster in the shape of a life-sized cockroach, lizard or leech? Or at the very least, a hantu puchong (wrapped ghost) to call their own!

Even if it is too creepy to keep in your room, you can always gift it to a close friend of yours so you may:

1. Occasionally borrow it to scare people

2. Know you creep him/her out on a daily basis

3. Just in case you need a weird little hug

PS: They have a ton of different designs providing weird home decor, so check out their site for more info!

11. It’s a strange history/living museum experience – Jim Thompson’s House, Suan Pakkad Palace

A house unlike any other; homeowner and famous silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson mysteriously vanished in the Malaysian jungle, and his home became a living museum of sorts.

It takes weird to a whole new world when you wander through an abandoned house stuck in time, and filled with personal knick knack’s of a stranger’s life.

PS: Suan Pakkad Palace is another intriguing living museum where you’ll be able to see how a Thai princess once lived!

12. Be like Eleven from Stranger Things – Bangkok Float Center

Not sure if you’ve watched the hit series Stranger Things – it’s a show about a lot of stuff, but mostly centers around a mysterious little girl with supernatural powers… who enhances her powers through floating in a total sensory deprivation tank.

Well, now you’ll be able to be like Eleven and enjoy a weird sensory deprivation bath in real life. While we’re not sure if it’ll enhance any dormant supernatural powers – it’s said to alleviate stress and provide certain health benefits. We’ve got to admit, it is pretty cool and worth trying once!

[CLOSED] 13. Get your MEOW on and purr like a kitty – Hello Kitty Spa & Massage

Perhaps the weirdest thing you can ever witness is a grown man getting a massage at Hello Kitty Spa & Massage. So you should convince a boy friend to try this, for the experience if not for the laughs.

If you’re feeling too shy for a kitty-themed massage, sit back and enjoy some kitty shaped cookies while sipping from pink teacups.

14. Dine in a plane in the middle of a creative market – Chang Chui Market

Honestly, with all the airplane stuff that’s been coming up, has anyone ever thought how bizarre it feels to be exploring abandoned planes in the middle of nowhere – much less dining in a spruced up abandoned plane in a the middle of a market?

Get inspired at Chang Chui Market, a new creative hub/market which has recently opened. They’ve plonked a huge airplane in the middle of the market where you can dine and drink inside. And with four acres of open space showing unconventional street art, Bangkok rarely does things halfway.

15. Visit 3 Thai family homes… in an airplane – Airplane Graveyard

Have you considered making an airplane your home before?

Three Thai families have made an abandoned airplane their home… And if you’d like to tour a local airplane home – only a small fee is required.

Not many people would let tourists pay them a few baht so they may have a tour of their house. But, when you live in an airplane, curious cats are bound to swing by.

Be prepared for the heat, or go early in the morning. Because a plane that’s not high up in the air with air conditioning on full blast… Can get pretty hot.

16. No buffaloes allowed on taxis – Weird Signs and Rules

We hope you’re ready for some trivia because this is by far, some of the weirdest signs and rules we have ever come across:

1. Have you seen the ‘no buffaloes allowed” sign in taxis? It actually means no stupid people allowed.

   

2. It is illegal to leave the house without wearing underwear

   

3. It is illegal to drive a motorised vehicle bare-chested

   

4. It is illegal to use a durian fruit as a weapon and a fine will be levied determined by how many thorns strike the victim

   

5. It is illegal to take selfies with a beer in Thailand, it’s considered advertising alcoholism!

   

6. For a more useful (but less amusing) law: It is illegal to step on any Thai currency – either coins or notes – as they carry an image of the King

   

7. Along with the usual male and female washrooms found everywhere, Thailand is now one of the first countries in the world to introduce a third gender option for transgender men, mostly commonly known as ladyboys. This option is rare and it is unlikely you will encounter such a toilet situation, but they are out there and you never know where one might crop up.

   

PS: A last interesting trivia to know, Jagerbomb wouldn’t exist without Thailand, because they invented it. So let’s all raise a glass. 😉

Weird street food in Bangkok

Everyone knows the best food at roadside stalls and what is known – and loved – as street food. But here’s the twist: let’s go for something weird and wonderful!

17. Ready for some unicorn level noms? – Happy Cheese Toast

The world is strangely obsessed with unicorns and rainbows lately. If it isn’t pastel, it isn’t good enough. What has this got to do with food? Well, if you’re at Happy Cheese: EVERYTHING. You must pick up one of their rainbow cheese toast! It really is all the colors of the rainbow 😉

18. We said cheese toast, not cheetos! – Friend Cheese

There is something magical about neverending cheese – and Thailand seems to know it too. Simple ingredients that blow the mind when put together with a little butter. Don’t forget to take some pictures of the cheese that just stretches on and on and on at Friend Cheese when you are in Talad Neon!

19. An ordinary dessert to Thais, an unusual delicious treat for travellers – Ah Yi Wan Yen

We never knew noodles could make a dessert, but Ah Yi Wan Yen showed us how. Get ready for this mind blowing treat: ice cold sweet noodles steeped in ginko nuts, beans and pine nuts! It might feel weird, but trust us, it’s yummy!

Ready for a supersize? Gigantic FOOD in Bangkok!

We think there’s a secret society on instagram that goes like, “if it fits in your mouth, it’s NOT BIG ENOUGH!” We’ve been creeping on our fave accounts and just take a look at the size of that.

20. Did you say more? – Mo & Moshi

Giant glasses filled with so much sweets, we’re getting a sugar rush just by looking at it. Overflowing with chocolates, ice cream, fruits, cream and all things mouthwatering! It’s like ice cream for the entire family, with some left over for Fido.

21. Over the top with giant seafood – Crab n Claw

Seems like what’s oversized is in. Hold the crab up against your face to show just how gigantic it is – just don’t forget to snap a picture for proof! There is something satisfying about seeing how large seafood can get, probably because it’s so yummy and we always want MOAR.

22. Have a North Korean adventure in Bangkok – Pyongyang Okryu Restaurant

Perhaps one of the most bizarre restaurants out there, here’s one where you can catch a glimpse into the life of the secretive and almost hermit-like nation.

A famous dish is the Pyongyang cold noodles tray and we hear that it is quite lip-smacking. We’ve also personally tried their Army Stew (more peppery than their southern counterpart, and surprisingly yummy!) and Bog Bilberry Wine (a North Korean specialty that was good too).

During your meal, you might be lucky enough to catch the performance put on by the ladies at the restaurant. Dressed in traditional clothes, dancing and playing various instruments, it’s an interesting dinner and entertainment to enjoy.

Just remember, no photos allowed – unless you politely ask.

PS: We were amazed by some of the embroidered paintings available for sale. Lifelike and incredibly detailed, they can be slightly pricey, but would make good souvenirs to remember your time in ‘North Korea’. (The cheapest go for about USD $15 / 500 Baht, but the best ones sell from USD $30 / 1000 Baht.)

23. Finding Rome in Bangkok – The Rome Restaurant

Thailand seems to love all things European, and you can see the strange fascination through replicas of famous European landmarks all around Thailand.

You don’t have to go far to snap yourself a shot of Europe. Rome’s finest architecture is on display at The Rome Restaurant in Bangkok where people don’t just come for the food. But for the gorgeous, insta-worthy backdrops! So, what are you waiting for? When in Rome….! :p

24. Watch a snake show with snake milking! – Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute

Have you ever thought you’d be able to see a snake getting milked of its venom before? We didn’t think so.

When in Bangkok, don’t ride elephants or pet tigers – watch the milking of snake venom instead! It isn’t exploitative to the animal and it saves lives.

Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute specialises in the husbandry of venomous snakes and you may bear witness to the unique practice of extracting their venom to create antidotes.

However, you might want to plan your time ahead so you may enjoy the snake handling demonstrations which start at 2.30pm on weekdays and 11am on weekends and holidays.

25. It’s a department store of dangerous and dusty relics frozen in time – Nightingale-Olympic

Touted as the oldest and strangest mall in all of Bangkok, this mall used to be the Siam Paragon of its time – but has since dwindled to something frozen in time. It is eerie to walk these halls with the outdated merchandise and creepy salespeople.

Despite its state of ruin, it has still managed to stay open. Some might say it makes their hairs stand on end, but there’ll be those who might claim it’s the best vintage shop around.

Weird museums in Bangkok

Museums are awesome, you learn so much! But sometimes, you might find yourself waaay out of your comfort zone. And that’s where these museums come in to broaden your horizons.

26. Hang on to your lunch because this is not for the weak hearted – Siriraj Medical Museum

Conjoined twins floating in a jar, the remains of a serial killer and many more gruesome sights await you at Siriraj Medical Museum.

It is a treasure trove for medical students and those interested in forensics. Many of the displays are quite macabre, so you might want to brace yourself before stepping in!

27. Touch the human brain… If you dare! – The Human Body Museum

If you’re feeling brave and up for more heartstoppers, you might want to give this a go. Right smack in Siam Square, in an unsuspecting building is The Human Body Museum.

You’ll be able to see 14 perfectly preserved bodies from Japan. You can hold a human brain in your palm or touch a dead man’s hand. It’s morbidly interesting and rather fascinating.

Here you can rediscover human anatomy and how our nervous system works, along with all the little complexities that make us, us!

28. Is it real or is it fake? – The Museum of Counterfeit Goods

A question that you’ve heard at least once: is it real, or fake? At The Museum of Counterfeit Goods, you’ll be able to learn the difference between genuine and imitation.

You’ll have to make a booking at least 24 hours beforehand, but it will be well worth it. They have everything from designer knockoffs to an actual motorbike.

But, fake or not, at least they’ve earned a spot in a museum and that’s saying something!