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!

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.
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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.

Sook Station
Rate: From USD $42 / approx. 1327 Baht
Address: 45-49 Soi Sukhumvit 101/2, Khwaeng Bang Na, Khet Bang Na, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10260, Thailand
Contact: +66 86 332 0555
Website
Check Rate on Booking.com 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!

Wattana Panich
Price: From 50-200 Baht / USD $1.50-7
Address: 336-338 Soi Ekkamai 18, Sukumvith 63 Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 (Coordinates here)
Contact: 02-391-7264 , 081-927-0742
Opening hours: Daily from 9.30am to 8pm (Closed on the Monday)
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!

Thailand KFC
Price: From USD $1.80 / approx. 59 Baht
Address: Simply look out for KFCs around you in Bangkok!
Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 9pm
Website 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!

Insects in the Backyard
Price: From USD $9 / approx. 300 Baht
Address: 462 Sirindhorn Rd, Khwaeng Bang Phlat, Khet Bang Phlat, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10700
Contact: +66(2)0357000
Opening hours: Thurs – Tues, 2pm – 11pm (closed on Wed)
Website 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.

KC Selfie Coffee
Price: From USD $2.50 / approx. 85 Baht
Address: 965/8 Bangkok-Nonthaburi 29, Bangkok, Thailand
Contact: +66 63 915 1499
Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm
Website 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.

Vistakitchen
Price: From USD $2.80 / approx. 95 Baht
Address: 83/7, 3rd Floor, Verasu Building, Witthayu Rd Lumpini Sub-District, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330 Thailand
Contact: +66 225481008
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday from 9am to 6pm
Website 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!



Suan Aharn Kraton
Price: From USD $6 / approx. 200 Baht (A Whole Chicken)
Address: 99/1 Moo 2 Bang Na, Trad Rd Km 1, Bang Na, Bangkok 10260
Contact: +6623995202; +6623993557
Opening hours: Daily from 5pm to 1am
Website 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:
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Occasionally borrow it to scare people
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Know you creep him/her out on a daily basis
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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!
Jim Thompson’s House and Suan Pakkad Palace
Price: From USD $34 / approx. 1070 Baht
Address: พระราม 1 Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand (Jim Thompson’s House); 352-354 ถนนศรีอยุธยา Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand (Suan Pakkad Palace)
Opening hours: 8.30am to 11.30am
Check rate on Klook 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!

Bangkok Float Center
Price: From USD $60.35 / approx. 1900 Baht
Address: 4th Floor, Show DC Mall, Jaturatid Road, Huai Khwang, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm
Check rate on Klook [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.

Hello Kitty Spa
Price: From USD $10 / approx. 350 Baht
Address: Siam Square One, Ground Floor, Siam square, Bangkok
Contact: +662-6369000
Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm
Website 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.



Chang Chui
Price: USD $0.60 / approx. 20 Baht
Address: 460/8 Sirindhorn Road, Bang Phlat District, Bangkok
Contact: 081 817 2888
Opening hours: 4PM – 11PM Tues to Sun
Website 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.
Airplane Graveyard
Price: From USD $3 / approx. 100 Baht
Address: 13.764812 100.652406, Khwaeng Hua Mak, Khet Bang Kapi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10240, Thailand
Opening hours: 11am to 5pm
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:
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Have you seen the ‘no buffaloes allowed” sign in taxis? It actually means no stupid people allowed.
Photo Via Ben-Salt -
It is illegal to leave the house without wearing underwear
Photo Via e4thai.com -
It is illegal to drive a motorised vehicle bare-chested
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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
Photo Via impansw92 -
It is illegal to take selfies with a beer in Thailand, it’s considered advertising alcoholism!
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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
Photo Via Mr.thanawit -
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.
Photo Via Tengrinews
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 😉


Happy Cheese Toast
Price: From USD $1.50 / approx. 49 Baht
Address and Opening hours: Check Happy Cheese Toast Facebook Page for pop up store locations and opening hours
Contact: +66 92 260 7667
Website 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!


Friend Cheese @ Talad Neon
Price: From USD $1.50 / approx. 49 Baht
Address: 1087 Khwaeng Makkasan Khet, Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
Contact: 0918189967
Opening hours: Daily 6pm – 9pm
Website 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!


Ah Yi Wan Yen
Price: From USD $2.90 / approx. 100 Baht
Address: Khwaeng Samphanthawong Yaowarat Rd552 号, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100 Coordinates here
Contact: +66 2 235 7856
Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 9pm
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.


Mo & Moshi
Price: USD $2.90-7.15 / 101 Baht to 250Baht
Address: 979 Siam Center Building, 4th floor, Rama1 Road Prathumwan
Contact: +66 2 252 2688
Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm
Website 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.



Crab n Claw
Price: From USD $54 / 1800 Baht
Address: Siam Paragon, Ground Floor Room Number G-28
Opening hours: Daily from 11am to 10pm
Contact: 02 6109713 / 0619123145
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.)
Pyongyang Okryu Restaurant
Price: USD $6 / 200 Baht (11am to 2pm Lunch Sets)
From USD $9 / 350 Baht (Raw Beef/Pyongyang cold noodles tray)
Address: 481-483 ถนน สุขุมวิท 25 Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Contact: +66 2 020 0220
Opening Hours: Daily from 11am to 2pm, 5pm to 11pm
Website 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



The Rome Restaurant
Price:
From USD $14.10-28.30 / 500-1000 Baht per person,
From USD $ 6.20 / 220 Baht (for Fried Shrimp with Broccoli),
From USD $ 14 / 480 Baht (for Tiger Prawns with salt and pepper),
From USD $ 2.25 / 80 Baht (for an appetiser)
Address: 4541-4 Phet Kasem Rd, Khwaeng Nong Khang Phlu, Khet Nong Khaem, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10160, Thailand
Contact: +66 2 444 1088
Opening hours: Daily, 5pm -12midnight
Website 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.

Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute
Price: From USD $6 / approx. 200 Baht
Address: Thai Red Cross Institute, at the intersection of Rama IV and Henry Dunant roads
Contact: 0 (2) 252 0161
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 8.30am to 430pm; Sat-Sun and Holidays, 8.30am to 12pm
Website 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.

Nightingale-Olympic
Price: Free!
Address: 70 Triphet Khwang Wang Road, just off of Pahurat Road
Contact: +66 (0)2 221 9773
Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 9am to 6pm (Closed on Sundays)
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!

Siriraj Medical Museum
Price: From USD $1.50 / approx. 50 Baht (Seniors) to USD $9 / 300 Baht
Address: Siriraj Hospital, 2 Wang Lang Rd, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Contact: +66 2 419 2619
Opening hours: Fri – Mon and Wed, 10am – 5pm, Thur: 9am – 5pm, closed on Tues
Website 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!
The Human Body Museum
Price: From USD $3 / approx. 100 Baht (Students); USD $9 / approx. 300 Baht (Adults)
Address: 34 ถนน อังรีดูนังต์ Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
Contact: +66 87 087 5481
Opening hours: Tues – Sun 10am – 6pm, closed on Mon
Website 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!

The Museum of Counterfeit Goods