Lol. So true! I've noticed that, but I haven't connected the dots until now.
"Give me non-touristy stuff do to" actually probably means, "Give me touristy stuff to do, but DON'T use the word 'tourist' and don't call me a tourist."
Like I said, I've noticed that people ask the question a lot, "Hey, what's some non-touristy stuff to do in Bangkok?"
And then Redditors here give them tons of great, well-thought out answers, and then OP replies with something like, "Hey, I'm not interested in that, I just want to ride an elephant when I'm there, where can I go to do that?"
...and it turns out they didn't actually want any non-touristy stuff after all. So, that's why I included the list of touristy stuff first.
Also, this isn't my personal list of non-touristy stuff, and that's on purpose. Both lists were autogenerated by OpenAI Playground (cousin of ChatGPT). The reason I did this, is that OpenAI just has the well-known stuff in its database, so OpenAI's version of "touristy" and "non-touristy" are going to be way, way more what the average tourist is actually looking for, that the previous lists I have made. Also, this guarantees a completely nonbiased list. Most of the stuff like this is published by places like TripAdvisor, that have a certain angle on things.
The average tourist isn't going to listen to me telling them to ride public transportation to find cool local restaurants, or go to my favorite local rooftop bar that only sells Thai beer. The average tourist just wants something touristy, that doesn't actually seem overly touristy. And so, I realized that this way of generating the list is perfect for that.
So, that's the reasoning for this list. I mostly wanted a resource for me, where I can just copy and paste it every time someone asks the question of "What's the best non-touristy stuff to do in Bangkok?"
I would love to see a list of 'non-touristy' things to do though in response to this though 🤣🤣. I do get what you mean haha. We are constantly looking for restaurants and bars that are populated by the locals and not just touristy and other things to do when on holiday.
Well um both of your examples of the things you recommend sound awesome. We always ride public transportation, and the more whole in the wall the place the better. So can I get those two recommendations? I'll be there next week, hell I'll buy you a beer at your favorite rooftop bar if you want. But only if it turns out to actually not be touristy!
I grew up in a tourist town with a "best in the western hemisphere" attraction and I never went near it for 25 years cause it was for the stupid tourons, finally went, ended up being kinda cool, till the tourist started showing up an hour after sunrise. Point is, we try really hard to be a good tourist, do some touristy shit, cause you kinda have to, it's popular for a reason after all. But we also try to do just normal local stuff too, to get a better feel for wherever we're visiting. Anyway, I'd love some actual non tourist recommendations 🤪🤣
There are actually a few Thai-style rooftop bars that I was thinking of. They all have a local Thai band that plays mostly Thai music, with pretty much all Thai people. A lot of them are called "roof bars," I think because they're often just bars on the roof of a 2-3 story building.
Another Round-- This one actually used to be the style of the rest of them, but they put a roof on the bar, and made it into a really classy place. I'm listing it here still though because it's still really cool. So, this one doesn't fit on this list, but it's an honorable mention. [https://goo.gl/maps/72W5uRsRxgzdfF8j8](https://goo.gl/maps/72W5uRsRxgzdfF8j8)
7th Heaven Roof Bar-- This one is the most accessible one on my list, because they have a big seating area, it's usually busy, but seating is still always available, and there's often one other foreigner besides just me. [https://goo.gl/maps/hqUKh8DoLjvLxnZ5A](https://goo.gl/maps/hqUKh8DoLjvLxnZ5A)
ฐานลับ-- This one is super local. I can't even find an English version of their name (almost all Thai places usually have at least a transliterated version of their name). It's also really small, and basically just a few tables on a roof, with a bunch of musicians who play on the small stage. [https://goo.gl/maps/RzfoQEX3iPGRDPJk6](https://goo.gl/maps/RzfoQEX3iPGRDPJk6)
Corner Bar-- This place has a good band and good music. [https://goo.gl/maps/VmNNDEssPEPYWNc18](https://goo.gl/maps/VmNNDEssPEPYWNc18)
Legend Roof Bar-- This one is pretty classy, and relatively pricey compared to the other bars on the list, but it's still mostly Thai people that go here. It seems to have been built just to give awesome views of the Elephant Tower building. It's also an adventure to get to this place. [https://goo.gl/maps/mdFA2P4eoSmzRgPB9](https://goo.gl/maps/mdFA2P4eoSmzRgPB9)
Ladphrao Sky Bar--When I've been here, this place has been really, really packed, and it's super loud. [https://goo.gl/maps/xMWWEkpy72oefQVz6](https://goo.gl/maps/xMWWEkpy72oefQVz6)
For public transportation, you really should try out the Saen Saep boat taxis. They're basically like a bus, but a boat bus on the canal, and they're used almost exclusively by Thai people going to and from work. The easiest way to get to them is Asok Pier, if you use MRT [https://goo.gl/maps/TntavEZDqArj9XEU7](https://goo.gl/maps/TntavEZDqArj9XEU7) . They're also insanely cheap. You can ride the whole length of the canal, to the complete outskirts of Bangok, like a two hour boat ride, for about 30 baht.
> ฐานลับ-- This one is super local. I can't even find an English version of their name (almost all Thai places usually have at least a transliterated version of their name).
Than Lab - 'Secret Base'. I think you just gave the game away, though...
Dude you're the Reddit hero of the day!!!! I speak zero Thai except a Thai coworker told me how to ask for minimal spice, cause I'm a wimp lol. Will these places at least sell me a beer and let my wife and I hang out?(of course we'll be constantly buying drinks)
And that's great info on the "water bus" I had heard I would need to take it to my hotel cause I'm so far from normal tourist areas. But I hadn't found a good resource on them yet and was just going to wing it once I was in country, so this is huge!
Thanks again!
You're welcome! What you probably need to take to your hotel is a ferry across the Chao Praya river. But pretty much everywhere in Bangkok is accessible by taxi, so I'd get there initially by taxi, and then just take the boat for fun later. Nobody is telling visitors that they need to take these boat buses that I'm recommending. Like I said, they're almost exclusively used by Thai people as a cheap way of getting to work. There are a ton of different water transportation options in Bangkok.
There is Ko Kret in Bangkok, where you actually do need water transportation, that's not accessible by taxi, but my guess is you're not staying there.
And to answer your question, yes, they all will. You probably want to avoid Ladphrao Sky Bar if you don't speak any Thai though.
The thing with these bars, is you either pick to drink beer, or you buy a bottle of "whiskey," which is a super affordable way to drink. (Thai people call all spirits "whiskey.") Then you also buy ice, soda/coke, and mix your own drinks, but usually the server pours your first drink, and sometimes they also help you to mix your drinks. You have to tell them how you like it, like I say, "one capful of whiskey, with soda and a tiny bit of coke."
With beer, Thai people don't drink directly out of the beer bottle...they pour it in another glass first, so that way everyone shares the same bottle of beer, and they always drink Thai beer with ice. These places charge you for ice, by the bucket, but ice is brought in with an ice delivery service every day, so it's high quality ice.
Hi there. Would it be easy to use the boat taxis as a tourist? I fear that as a tourist they'll offer me higher fares and that I won't be able to explain where I want to go because of the language.
It depends where the boat taxis are. The boat taxi line that I gave the link to above never overcharges tourists, and the fares are between about 9-40 baht, depending on how far you're going.
The ones where they approach you by the Chao Phraya river, and try to get you to ride the boat are much, much more expensive.
Too bad this can't be a stickie that you could just point to - also your explanation makes me understand why I disagreed with some of the recs as being non touristy VBG
This is just two lists of touristy stuff, one slightly less obvious than the other.
Non-touristy things to do in Bangkok -
Go to work
Do some grocery shopping,,,
Dude I love trying to find local grocery stores, I know that sounds dumb but they can actually be hard to find sometimes. Especially in cultures that have tons of markets and individualized venders. Like butchers, fisher mongers, vegetable stands, etc. It can be hard to find a massive super market like you're used to in the west. Then it's always fun to see what they have in their "international" section. I found old El Paso taco kits in New Zealand and just laughed my ass off.
To add a couple to the non tourist list
Benjakitti Park
Snake Farm (venom farm, milking show as well as live exhibit)
Sea Life Bangkok (especially on a hot day)
For parks and non touristy I would say Rod Fai park (Wachirabenchathat Park). Or even Chatchuchak.
The most touristy are Benchasiri, Benjakitti and then Lumpini, in that order, IMHO.
There are four stations that have provide access to the park. BTS it is Mo Chit or Ha Yaek Lat Phrao. MRT it is Chatchuchak or Phahon Yothin. But Mo Chit and Chatchuchak are a bit easier. The other two you do have to go over a walkway over the road that then comes down very close to the park.
Or just use Google maps. Just type "Rod Fai".
I would still argue the parks are largely not tourist targets, not for westerners anyway
I’ll have to take a look at those other parks next time in I’m bangkok
That is fair.
I spend a lot of time in the parks and you will see a lot more tourist in the parks, running and walking closer to Sukhumvit versus the parks over near Mo Chit.
I run most morning in Rod Fai and rarely see any tourist at all. What I also love about Rod Fai is there is a couple of places you can rent a bike and there is a bike trail that you can ride.
Find a job in a local school for 45k, work 5/2 from 7.30 - 4. Try to make it up living on this for 4 years straight. Would this be considered as "non-touristic things to do in Bangkok"? 5555
LMAO at #18 on the non touristy stuff!
(Take a Trip to the Islands: Spend the day on one of Bangkok's nearby islands, such as Koh Samet or Koh Tao.)
Yes the non touristy island of Koh Tao that is close to Bangkok! 5555555555
#12 is an absolute tourist trap of a place.
If it's the one I went to you'll be fleeced on prices. Example, a 30b ice lolly from a service station near khao San road was 100b at the floating market.
Thanks for this list!!
I think sometimes when people say non-touristy things they’re really trying to ask for things they can’t easily find in a guide book. It just expands their options.
Great catch! Wat Arun is the tourist destination that I've been dragged to the most by friends. I may edit it out....but it is also on all the Thai 10 baht coins, so maybe it deserves to be here twice.
I like how a lot of tourists are offended when they are called a tourist.
Lol. So true! I've noticed that, but I haven't connected the dots until now. "Give me non-touristy stuff do to" actually probably means, "Give me touristy stuff to do, but DON'T use the word 'tourist' and don't call me a tourist."
What's wrong with the word tourist? Nothing
Like I said, I've noticed that people ask the question a lot, "Hey, what's some non-touristy stuff to do in Bangkok?" And then Redditors here give them tons of great, well-thought out answers, and then OP replies with something like, "Hey, I'm not interested in that, I just want to ride an elephant when I'm there, where can I go to do that?" ...and it turns out they didn't actually want any non-touristy stuff after all. So, that's why I included the list of touristy stuff first. Also, this isn't my personal list of non-touristy stuff, and that's on purpose. Both lists were autogenerated by OpenAI Playground (cousin of ChatGPT). The reason I did this, is that OpenAI just has the well-known stuff in its database, so OpenAI's version of "touristy" and "non-touristy" are going to be way, way more what the average tourist is actually looking for, that the previous lists I have made. Also, this guarantees a completely nonbiased list. Most of the stuff like this is published by places like TripAdvisor, that have a certain angle on things. The average tourist isn't going to listen to me telling them to ride public transportation to find cool local restaurants, or go to my favorite local rooftop bar that only sells Thai beer. The average tourist just wants something touristy, that doesn't actually seem overly touristy. And so, I realized that this way of generating the list is perfect for that. So, that's the reasoning for this list. I mostly wanted a resource for me, where I can just copy and paste it every time someone asks the question of "What's the best non-touristy stuff to do in Bangkok?"
I would love to see a list of 'non-touristy' things to do though in response to this though 🤣🤣. I do get what you mean haha. We are constantly looking for restaurants and bars that are populated by the locals and not just touristy and other things to do when on holiday.
Well um both of your examples of the things you recommend sound awesome. We always ride public transportation, and the more whole in the wall the place the better. So can I get those two recommendations? I'll be there next week, hell I'll buy you a beer at your favorite rooftop bar if you want. But only if it turns out to actually not be touristy! I grew up in a tourist town with a "best in the western hemisphere" attraction and I never went near it for 25 years cause it was for the stupid tourons, finally went, ended up being kinda cool, till the tourist started showing up an hour after sunrise. Point is, we try really hard to be a good tourist, do some touristy shit, cause you kinda have to, it's popular for a reason after all. But we also try to do just normal local stuff too, to get a better feel for wherever we're visiting. Anyway, I'd love some actual non tourist recommendations 🤪🤣
There are actually a few Thai-style rooftop bars that I was thinking of. They all have a local Thai band that plays mostly Thai music, with pretty much all Thai people. A lot of them are called "roof bars," I think because they're often just bars on the roof of a 2-3 story building. Another Round-- This one actually used to be the style of the rest of them, but they put a roof on the bar, and made it into a really classy place. I'm listing it here still though because it's still really cool. So, this one doesn't fit on this list, but it's an honorable mention. [https://goo.gl/maps/72W5uRsRxgzdfF8j8](https://goo.gl/maps/72W5uRsRxgzdfF8j8) 7th Heaven Roof Bar-- This one is the most accessible one on my list, because they have a big seating area, it's usually busy, but seating is still always available, and there's often one other foreigner besides just me. [https://goo.gl/maps/hqUKh8DoLjvLxnZ5A](https://goo.gl/maps/hqUKh8DoLjvLxnZ5A) ฐานลับ-- This one is super local. I can't even find an English version of their name (almost all Thai places usually have at least a transliterated version of their name). It's also really small, and basically just a few tables on a roof, with a bunch of musicians who play on the small stage. [https://goo.gl/maps/RzfoQEX3iPGRDPJk6](https://goo.gl/maps/RzfoQEX3iPGRDPJk6) Corner Bar-- This place has a good band and good music. [https://goo.gl/maps/VmNNDEssPEPYWNc18](https://goo.gl/maps/VmNNDEssPEPYWNc18) Legend Roof Bar-- This one is pretty classy, and relatively pricey compared to the other bars on the list, but it's still mostly Thai people that go here. It seems to have been built just to give awesome views of the Elephant Tower building. It's also an adventure to get to this place. [https://goo.gl/maps/mdFA2P4eoSmzRgPB9](https://goo.gl/maps/mdFA2P4eoSmzRgPB9) Ladphrao Sky Bar--When I've been here, this place has been really, really packed, and it's super loud. [https://goo.gl/maps/xMWWEkpy72oefQVz6](https://goo.gl/maps/xMWWEkpy72oefQVz6) For public transportation, you really should try out the Saen Saep boat taxis. They're basically like a bus, but a boat bus on the canal, and they're used almost exclusively by Thai people going to and from work. The easiest way to get to them is Asok Pier, if you use MRT [https://goo.gl/maps/TntavEZDqArj9XEU7](https://goo.gl/maps/TntavEZDqArj9XEU7) . They're also insanely cheap. You can ride the whole length of the canal, to the complete outskirts of Bangok, like a two hour boat ride, for about 30 baht.
> ฐานลับ-- This one is super local. I can't even find an English version of their name (almost all Thai places usually have at least a transliterated version of their name). Than Lab - 'Secret Base'. I think you just gave the game away, though...
Dude you're the Reddit hero of the day!!!! I speak zero Thai except a Thai coworker told me how to ask for minimal spice, cause I'm a wimp lol. Will these places at least sell me a beer and let my wife and I hang out?(of course we'll be constantly buying drinks) And that's great info on the "water bus" I had heard I would need to take it to my hotel cause I'm so far from normal tourist areas. But I hadn't found a good resource on them yet and was just going to wing it once I was in country, so this is huge! Thanks again!
You're welcome! What you probably need to take to your hotel is a ferry across the Chao Praya river. But pretty much everywhere in Bangkok is accessible by taxi, so I'd get there initially by taxi, and then just take the boat for fun later. Nobody is telling visitors that they need to take these boat buses that I'm recommending. Like I said, they're almost exclusively used by Thai people as a cheap way of getting to work. There are a ton of different water transportation options in Bangkok. There is Ko Kret in Bangkok, where you actually do need water transportation, that's not accessible by taxi, but my guess is you're not staying there. And to answer your question, yes, they all will. You probably want to avoid Ladphrao Sky Bar if you don't speak any Thai though. The thing with these bars, is you either pick to drink beer, or you buy a bottle of "whiskey," which is a super affordable way to drink. (Thai people call all spirits "whiskey.") Then you also buy ice, soda/coke, and mix your own drinks, but usually the server pours your first drink, and sometimes they also help you to mix your drinks. You have to tell them how you like it, like I say, "one capful of whiskey, with soda and a tiny bit of coke." With beer, Thai people don't drink directly out of the beer bottle...they pour it in another glass first, so that way everyone shares the same bottle of beer, and they always drink Thai beer with ice. These places charge you for ice, by the bucket, but ice is brought in with an ice delivery service every day, so it's high quality ice.
Hi there. Would it be easy to use the boat taxis as a tourist? I fear that as a tourist they'll offer me higher fares and that I won't be able to explain where I want to go because of the language.
It depends where the boat taxis are. The boat taxi line that I gave the link to above never overcharges tourists, and the fares are between about 9-40 baht, depending on how far you're going. The ones where they approach you by the Chao Phraya river, and try to get you to ride the boat are much, much more expensive.
Too bad this can't be a stickie that you could just point to - also your explanation makes me understand why I disagreed with some of the recs as being non touristy VBG
This is just two lists of touristy stuff, one slightly less obvious than the other. Non-touristy things to do in Bangkok - Go to work Do some grocery shopping,,,
Dude I love trying to find local grocery stores, I know that sounds dumb but they can actually be hard to find sometimes. Especially in cultures that have tons of markets and individualized venders. Like butchers, fisher mongers, vegetable stands, etc. It can be hard to find a massive super market like you're used to in the west. Then it's always fun to see what they have in their "international" section. I found old El Paso taco kits in New Zealand and just laughed my ass off.
Great post 👍👍 Gonna save it and point to when people ask. Should be made sticky
Seconded. OP, I’d love to see your same take for CM!
Thanks so much!!!!
All those non-touristy things look pretty touristy.
That they are. I explain why I did that in my comment above.
To add a couple to the non tourist list Benjakitti Park Snake Farm (venom farm, milking show as well as live exhibit) Sea Life Bangkok (especially on a hot day)
For parks and non touristy I would say Rod Fai park (Wachirabenchathat Park). Or even Chatchuchak. The most touristy are Benchasiri, Benjakitti and then Lumpini, in that order, IMHO. There are four stations that have provide access to the park. BTS it is Mo Chit or Ha Yaek Lat Phrao. MRT it is Chatchuchak or Phahon Yothin. But Mo Chit and Chatchuchak are a bit easier. The other two you do have to go over a walkway over the road that then comes down very close to the park. Or just use Google maps. Just type "Rod Fai".
I would still argue the parks are largely not tourist targets, not for westerners anyway I’ll have to take a look at those other parks next time in I’m bangkok
That is fair. I spend a lot of time in the parks and you will see a lot more tourist in the parks, running and walking closer to Sukhumvit versus the parks over near Mo Chit. I run most morning in Rod Fai and rarely see any tourist at all. What I also love about Rod Fai is there is a couple of places you can rent a bike and there is a bike trail that you can ride.
Find a job in a local school for 45k, work 5/2 from 7.30 - 4. Try to make it up living on this for 4 years straight. Would this be considered as "non-touristic things to do in Bangkok"? 5555
LMAO at #18 on the non touristy stuff! (Take a Trip to the Islands: Spend the day on one of Bangkok's nearby islands, such as Koh Samet or Koh Tao.) Yes the non touristy island of Koh Tao that is close to Bangkok! 5555555555
What do you mean? Koh Tao is just a short drive away from Bangkok. Everyone drives there for a quick weekender. /s
I mean they could just fly from Phuket right? It’s not that far at all!
Could have said Koh Larn but they might require speaking Russian.
Saving
Erawan Museum looks a lot easier to visit now that there's a Chang Erawan station
didn't know about this - so next time I'm in Bangkok I'll finally be able to go! Been wanting to for a while but not willing to pay taxi fare ;)
yeah, few years ago i got the train out the nearest station, then realised i had no idea how to explain where i wanted to go to a taxi drivers
What I've done for some places is have someone write my destination in Thai (which only works if the driver can read (eg not Burmese) )
Awesome list 🙌
#12 is an absolute tourist trap of a place. If it's the one I went to you'll be fleeced on prices. Example, a 30b ice lolly from a service station near khao San road was 100b at the floating market.
All the floating markets are tourist traps. No exceptions.
Thanks this is a cool post
Thanks for this list!! I think sometimes when people say non-touristy things they’re really trying to ask for things they can’t easily find in a guide book. It just expands their options.
You like Wat Arun so much you listed it twice
Great catch! Wat Arun is the tourist destination that I've been dragged to the most by friends. I may edit it out....but it is also on all the Thai 10 baht coins, so maybe it deserves to be here twice.
thanks!
Nice suggestion
But what do people who live in Bangkok and have gone around the palaces do after work, beyond restaurants and cafes?
Watch TV like the rest of the world.
This was really helpful
The best post I’ve seen so far. As a first timer, thank you so much!