Unusual Things to Do in Bangkok for Body, Mind & Spirit
Bangkok is one of those rare cities where everything exists at once– ancient temples and glittering skyscrapers, peaceful meditation and buzzing markets, wild tuk-tuk rides and slow, sleepy canals. It’s a place where you can feel energized, connected, and inspired- sometimes all in the same afternoon. Let’s dive into the ocean of unusual things to do in Bangkok.
In this guide, you’ll discover unusual things to do in Bangkok, perfect for travelers looking to:
- move their body 🏃♀️,
- feed their mind 🧠,
- awaken their spirit 🧘♂️.
Let’s dive into a more local, soulful, and unexpected side of Bangkok.
1. Attend Morning Chanting at Wat Mahathat 🧘♂️🧠 – 1 hour (early morning)
Start your day with a peaceful experience at Wat Mahathat. As the sun rises, listen to Buddhist monks chant in unison, creating an atmosphere of stillness and mindfulness. This is a perfect way to calm your spirit and begin your day with clarity- one of the most unusual things to do in Bangkok.
📍 Location: Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit, Na Phra That Alley
2. Rooftop Swim Above the City Skyline 🏃♀️🧘♂️ – 1 hour
Swim at a rooftop pool with views of the Bangkok skyline. The stunning cityscape of glass towers and neon lights is breathtaking, especially at sunset. You can also enjoy the pool during the day — swimming among the skyscrapers provides a unique and refreshing perspective on the city.
📍 Location: Amara Bangkok Hotel, Surawong Road
3. Michelin-recognized Mango Sticky Rice at K. Panich 🧘♂️ – 30 min
You can’t visit Thailand without trying mango sticky rice, and K. Panich is one of the best places to indulge in this traditional dessert. This Michelin-recognized shop has been perfecting the recipe for over 80 years. Sweet, creamy, and utterly delicious, it’s a must-try in Bangkok.
📍 Location: Kor Panich, Tanao Road
4. Lumphini Park & Monitor Lizards 🏃♀️🧘♂️ – 1 hour
Lumphini Park is one of the few places in Bangkok where you can truly slow down. Locals come here in the early morning to jog, practice tai chi, or simply relax under the trees beside peaceful lakes. But what really surprises visitors are the park’s unexpected residents- Asian water monitor lizards. These giant reptiles, which can grow up to two meters long, roam freely around the park. They’re completely wild but used to humans, and they stay here because the park offers clean water, safety, and an abundance of fish. It’s like stepping into a nature documentary in the heart of the city. Another unusual thing to see in Bangkok.
It’s a peaceful yet surreal experience – you might see one lounging near a bench or swimming gracefully across a pond. Don’t worry, they usually keep their distance. Bring a book, a snack, or just your curiosity, and take it slow in one of the city’s rare green escapes.
📍 Location: Lumphini Park, Rama IV Road
5. Wat Pho: Thai Massage & Temple Roots 🧘♂️🏃♀️ – 1 hour
Wat Pho isn’t just a temple- it’s a sanctuary where body and spirit meet. As you walk past the serene Reclining Buddha, you enter a place where Thai healing traditions were born. This is the birthplace of Thai massage, taught for centuries by monks who believed in balance between the physical and the spiritual. The peaceful courtyards and ancient chedis hold a calming energy, and you’ll even find a sacred bodhi tree whose roots symbolize the growth of wisdom and health. Whether you come to pray, reflect, or heal, Wat Pho is a reminder that wellness starts from within.
🎫 Entry: 300 THB (~£6.90 / $9.00)
📍 Location: Wat Pho, Sanam Chai Road
6. Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha 🧘♂️🧠 – 2 hours
The Grand Palace is a stunning symbol of Thailand’s royal heritage, built in 1782 with intricate Thai and European architectural influences. At its heart lies the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), home to the revered Emerald Buddha– a jade statue that is the protector of Thailand. The temple’s murals and golden spires add to the spiritual and historical significance of this sacred site.
Tip: If your time in Bangkok is limited, consider that the Grand Palace and Wat Pho share many similarities in terms of spiritual significance and breathtaking beauty. While both are deeply sacred and culturally rich, the Grand Palace tends to be much more crowded, often making it a bit harder to experience the serenity that Wat Pho offers. If you’re looking for a quieter, more reflective experience, Wat Pho might be a better option.
🎫 Entry: 500 THB (~£11.00 / $13.00)
📍 Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
7. Try Street Food in Chinatown (Yaowarat) & Take a Tuk Tuk Ride
Chinatown is a food lover’s dream. You’ll find sizzling woks, dim sum, grilled seafood, and sweet desserts around every corner. The atmosphere is electric at night with neon signs and crowded streets. Don’t miss Thai-Chinese specialties like oyster omelets and crispy pork belly. Bring cash and your appetite! Shortly after hop into a tuk tuk and experience Bangkok like a local- fast-paced, fun, and a little wild! It’s a thrilling way to get around, especially at night when the streets come alive. Be sure to agree on the price before you ride to avoid surprises. Tuk tuks are best for short trips or a city tour. You’ll feel the buzz of Bangkok in every turn.
Tuk Tuk Tip: If you’re unsure about a fair tuk tuk price, check the cost of the same route on Grab (Asia’s version of Uber/Bolt). Then, agree just a little bit higher. It keeps things fair- you’ll avoid overpaying, and the driver earns a decent local wage. Everyone wins, and you can enjoy the ride without feeling scammed!📍 Location: Yaowarat Road, Samphanthawong District, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
8. Kayak Through the Green Canals of Bang Kachao 🏃♀️🧘♂️ – 2–3 hours
Paddle through the lush “Green Lung” of Bangkok, where the pace slows and nature takes over. The calm canals are lined with tropical greenery and stilted homes, offering a peaceful break from the city. It’s great for a morning workout, but also a moment to reconnect with the environment. You’ll likely spot birds, fish, and the occasional curious local. A top pick for those craving movement and mindfulness.
🎫 Prices: vary depending on the tour operator and package.
📍 Location: Bang Kachao, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan, Thailand
9. Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn 🧘♂️🧠 – 1 hour
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok’s most striking temples, especially in the early morning light. Its central prang (spire) rises high above the Chao Phraya River and is beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of Chinese porcelain and seashells, giving it a sparkling mosaic texture. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Aruna, who represents the radiant glow of the rising sun. Climbing the steep steps gives a rewarding view of the river and the surrounding city. It’s a peaceful yet powerful place that captures both Bangkok’s artistic beauty and spiritual heart. Maybe not that unusual thing to do in Bangkok but worth seeing.
🎫 Entry: 100 THB (~£2.20 / $2.70)
📍 Location: Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
10. Big Buddha at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen 🧘♂️🧠 – 1–1.5 hours
In the quieter west side of Bangkok stands something truly inspiring- a 69-meter-tall golden Buddha that rises high above the skyline, quietly watching over the neighborhood. This is the Big Buddha of Wat Paknam, one of Thailand’s tallest Buddha statues. But the real magic happens inside the temple’s towering white pagoda. Here, a glowing emerald green stupa sits under a cosmic mural of stars, galaxies, and mythical scenes- it feels like stepping into another world. It’s a space that invites stillness and wonder, with fewer tourists and a more peaceful energy. The combination of light, color, and sacred art makes this place unforgettable- perfect for quiet reflection or simply sitting.
Tip: Don’t just admire the Big Buddha from the outside like many tourists do. Climb up into the pagoda – the view inside is worth it and something you’ll carry with you long after the visit.
🎫 Entry: Free
📍 Location: Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, 300 Ratchamongkhon Prasat Alley, Bangkok 10160, Thailand
11. Learn Thai Puppetry at Baan Silapin 🧠 – 2 hours
Explore the delicate art of Thai puppetry at this charming art house. Learn the traditional techniques used to bring intricate wooden puppets to life, while gaining insight into Thai performance art. The experience offers a unique perspective on Thai culture and an opportunity to create your own puppet. Quite unusual thing to do in Bangkok.
🎫 Entry: Approx. 500 THB (~£11.00 / $14.00)
📍 Location: Baan Silapin (The Artist’s House), Thonburi, Bangkok
12. Try traditional Thai Massage 🧘♂️🏃♀️ – 1 hour
If you do just one thing to restore your energy in Bangkok, make it a Thai massage. Rooted in ancient healing practices passed down through temples, this massage is more than just relaxing; it’s deeply therapeutic. You’ll stay fully clothed while your body is stretched, compressed, and rhythmically pressed by trained hands (and sometimes even elbows or feet!). It’s perfect if you’ve been walking a lot or need to relieve tension and stiffness. Thai massage is good for anyone who wants to feel energized, looser, and more grounded. Expect deep, yoga-like stretches and pressure along energy lines. Great for back, legs, and overall posture, although can be quite intensive, so we’ve prepared a few other alternatives to choose from such as Herbal Compress (Thai herb stamp) Massage– for those who love warmth and gentle muscle relief.
Heated pouches filled with Thai herbs are pressed along the body, releasing tension, improving circulation, and filling the air with calming natural aromas, and Foot Massage – for travelers and walkers!
Focuses on reflex points in the feet connected to the rest of the body. You’ll leave feeling refreshed from head to toe- especially after a long day exploring temples or night markets.
Bonus: Walk and Look for Thai Twists in Global Brands 🧠🏃♀️
As you walk around Bangkok, take a moment to notice how big international brands have beautifully blended into Thai culture. The storefronts and menus reflect Thai design touches- like traditional patterns, language mixes, or lucky colors. It’s a fun little scavenger hunt and a great way to see how Thailand keeps its cultural identity while embracing the global market.
Bangkok is more than just a stopover- it’s a vibrant mix of energy, tradition, creativity, and soul. Whether you’re here to move, reflect, or discover, this city has something unique for every part of you- body, mind, and spirit. From rooftop swims and spiritual temples to quirky museums and spicy street food, the city invites you to dive in and explore it your way. We hope you’ve enjoyed our unusual things to do in Bangkok guide.
Stay tuned! A new post is coming soon, packed with amazing day trips just outside Bangkok– think floating markets, ancient cities, and hidden gems that are just a short ride away.
Adventure is just getting started ⭐
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