Hidden spots in Bangkok only locals know

What is it? Located along the Chao Phraya River, this bustling daily market is well-known among Bangkokians, students and hospital staff from nearby Siriraj Hospital for its diverse and affordable street food, as well as new and secondhand clothing, accessories and quirky trinkets.

Why go? The market hums with local energy from morning ‘til evening. You’ll find students grabbing lunch, nurses in scrubs and aunties haggling over vintage denim. Navigate narrow alleys filled with food stalls serving everything from crispy fried snacks to spicy boat noodles, then check out racks of new and secondhand clothes, accessories and quirky treasures you won’t spot in any mall.

Time Out tip: Grab freshly baked treats from Wang Lang Bakery, a beloved spot where people queue up for warm breads and sweet pastries.

What is it? A sprawl of stalls and open-air ease where canvases lean against concrete and incense mingles with fried things on sticks. You come here to shop, but not really. You come to loiter, to lose track of time between zines, ceramics and a boy playing Radiohead on a flute. Art, sure. But also space to breathe. 

Why go?  The market resists easy definition. It’s part sculpture, part park. Wander long enough and you’ll pass a giant aircraft parked like it belongs there, flanked by rusted robots, shadowy corners, and food that tastes best eaten standing. At the centre, a hulking airplane looms like a dream misplaced – ghostly, grand, oddly serene amid the clutter. Reclaimed wood meets industrial sprawl, installations crop up without warning, and everything hums with the kind of offbeat charm you can’t manufacture. It’s a place that feels lived-in yet slightly unreal, where you might catch a film screening next to a flea market or stumble across a poetry reading beside a tattoo booth.

Time Out tip: Across the year, the space shapeshifts – hosting festivals that pulse with live sets, makeshift galleries, and pop-up chaos masquerading as markets. Somewhere in the noise, you’ll find Transport, a quiet rebellion of house and disco heads who gather a few times annually beneath the bones of a plane to dance like no one’s documenting it.

What is it? Known as Wat Leng Noei Yi or the Dragon Lotus Temple, this grand and historic site is one of the most significant Chinese Buddhist temples in Bangkok.

Why go? For a visual feast that reveals the city's cultural depth, this temple awaits discovery beyond typical tourist routes. Its classic southern Chinese architecture boasts sweeping green-tiled roofs, dramatic upturned eaves and intricate carvings of dragons and lotus flowers. Inside, richly decorated halls with red columns and gold-leaf altars house a pantheon of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian deities, inviting visitors to witness authentic rituals or simply soak in its spiritual energy.

Time Out tip: Try your luck with Seam-Si, a traditional form of fortune telling. Grab a bamboo tube, give it a shake and see which red-tipped stick falls out – each number reveals a different fortune that locals take to heart.

What is it? Tucked above the chlorine-soaked chaos of Flow House BKK, on the second floor of A Square, is a space that hums with something quieter, warmer. This live venue isn’t about crowd-pleasing covers or curated cool. It’s about giving musicians room to try, fail, play louder, or softer, and be heard either way. A place where the audience leans in, not back.

Why go?  The stage sits low, the space is tight, and that’s exactly the point. It brings you close – to the music, to the moment, to the people who made it. Some nights, it’s one act quietly holding the room. Other times, it’s four or five, each with their own rhythm, their own noise. The lineups aren’t curated for consistency but curiosity. New artists mix with the more familiar, and no two evenings feel quite the same. Tickets stay kind – to students, to wallets, to anyone who just wants to listen without needing to explain why.

Time Out tip: Parking at A Square is refreshingly affordable – just B20 an hour. It’s a rare little mercy in a city where finding a spot often feels like a puzzle designed to test your patience. Easy, cheap and convenient, it’s the kind of detail that quietly makes your day.

What is it? From the creator behind Sugar Ray, Q&A and Thaipioka comes a space where jazz murmurs beneath the clink of glassware and nothing feels rushed. It isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, just reminding you how good it once spun. Drinks are precise, performances unhurried, and the night stretches out like a final note held just a little too long – tender, deliberate, never in a hurry to end.

Why go?  The bartenders know their way around a negroni the way a pianist knows middle C – intuitively, obsessively. Here, cocktail making isn’t performative, it’s devotional. The music selection leans into a golden-age nostalgia, all swing and sighs, with drinks that refuse to compete for attention yet somehow steal the show. It’s less of a bar, more of a mood – where nights blur softly and time forgets to hurry.

Time Out tip: Tucked above the dim glow of Alonetogether Bangkok’s ground floor lies a quiet refuge. The second storey isn’t so much hidden as it is waiting, lined with vintage audio equipment from Recoroom and bathed in the warm crackle of vinyl. It’s a place where jazz riffs melt into soul grooves, where funk rubs shoulders with long-lost rock ballads. There’s no urgency here, only the slow pleasure of needle meeting wax, of records whispering stories from another time. 

What is it? A hip little community space located inside Ekkamai Soi 10. You can easily spend an entire day here sipping coffee, grabbing lunch, browsing for clothes, getting a haircut or just hanging out with friends. 

 Why go? This all-day hangout blends coffee, cocktails and everything in between. It’s a lifestyle hub where you can grab brunch, browse local boutiques or dance the night away at one of the clubs. Just hop off BTS Ekkamai, catch a quick motorbike ride or drive yourself – there's plenty of parking.

Time Out tip Check out coffee at (UN)FASHION Cafe, a vintage-style spot with Japanese loft vibes with a curated selection of vintage fashion pieces. 

What is it? A sprawling, serene park in Nakhon Pathom, just west of Bangkok, known for its peaceful walking paths, manicured gardens and a towering 15-metre standing Buddha statue at its centre.

Why go? If you’re looking for a peaceful escape that most tourists haven’t discovered, this massive park is a true local go-to. It’s where residents from the city’s quieter western neighbourhoods come to cycle, jog or simply unwind under the trees. With wide-open lawns, quiet ponds and tucked-away corners perfect for meditation, it’s the kind of place where you’ll see families picnicking, monks on their morning walks and regulars who treat it like their own green sanctuary.

Time Out tip: The park is especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon. At sunset, the towering Buddha statue is often silhouetted against a soft ‘vanilla sky’ that makes the scene feel almost surreal.

What is it? An entertainment venue featuring an on-site microbrewery that crafts German-style beers. While the establishment has several branches, the most popular ones are the Rama 3 and Ram Intra locations.

Why go? Locals appreciate this spot because it’s chill and has great live music. You’ll hear everything from Thai pop and rock to smooth jazz and international jams. German-style lagers are brewed onsite and the cool, refreshing taste totally fits the easygoing, friendly vibe. Here, you can kick back after work or just hang out with friends without dealing with the usual tourist crowds. Real good times, real good beer.

Time Out tip: Their crispy German pork knuckle is iconic, pairing perfectly with a cold beer, as do other tasty Bavarian classics like bratwurst and pretzels.

What is it?  Floating in the middle of Phra Pok Klao Bridge, this elevated green space is Bangkok’s first sky park and a walkway that connects the Thonburi and Phra Nakhon sides of the city. 

Why go?  The 280-metre-long path is lined with tropical plants and greenery. From the centre of the sky park, you’ll get one of the most panoramic views of old Bangkok featuring Wat Arun, Wat Prayurawongsawat, Santa Cruz Church, the Kudeejeen community, Phuttha Yodfa Bridge, Yodpiman River Walk, the old Postal Building, and Iconsiam across the river. The park features a pedestrian walkway, a bike lane, and high safety railings (2-3m high), along with a lift for wheelchair users and the elderly.

Time Out tip: Below the bridge, you’ll find riverside parks where locals come to jog, stroll or shoot hoops. There are outdoor gym machines and even a basketball court if you're up for a game.

What is it?  An offbeat spot showcasing contemporary art, featuring a mix of emerging talent and established artists, all presented in a stylish, modern setting.

Why go? If you want to experience the city’s creative pulse beyond the usual tourist spots, this gallery ticks all the boxes. Intimate and inviting, the gallery presents thought-provoking exhibitions that explore Thai culture, society, and identity through a wide range of mediums – from installations and video art to illustration and design. It’s a space that encourages slow looking and meaningful conversation, making it a top choice among Bangkok’s creative crowd.

Time Out tip: Check out Bookshop Library, where you’ll find a selection of art books, independent publications and locally sourced design pieces.

These are just a few of the many lesser-known spots waiting to be discovered. If you want to explore even more, Trip.com is the place to start your adventure. With millions of honest reviews from Trip.Best, you’ll find far more than the usual tourist spots. Just visit their website or download the app to see what surprises Bangkok has in store for you.