To say that
Bangkok is a unique city is an understatement. There's practically no other place out there that has blended its ancient culture and modern urban metropolis as perfectly as the Thai capital. There are places that sparkle with their luxurious appeal while others draw people in with their humble local vibes. And of course, there are a few tourist attractions that you won't find anywhere else too. The floating markets are one. As is the King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper and its glass-floored skywalk. And don't forget about Raan Jay Fai too. These and more prove that Bangkok truly is a one-of-a-kind destination!
Wat Benchamabophit
Wat Benchamabophit is perhaps the most unique
temple in Bangkok. It might even be the most unique Buddhist temple in the world. Why? Because it's the only one of its kind that's made almost completely out of marble. It's even known as “The Marble Temple” of Thailand. Located in the city's Dusit district, the place shimmers against the sunlight. The marble material already makes it such a grand and stately temple, but with the gilding and steeped-out roofs and it's truly a man-made masterpiece. Even the interior, with its ornate altar, almost feels otherworldly!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mahanakhon Skywalk
Almost every major city has its own tall skyscraper with an observation deck. Famously, there's the Empire State Building in New York City and Montparnasse Tower in Paris. Here in Bangkok, there's the King Power Mahanakhon, the tallest skyscraper in the country. At 314 meters, the observation deck offers some of the best views of the Thai capital. But that's not what makes it a unique tourist attraction. It's actually the Mahanakhon Skywalk, a glass-floored platform where you can see what's under you. This is one hotspot that's not for the faint of heart, that's for sure!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sathorn Unique Tower
From one tall structure to the next, the Sathorn Unique Tower is another attraction that's only for the courageous. Standing at 185 meters tall, it's not exactly that tall of a building. It is, however, completely and utterly abandoned. Located in Downtown Bangkok, the tower was once among the major construction projects during Thailand's economic boom in the 1990s. But following the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, construction of the tower was put to a halt and was never resumed. Though there were barely any accidents or incidents during its active construction, the place has since become the stuff of ghost stories and urban legends. You won't see anything like it anywhere else!
Source: Flickr.com/ Eric Fidler
Raan Jay Fai
Now, let's talk about a foodie hotspot. The city's foodie hotspots aren't all that different compared to what you'll find anywhere else in the world. Be it a fine dining restaurant or a street stall, the
places to eat in Bangkok aren't all that unique. But one definitely is—Raan Jay Fai. Since it's a humble street-side eatery on Mahachai Road, you never would've guessed that it actually has a Michelin star! That's right! Technically speaking, this street stall is at par with various high-end restaurants in Paris, London, New York, and more. Though one bite of Jay Fai's famous crispy golden-brown crab omelets is enough to help you understand why it's such a big deal.
Source: Flickr.com/ Streets of Food
Cabbages and Condoms
Yes, you read that right! The name of this restaurant is actually “Cabbages and Condoms.” And even more surprising is how true to its name this foodie hotspot really is! A good portion of the place is covered with the rubbery contraceptive, whether hung from the ceiling or used to clothe mannequins that decorate the restaurant. But who came up with such a weird concept? Politician and family planning advocate Mechai Viravaidya. Since contraceptives are largely seen as taboo in Thailand, Viravaidya opened this
Thai cuisine restaurant to educate its guest about safe sex and proper family planning.
Source: Flickr.com/ Moira Clunie
Maeklong Railway Market
If you could have a free
day in Bangkok, would you spend it shopping along railway tracks? Sounds pretty dangerous, doesn't it? Almost as if it ought to be illegal. But here in Bangkok, it's not! The Maeklong Railway Market is perhaps the only one of its kind, not just in the city, but in the entire world. It's mostly a seafood market where locals sell fresh produce. With their stalls lined along an operating railway track, they often have to stop whenever the train passes by. Truth be told, however, that's actually the thrilling part!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Floating Markets
Thailand is one of the very few places in the world that still have floating markets. In fact, the ones here have become pretty famous too. Take Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, for example. Located in the Ratchaburi province, roughly 100 kilometers away from Bangkok, it's near enough that it's considered part of the Thai capital altogether. It's also the most famous floating market in Thailand, never failing to draw in locals and tourists alike with its novel approach. Here, you get to ride a boat as you sail from one stall to another. Talk about a unique experience!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
From a skywalk with a glass floor that lets you see what's below to a gigantic gilded reclining Buddha statue, Bangkok has a lot of unique attractions. It's safe to say that you won't see places like these anywhere else!
