5 Alternative Things to do in Bangkok

5 Alternative Things to do in Bangkok

Everyone who is planning to visit Bangkok has done the usual research, bought the latest Lonely Planet, researched online, spoken to friends about things to do in Bangkok and will be aware of the well-trodden tourist trail – Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Kao San Road, Sukhumvit, Chinatown to name a few.  Whilst these activities are worth the visit, what most people do not realize is there is a huge amount on offer that is less frequently mentioned in guides or websites and for the outdoor enthusiast or sports fan there is a surprising array of alternative things to do in Bangkok to cater for their needs.

Here are my recommendations for 5 Alternative Things to do in Bangkok.

Mountain Biking in Bangkok

Yes that’s right, mountain biking!  Club 11 is a wooded area located inside the 11^th Infantry Army Base located on Thanon Phahonyothin and consists of a 3km single track trail with a number of man made obstacles such as berms, jumps, gap jumps and more to get the adrenaline going.  The easiest way to get there is to take your bike on the BTS to Mor Chit and cycle 7km along Phahonyothin road to the entrance of the base.  The guards may look a bit intimidating but they will welcome you with a warm smile.  The fee is 100THB and there are other facilities such as paintball and a shooting range.  Refreshments are available on site and there is a cleaning station for your bike if it is muddy.  Note that it will likely be closed in the monsoon season due to flooding.    For more information check out the Club 11 page.

Part of the 3km single track trail at Club 11

Hone Your Muay Thai Skills

Whether you’ve never tried Muay Thai before or if you’re a seasoned Muay Thai fighter, Bangkok is the perfect place to get the best out of your training.  Luktupfah is a leading Muay Thai school in Bangkok, located in On Nut which can be reached via the BTS line.  Luktupfah offers courses in Muay Thai, Muay Boran and is accredited by the Ministry Education Thailand.  For those who fancy their chances inside the ring, Luktubfah can even organize fight nights, which are regularly held at MBK in Siam.  Whether you want to do a single session, weekly or monthly courses, Luktupfah is flexible to the needs of its guests.  For more information visit www.luktupfah-muaythai.com

Join a fight night with Luktupfah Muay Thai school

Try Your Hand at Wakeboarding

Club Taco is a wakeboarding venue 45 minutes from downtown Bangkok and close to Suvarnabhumi airport offering visitors and locals the chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and to cool off.  Don’t let the murky water put you off, this is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon wakeboarding, kneeboarding or waterskiing around the lake on the cable system.  Basic beginner boards are included in the 400THB price, for an additional 300 THB you can upgrade to a decent board with bindings.  A nice restaurant / bar is on site with the best time to visit being early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.  There are a number of obstacles to test out your wakeboarding skills and the staff are on hand for some tuition if needed.  The best way to get there is to take the Sukhumvit BTS line to Udom Suk and hail a taxi for the remainder of the journey, not many drivers will know it so print this to show to the driver: บึงตะโก้ ซอยวัดหลวงพ่อโต.

Cool off with wakeboarding at Lake Taco

Indoor Rock Climbing

There are several indoor rock climbing venues in Bangkok.  Rock Domain is one of best ones with over 1,100 sq.meters of climbing space, a bouldering section, 100+ routes with routes being reset each month, an on site shop and they can even arrange private groups or parties.   Prices start from just 400THB and kids are welcome as well.  Staff are fully trained and on hand to help out and there is a café on site to chill out in.  Located in Bangna-Trad the best way to get to Rock Domain is to take the BTS to Udom Suk and a taxi for the short journey down Bangna Trad highway.  Opening hours are Mon – Fri : 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM / Sat : 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM / Sun : 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM.  For more information visit www.rockdomaingym.com

Try one of the 100+ climbing and bouldering routes at Rock Domain Gym

Get Up Close and Personal With Sharks in Siam Ocean World

Siam Ocean World is in the basement of Siam Paragon in the heart of Bangkok and Planet Scuba give visitors the chance to dive with numerous species of shark, including Grey Reef (Sand Tiger Sharks), Leopard sharks, Blacktip sharks and Grey Nurse sharks.  There are also eagle rays and a myriad of other species to encounter.  Fully qualified scuba diving instructors will ensure that your dive is a thrilling, never to forget experience and beginners through to experienced divers are welcome to join one of 3 different programs depending on experience.  Prices start from 5,300 THB and advance bookings are a must.  For more information visit www.sharkdive.org

Dive with sharks at Siam Ocean World