Bangkok, a vibrant metropolis, boasts a myriad of points of interest. Those in search of centrally located luxury hotels in the city from which to explore the capital can choose from the array of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. Offering unparalleled comforts and service, this reputed name in the hospitality industry offer some of the finest luxury hotel resorts in the nation. As a city of striking contrasts, Bangkok has long been renowned as a top tourist destination home to both cultural and historical attractions, and for the curious traveller who seeks to explore something more extraordinary, the city has a number of unusual sights too.
Nestled in a secluded area at the city centre is the Phallic Shrine of Goddess Tubtim. Phalluses of different sizes and shapes adorned in ribbon, line the path to this unique shrine which is mainly visited by women for its female fertility spirit.
The 24-metre high swing known as the giant swing is yet another peculiar attraction in the city. It has served as the focal point for a historic Brahmin festival during which, men rode this swing and attempted to grab a bag full of silver coins using their teeth, as a gesture of expressing thanks to the goddess Shiva for bringing good rice harvest.
It is a well known fact that Thais are highly spiritual and deeply believe in Buddha’s teachings as well as local spirits such as wayward ghosts, tree nymphs and land gods. Thus spirit houses are an unusual yet common sight in the country. These structures stand in stark contrast to the city’s towering skyscrapers.
Visit the Erawan Museum to catch a glimpse of its giant three-headed elephant, which is quite popular for its odd appearance. This is said to be a gargantuan image of the guardian deity Airavata of Hindu mythology.
Those with a penchant for traditional talismans, charms and amulets should head over to the largest amulet market of Bangkok held every Sunday next to Wat Mahathat. These amulets are said to help with unrequited love, restoration of health, bringing in money, warding off evil and bringing good luck.
One of the most renowned unusual attractions in the city is Forensic Museum. It houses the corpses of mass murderers, cannibals and convicted killers. In addition to these six distinctive attractions, Monk’s Alm Bowl Making Village, Mae Nak Shrine, the First Execution Chamber and the Corrections Museum are also worth a visit.
