Space exploration geeks will be thrilled by NASA: A Human Adventure at Bangkok Convention Center (5/F, Central Ladprao), which combines actual parts of ships and equipment flown in space, on top of many models to scale. They have a long list of ways to get discounts on the tickets, so look that up before going. Otherwise it’s B350 for students and B500 for adults during weekends.

 

Union Mall is a shopping complex with a somewhat similar vibe to Platinum shopping mall (without the crazy bulk sellers). Here, you’ll find reasonably- priced fashion items and accessories similar to those in Siam Square (a lot of the stall-holders do their shopping here), plus some real left-field finds in the vintage section on its 5/F (think Japanese rock T-shirts and designer brands). With air-conditioning, decent food, including the rather trendy Crepe Cafe and O’s coffee (4/F), we think this makes a fine alternative to fighting through the sweaty crowds at Siam.

 

Or Tor Kor Market (Marketing Organization for Farmers) is an underrated gem. Similar to Singaporean hawker stations, the relatively modern market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat cuts, herbs and spices, Thai condiments, local ready-to-eat curries, namprik pla-tu and desserts like Thai egg yolk desserts, fried kanom pia (Chinese bean cake) and mango sticky rice. We especially like the crab meat kanom jeen (rice noodles), and the famous somtam joint Sudjai Gaiyang is always packed. Although the products are slightly more pricey than food from your average wet market, everything is still very affordable and of good quality. The market is directly accessible via the MRT.

 

What more needs to be said about Chatuchak weekend market? With over 15,000 stalls, it’s possible to spend entire weekends wandering the market’s labyrinthine sections, so plan wisely. You’ll find the most design-forward shops in Section 3, right outside Kamphaeng Phet MRT station. There are also food and drink stalls, here, selling everything from Thai tea chao guay to somtam. When in need of a break, head over to the adjacent Suan Rot Fai for a classic bicycle ride (there are bikes for rent), or Queen Sirikit Park for a laze in the sun.

 

For lovers of all things vintage, Siam Gypsy Night Market should be your first stop as soon as the sun goes down. You’ll spot all sorts of random goods and gadgets at this night flea market as you walk through JJ Green. On top of the handmade accessories and second-hand clothing, there are retro snacks and cheap spare parts for cars and motorbikes, most of which is laid out on the ground. There are also gigs at the various low-key bars, and trailers selling very cheap cocktails. Be warned: it gets packed out later in the night.

 

Had it with bargain-hunting? Treat yourself to a panoramic view of northern Bangkok at Blue Sky Bar, Centara Grand Hotel, one of the few sky bars in this neck of the woods. The interior is chic, and you can also go al fresco and lie on one of the plush day beds. The food and drink menus are definitely more affordable than at its Ratchaprasong counterpart.