5 places to visit in Bangkok that's not Chatuchak, Pratunam and Siam Paragon

Now that the June holidays are over and done with, it's time to take advantage of off-peak travel perks and start planning your next vacation out of Singapore.

Yes, this is the time you should take advantage of cheap flights and accommodations, as well as relish not having to squeeze with hordes of families or put up with screaming kids everywhere.

If you're wondering where's a good place to jet off to, one destination that's popular all-year-round is Bangkok, the city famed for good food and even better shopping.

But if you've been there at least once or twice, you've probably ticked Chatuchak, Pratunam and Siam Paragon off your to-go list since those are the places every new visitor will hit up first.

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So here are five alternative places to spend your baht at the next time you're dropping by the Land of Smiles.

UNION MALL

Up for a spot of budget shopping?

Union mall is the slightly cheaper counterpart of Platinum mall that's relatively hidden despite being only one BTS station away from the famed Chatuchak market.

Having been there myself, I can safely attest that the place is infinitely more comfortable to shop at, thanks to the air-conditioning and wide spacious lanes.

The place is also definitely less crowded during my visit as people tend to pass it up in favour of the more well-known shopping centres.

Inside, you'll find a great range of Korean and Japanese-inspired fashion apparel, similar to those you'll find at blogshops, albeit at a cheaper price.

Address: 54 ซอย ลาดพร้าว 1 Khwaeng Chom Phon, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
Opening hours: 11am to 10pm

ICONSIAM

People who have been to Iconsiam compare the megamall to Singapore's very own ION Orchard -- it even has its own in-house seven-storey Takashimaya outlet!

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Reportedly 90 times as big as a football field, you'll even find a floating market indoors with local crafts and regional specialties hawked by friendly vendors.

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And if you happen to be a Crazy Rich Asian, this atas mall is the perfect place to make it rain, seeing as it houses some global luxury brands' first stores in the country.

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Some names that luxury aficionados can look forward to include Cartier, Hermes, Bvlgari, Ferragamo, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Patek Philippe and more.

Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Ton Sai, Khet Khlong San, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm

CHANG CHUI PLANE NIGHT MARKET

Here's a place that will take your IG game to new heights.

Located in Thonburi, Chang Chui has been making waves on social media thanks to a huge, retired airplane that sits right at the market centre with an aptly named Runway Bar beneath its wings.

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In addition to the cool photo op, the market has tonnes of things to offer as well and is said to have a more upmarket and refined feel compared to others in the city.

So the next time your travel-mates bring up Rot Fai's train markets, top their suggestion with a plane. One downside of the place though, is its relatively ulu location -- although it beats travelling all the way to Iceland to get a selfie with one.

Address: Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Opening Hours: 4pm to 11pm

MANSION 7

Ever wished you can experience Halloween throughout the year? You can if you're in Bangkok.

Mansion 7 is a horror-themed mall and its highlight is a two-storey haunted house at the end that awaits visitors-- complete with several spooky backstories you can read about and pick for your enjoyment.

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Not the typical cookie-cutter mall, the entire Mansion 7 has a dark and creepy vibe with a pretty derelict-looking exterior, although its interior houses a range of unique stores and eateries.

Here's a video of what the place looks like:

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Head's up: entry into the haunted house is priced at ฿599 ($26) - which may actually be scarier than what's inside, to some.

Address: Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand

Opening hours: 2pm to 2am 

SHEEP VILLAGE

Forget furry cafes, here's how you can spice up your itinerary with some woolly creatures instead.

True to its name, Sheep Village is an animal lover's dream come true, with living sheep and ducks ambling peacefully amidst a European-inspired backdrop.

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Pet and feed the sheep if you're into that. If not, enjoy the breeze as you stroll along the Chao Phraya riverside or indulge in a few of the quaint restaurants where you'll be able to dine al-fresco.

Address : 168 Charan Sanitwong 86/1 Alley, Khwaeng Bang Ao, Khet Bang Phlat, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10700, Thailand
Opening hours : 4pm to 11pm

So, have this list prepared the next time your friends roll their eyes for the umpteenth time at your suggestion of Bangkok as your next holiday destination.

joeylee@asiaone.com