Traversing Asoke: Three Great Places to Explore on the Circuitous Road

A diverse mishmash of cosmopolitan gems and ethnic treasures, Bangkok boasts an illustrious past and a well-preserved cultural heritage--which are evident in Asoke’s attractions. Before you get lost in the city’s chaotic streets and constantly emerging skyline, you should take time to hop around Asoke Road and see for yourself a number of great places that are sure to complete your Bangkok travel experience. Here are some of the area's must-see attractions:

A diverse mishmash of cosmopolitan gems and ethnic treasures, Bangkok boasts an illustrious past and a well-preserved cultural heritage--which are evident in Asoke’s attractions. Before you get lost in the city’s chaotic streets and constantly emerging skyline, you should take time to hop around Asoke Road and see for yourself a number of great places that are sure to complete your Bangkok travel experience. Here are some of the area's must-see attractions:

 

Kamthieng House Museum

One of the best things to do in Bangkok is to explore the beauty of Thai culture. Located within the confines of the Siam Society on Asoke Road is a museum that speaks well of Thailand's cultural heritage. This open-air museum is made with wooden stilts and has a wide balcony, where visitors can relax and enjoy the picturesque view of the whole place. Boasting antique household items and art materials from centuries ago, the museum offers audio-visual presentations that show how Thai people lived back then. Siam Society non-members can enter Kamthieng Museum for 100 Baht only. You can get there by BTS Sky Train, disembarking at Asoke station. If  you are using the underground train, you can alight at the Sukhumvit MRT Station. For a more profound lecture during the visit, visitors are advised to contact the Siam Society office in advance. They are open between Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

 

Bangkok Fight Club

 Thailand’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is one of the most popular sports in the world, and one of its training studios can be found along Asoke Road. Located at 31/F Sermmit Tower 159 Soi Asoke Sukhumvit Rd, the Bangkok Fight Club is where fighters can get all the training that they need in one place, at an affordable price. With an environment that is conducive to serious, hardcore training, it offers MMA enthusiasts the opportunity to learn everything without traveling from one country to another. The club welcomes men and women who want to learn the essential street self-defense techniques such as grappling, striking and ground fighting as well as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. For those who are visiting Bangkok for a longer period, they can opt to enroll at the club at a registration fee of 1,000 THB and a monthly fee of 2,000 THB. Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Mondays to Sunday, the place grants free admission to those who just want to have a quick look at the facilities and see how the fighters are trained.

 

Cabbages and Condoms

Situated at 10 Sukhumvit Soi 12, Sukhumvit Rd is an establishment that is operated by the Population and Community Development Organization, a non-governmental group that intends to enlighten the public about the indispensable benefits of birth control. Despite its eccentric name, Cabbages and Condoms has become a popular hangout place among travelers and foreigners. The place serves authentic Thai cuisine and has an air conditioned bar, a dining area, and a shady patio that is surrounded with towering trees--definitely a great place to dine and relax.  Since Cabbages and Condoms uses its proceeds to finance community development projects, their food servings may be a lot less than what you expect. You know that it’ll be for a good cause though! Their main dishes range from 120 to 800 THB; starters only cost around 70 to 150 THB. Don’t be surprised when you get free condoms upon paying your bill; it’s part of what you’ve paid for. The place is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 

There's definitely a lot more to Asoke than the mere series of back lanes that you can take just to veer away from the chaos of Sukhumvit itself. Get on those flat shoes and begin your day with a fun-filled stroll around Asoke Road.