Do I need to apply for a visa for under 30 days?

It depends entirely on which passport you're carrying. Most Western passport holders get 30 days visa exempt by air or 15 days by land border, but if you're from somewhere like Sri Lanka or Nepal you'll need to sort out a visa at the Thai embassy before you fly. A quick check on the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website will tell you exactly where you stand, and it's worth doing that before booking anything.

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nah if you're staying under 30 days and you're from one of the visa exempt countries (US, UK, most of Europe, Australia, etc.) you just get a stamp on arrival, no application needed. just make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity left or they might give u trouble at immigration. if you're from a country that needs a visa, you'd have to get a tourist visa before coming, but that's rare for short trips

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yeah what they said about passport being key. one thing nobody mentioned yet if you're flying in they'll prob check for a return ticket within 30 days, not always but ive seen them turn people away at check in for not having one. also the visa exemption stamp at the airport is free, no fee at all, but if you overstay even a day its 500 baht per day at immigration when you leave

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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