Are Keen Sandals any good?

Keen sandals are solid for Bangkok because the toe cap protects you from the occasional curb or motorbike exhaust pipe scrape. I've had a pair for two years and they hold up fine on wet tiles and bike paths.

Element 72 at the outlet does have discounts, but don't expect more than 20-30% off the usual retail. For Keens specifically, you might find better selection at the Supersports in Mega Bangna or CentralWorld since the outlet tends to have older stock and odd sizes. If you're heading to Happy Lane anyway, there's a Decathlon near Mo Chit BTS that stocks a similar style for less if you're open to alternatives.

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If you're short on time, the trip out to Element 72 might not be worth it just for sandals. It's about 20 minutes from Suvarnabhumi by taxi, and the traffic on Bang Na-Trat Road can eat up another 20. You're better off hitting the Supersports at CentralWorld, which is closer to Happy Lane and usually has Keens in stock at standard retail prices.

For the sandals themselves, the toe cap is a real plus on Bangkok's uneven footpaths. One thing nobody mentioned yet is the smell factor. If you sweat a lot, the Keen footbed tends to hold odor worse than a simple rubber sandal like a Birkenstock EVA. Give them a rinse every other day and they'll last you years.

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I have been wearing Keen sandals in Bangkok for about three years now, mostly for walking around the city and light hiking. The toe protection is genuinely useful here, especially on crowded sidewalks near Sukhumvit where you never know what you might kick. They also dry out fast if you get caught in a sudden downpour, which happens more often than you would think.

Element 72 usually has older models at maybe 30 percent off, but the selection can be hit or miss. If you do not find your size there, try the Supersports at Seacon Square which is not far from the airport and often has more stock. Just keep in mind that the outlet mall is a bit out of the way, so factor in the taxi fare when you are calculating the savings.

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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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