What are the best Speakeasy Bars to visit in BKK?

If you want something super low-key, find Teens of Thailand in Chinatown. It's this tiny place hidden behind an unmarked door, and they specialize in gin-based cocktails with weird Asian botanicals like chrysanthemum and sea salt. The vibe is dark and moody, almost feels like you're in someone's living room.

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for something completely different, try Rabbit Hole in Sukhumvit 55. it's down a tiny soi off thong lor, entrance is just a black door with a small rabbit logo. they do these really interesting barrel-aged cocktails that change every few months, the smoked old fashioned with lapsang souchong tea is insane. also helps that they serve actual bar food, not just peanuts, the pork jowl bites are worth the trip alone

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tbh you gotta check out Tropic City in Charoenkrung if you haven't already. it's got this whole tiki vibe but the drinks are serious, like the smoked banana old fashioned is legit. the entrance is hidden behind a fridge door in a random soi, feels like a secret mission getting in there.

another one that doesn't get talked about enough is Ku Bar on Sukhumvit 26. it's tiny, like maybe 20 seats, and the owner used to work at some top spots in London. they do these seasonal menus with local ingredients like lemongrass and pandan, really clean flavors. plus the bartenders actually remember your name if u go twice, which is rare in BKK.

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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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