Bang Wa/Phetkasem 48 area?

Yeah the Jazz is definitely more of a local hangout spot, not really where you'd run into other expats. If you want something a bit different, check out the beer garden near the Big C on Phetkasem, it's got a solid mix of people and decent food stalls around it.

arrow_drop_up 1 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

honestly the Jazz is exactly what your wife described, it's a Thai-style pub with live music and yeah mostly local guys on big bikes. not terrible if you want cheap beer and that vibe but not really a social mixer with farangs

have you tried the little food stalls along Phetkasem 48 soi 3? there's this grilled pork place that's open late, no english sign but you'll smell it. also if you walk toward the Seacon from Bang Wa BTS there's a rotating street food market on weekends

for bars try the area around the Phetkasem 48 BTS exit, there's a few rooftop spots above the shops that are more mixed crowd. cheaper than Fat Cow and the views are decent at sunset

arrow_drop_up 1 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

fwiw the rotating market near Seacon is prob your best bet for variety. i'd also check out the karaoke bars tucked in the sois off Phetkasem 48 itself, they're weird but fun if you wanna chat with locals

arrow_drop_up -1 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

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.

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

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.

arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

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

arrow_drop_up 2 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply