I am spending a week in Thailand. I am planning on going to Bangkok and Chiang Mai. I will be there one weekend. Is it better to be in Chiang Mai or Bangkok on the weekend?

honestly depends what you're after. if you want a more relaxed vibe with mountain views and easy access to nature, chiang mai on the weekend is lovely. the sunday walking street market on ratchadamnoen road is one of the best in thailand, blocks and blocks of local crafts and street food, way less chaotic than chatuchak.

but if you're into partying or just want nonstop energy, bangkok wins hands down. the bts skytrain runs late on weekends too so getting around is easier. i'd prob split it based on what you're craving more, chill or chaos.

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If you're into food, Chiang Mai's Saturday and Sunday night markets are unbeatable. The Sunday one on Ratchadamnoen is huge but the Saturday one on Wualai Road is actually my favorite, less crowded and the grilled sausage vendors there are fantastic. Bangkok has better clubs and rooftop bars for late nights, but Chiang Mai feels more special on a weekend morning when the old city is quiet and the mountain air is still cool. Split your weekend if you can, Friday night in Bangkok for the energy, then fly up Saturday morning for the markets.

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I'd pick Bangkok for the weekend. The nightlife and street food scene is way more lively on Friday and Saturday nights, plus the weekend markets like Chatuchak are awesome on Saturday and Sunday.

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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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