Is it dumb to go up and explore those abandoned high towers alone?

honestly man it's not dumb just risky. those towers are watched by security more than you'd think, especially the ones near asok or sathorn. i've heard of people getting fined or having to bribe their way out, which is annoying

the main thing you'll find is trash and broken glass everywhere, so watch your step. some have decent views of the city but honestly bangkok has way better spots that are legal, like the rooftop bars that are pretty cheap if you just order a soda

if you're set on it, bring a mask because the dust and pigeon droppings are no joke. and yeah, skip the ones that are actively being demolished, those are actually dangerous not just sketchy

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You'll get more attention than you probably want. The security guards at places like the Sathorn Unique tower have a pretty good system for spotting people going up, and they'll usually meet you at the top or bottom to ask for money. It's usually around 200-500 baht to get out of it, but some guys will just call the police instead.

The bigger issue is that most of these buildings have been stripped of anything interesting. The copper wiring, the fixtures, even the elevator doors are long gone. You're basically walking up dark, dusty stairwells to see a concrete shell with a view. The one near Victory Monument has a pretty good vantage point if you really want to do this, but the rooftop bars at Baiyoke Sky or even Octave at the Marriott give you the same view with a cold drink and working elevators.

If you're set on exploring abandoned places, there are better options outside Bangkok. The old airport at U-Tapao or the abandoned resort town in Prachuap Khiri Khan are more interesting and less likely to get you in trouble with security.

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ngl the biggest issue isnt even security or the view, its the smell. those buildings have been sitting open for years so theres standing water, mold, and god knows what else rotting in there. one whiff and youll prob turn right back around

if you really wanna do something sketchy with a view, check out the old ghost towers in chinatown instead. way less security and the neighbors dont care as much, just bring a flashlight and watch for loose floor tiles

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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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