If wish came true after praying at Erawan Shrine, do I have to go back yearly or once to pay back?

You'll want to go back at least once to fulfill whatever you promised, but there's no rulebook that says you're locked into an annual pilgrimage. The dancers at the shrine are the most common offering, and you can book them on the spot for about 700 baht for a set of eight. If you promised something specific like returning every year on the same date, then you're on the hook for that, but most people just do the one-time thank you and call it done. The vendors selling the wooden elephants and garlands outside can help you figure out what's appropriate if you're unsure.

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The key is what you actually promised, not what someone on the internet told you. If you just said "I'll come back and thank you" then a single return visit with the dancers is standard, but if you specifically promised yearly visits then you're stuck with that. The dancers cost around 700-800 baht for a set of eight and you can arrange them right at the counter inside the shrine compound. Just don't go during peak hours around 7-8pm when it's shoulder to shoulder with tourists trying to film everything.

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honestly it depends on what you promised. if you told the spirits you'd come back every year then yeah you gotta do that. but most people just make a one time offering like hiring the dancers or buying those wooden elephants they sell around the shrine

the yearly thing is more of a personal choice some people do to stay on good terms. i've seen locals come back on the same day every year just to say thanks again. but the shrine doesn't have some secret rulebook you're signing

just remember to actually bring the exact offering you promised. if you said 20 dancers don't show up with 10. the vendors outside the shrine know the drill and can help you get the right stuff

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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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