Should I fly to Thailand to get clothes tailor made, or buy in Europe?

It really depends on what you're after. Bangkok can save you money on suits if you go to a proper tailor like Pinky Tailors on Sukhumvit Soi 55 or Raja's Fashions near the Oriental Hotel, but you need to budget at least 3-4 days for fittings and allow for two visits. European ready-to-wear suits from places like Suitsupply or Massimo Dutti will be more consistent in quality and fit without the hassle of multiple appointments. If you have a specific fabric or style in mind, bring photos and be clear about what you want, because many Bangkok tailors default to a very slim, fashion-forward cut that might not suit a traditional European wardrobe.

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You'd be surprised how much the fabric markup works against you in Bangkok if you don't know where to go. The $600 flight is just the start, a decent wool suiting from a place like Nana Cotton House or the fabric stalls in Pratunam will run you another $40-80 per meter, and you need about 3 meters for a suit. For the same money, you could get a half-canvassed suit from a place like Boggi in Milan or a made-to-measure online service that sends you a fitting kit. If you're not already familiar with Thai tailoring conventions, you might end up with a jacket that looks great on the rack but puckers at the shoulders after a year.

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For $600 you can get a decent return flight to Bangkok, but the real question is whether you'll actually save money. A good tailor on Sukhumvit like Rajawongse will charge $400-600 for a suit, and that's before you factor in fabric upgrades and multiple fittings. European off-the-rack options from stores like Suitsupply or Boggi will run you similar prices, but you get the convenience of trying things on and walking out the same day. If you want something truly custom and you have the time to sit through 3-4 appointments, Bangkok can be worth it. Just don't expect to fly in for a weekend and walk away with a perfect suit, that's not how it works.

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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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