Which Bangkok marathon to sign up for?

fwiw I've done both and I'd actually lean toward the standard Bangkok Marathon if you want a proper full experience. yeah the 2am start is rough but honestly it's smart because by 7am the sun is already punishing and you want to be done by then. the course isn't as scenic as the Amazing Thailand one but it's flatter and faster if you care about time. Amazing Thailand has more bottlenecks in the old city especially around Wat Pho where it gets really narrow and crowded.

one thing nobody mentioned is the medal design. the regular Bangkok marathon medal is way nicer imo, it's a big chunky thing with the temple design while Amazing Thailand's is kinda generic. also check the water station spacing - Bangkok marathon has them every 2km which is clutch when it's 32 degrees at 6am. Amazing Thailand had some gaps closer to 3km last year and I saw people struggling.

if you're not dead set on a full marathon, the Bangkok Midnight Marathon in December is actually the best organized race in the city. starts at 11pm along Ratchadamnoen, way cooler temps, and they close the roads properly unlike the morning races where you're dodging taxis.

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i've done the regular bangkok marathon twice and honestly the 2am start isnt that bad once you're in the groove, but the real pain is the humidity. the amazing thailand one gets better breeze since it hugs the river more. if you sweat a lot like me, go with that one, you'll thank yourself later

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honestly, i'd go with the Amazing Thailand Bangkok marathon over the regular one. the regular Bangkok marathon has been getting a bit messy with route changes and traffic management lately, plus it starts super early like 2am which is brutal in the heat. the Amazing Thailand one usually runs along Ratchadamnoen Avenue past the Grand Palace and finishes near Sanam Luang, way better scenery and the crowd support is better since it's more concentrated around the old city. also check out the Bangsaen21 half if ur open to a half distance, smaller but really well organized and the coastal route is nice

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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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