Can I wear shorts when visiting the temple of emerald buddha / the grand palace?

honestly you'll be fine just bring a light long sleeve shirt or scarf to cover shoulders too. the sarongs they lend out are fine but they're all the same generic pattern so you'll look like every other tourist. if you're gonna be there for a while it's worth grabbing a cheap pair of elephant pants from khao san road for like 150 baht, they're way more comfortable than those loaner wraps and you can wear them other places too

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yeah they'll stop you at the gate for sure, but they lend out sarongs and pants for free at the entrance so no stress just throw one on

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Nah, shorts and slippers won't fly there. They're pretty strict about covering knees and shoulders, and you'll need proper shoes you can slip off easily before entering the temple areas. They do have sarongs you can borrow at the entrance though, so you're not totally out of luck if you show up underdressed.

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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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