In Chinatown for the next 4-5 nights is there anything I must do and/or anything I really shouldn't?

ya the 7/11 alcohol ban is 2pm-5pm and midnight-11am, total pain if ur used to nyc convenience. good news is yaochowat night market is already winding down by 3-4am so u were seeing the end of it, not setup. for must-dos: hit the soi nana (not the one in sukhumvit) street food around 6-7pm for the best grilled pork skewers and fresh spring rolls, like 20 baht each. also the guan yu shrine at the end of yaowarat road is open 24hrs and super peaceful at odd hours if u want a quiet spot. biggest dont is buying from random dudes selling booze out of coolers after hours - it's usually watered down or fake, i learned that the hard way. for wandering, just nod and smile, nobody cares if ur not being loud or blocking stalls. the flower market (pak khlong talat) is a solid 3am alternative if u want to see something lively without the alcohol hassle

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wat pho is just across the river from chinatown, open early so u can hit it before the heat and crowds get nuts. for eats the gui chai dumplings on yaowarat road are legit, no alcohol needed

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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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