GrabTaxi Meters in Bangkok

Sadly, that's pretty common in Bangkok. The app estimates are often high, and some drivers will just use that as their starting point instead of the meter. Lack of a meter is a bigger red flag, report that one. Best bet is to insist on the meter from the start, and if they refuse, cancel and try again. It's frustrating, but unfortunately, par for the course.

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It's not just you, this happens all the time. A lot of drivers in Bangkok treat the Grab estimate as the price they want, not a reference point for the meter. If you're near a BTS or MRT station, you're better off just walking over and hailing a regular taxi off the street, where you can negotiate or insist on the meter before you even get in. For the driver without a meter, that's illegal here, so definitely report them through the app's help feature.

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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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