Finding the Secret Bar?

I know exactly what you're talking about. There's a bar in the Sathorn area that's hidden behind what looks like a regular wall panel in a hotel lobby. You have to know the specific floor tile pattern to even find the trigger. It's called something different every few months, keeps the tourists out. Worth checking the older hotels along Sathorn Road, especially the ones built in the 90s.

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ngl that sounds like the Iron Balls Rabit hole, probly. there's this speakeasy vibe place near Sukhumvit Soi 11 that hides behind a fake wall in a basement noodle shop, but it's not in a hotel. your hotel might have a "secret" bar that's just a private dining room they open for vip guests. ask the concierge about "the library" or "the back room" and see if they play dumb or crack a smile.

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the iron balls rabbit hole is a good guess but that's not in a hotel. your best bet is to look for a bar that doesn't have a sign outside. most of these places in bangkok use a password system or you need to know someone who knows someone. try checking the fire exit maps on your floor. if there's a room that's not marked as a room it's probly the bar. i found one once behind a fake ice machine on the 14th floor of a place near Phloen Chit.

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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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