Wat Mai's Secret?: Bangkok Local Guide (2026)

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yvonne

Wat Mai's Secret?

So I spent a week volunteering at a school near Wat Mai Wichian Community in Bangkok. The kids were amazing, total firecrackers. The neighborhood itself felt...layered. Like, you'd stroll past these s… So I spent a week volunteering at a school near Wat Mai Wichian Community in Bangkok. The kids were amazing, total firecrackers. The neighborhood itself felt...layered. Like, you'd stroll past these stunning old shophouses, then suddenly be in a bustling market with the smell of durian hanging heavy in the air. One afternoon, exploring the backstreets, I stumbled upon this tiny, almost hidden shrine, completely overgrown with creepers. It felt intensely spiritual, but I couldn't find any information about it online. Anyone know the story behind those smaller, hidden shrines tucked away in Wat Mai? I'm curious about their significance.

Reply 8 Share · 1w

amalie local · 6d

the overgrown ones are often the ones people still leave offerings at, just less frequently. if it's near wat mai, it's probably tied to the old chinese-thai community that's been there for generations. there's a few down soi 16 that still get candles and flower garlands, mostly from elderly neighbors who remember when the whole area was orchards before the condos went up. the kids at the school might not know the history but the old aunties selling som tam on the corner of charoen krung definitely do

lisethomsen local · 1w

Those little shrines are usually what locals call "san phra phum" or spirit houses. They're meant for the guardian spirits of the land, and the overgrown ones are often abandoned when families move out or the original caretakers pass away. If you walk down Charoen Krung Road toward Talat Noi, you'll see a few more tucked between the newer buildings. The older folks around there might not speak much English, but if you've got a Thai friend, they'll probably tell you stories about the shrine you found.

nongnuchw local · 6d

there's a cluster of those smaller shrines behind the old chinese shophouses on soi mangkon, maybe 10 min walk from wat mai. they're mostly dedicated to local ancestors from the teochew community that settled there in the 1900s. some still get fresh flowers every morning from the noodle shop lady on the corner, she's been doing it since her mother passed in the 90s. if you go around 6am you might catch her lighting incense, she usually nods but doesn't mind if you watch quietly

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alexio admin

best som tam in Bangkok? Krua Dok Mai Kao 2026

Krua Dok Mai Kao · #bangkok #samtam #isaan

Krua Dok Mai Kao has been my go-to for Isaan food around On Nut for years. Their som tam is prob the most authentic I've found in the city, and the grilled chicken is always on point. Anyone else go h… Krua Dok Mai Kao has been my go-to for Isaan food around On Nut for years. Their som tam is prob the most authentic I've found in the city, and the grilled chicken is always on point. Anyone else go here?

Reply 1 Share · 2w

wangxiao · 2w

yeah Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but if you're up for a detour, try Som Tum Nua near Siam Square. their som tam pu pla ra is insane if you like the fermented fish sauce kick. way more pungent than the On Nut spot, just less grilled chicken options