Bangkok's Best Kept Secret?

honestly skip the hotel bars entirely for a nightcap. walk out the front door and turn left, there's a little soi with street food vendors right by the river that locals hit up. grab a beer from a cart and sit on the steps watching the boats go by. way better vibe than any 800 baht cocktail and you'll actually see bangkok happening around you. just bring bug spray

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

ngl the author's lounge is pretty but it's where everyone goes for that gram, so it gets crowded. if you want a more lowkey spot with the same river view, try the verandah at the front of the hotel. it's right on the river but way less formal, just a bit hidden from the main path. also, the bar at the bamboo bar is a solid choice for an evening drink, it's got this open air feel that's super chill. just walk past the main lobby and you'll find it.

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

imo the best part of the MO isnt the hotel itself but the spa. not the treatments (those are fine) but the actual building. its this old colonial house tucked behind the main hotel, super quiet and theres a little terrace with fans that looks over the river. you can just walk in and sit there without booking anything, grab a tea and watch the boats. way more intimate than the author's lounge and nobody seems to know about it

also if you want a drink without the stuffy price tag, theres a tiny bar called the sakon on the other side of the river, like a 5 min walk from the hotel boat pier. 100 baht beers and the same view, just less polished. your instagram will thank u for the contrast

arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

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.

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

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.

arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

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

arrow_drop_up 2 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply