MaxValu Mystery

that cash-only thing catches everyone at least once. the maxvalu near on nut bts actually has a card machine now but only for visa/mastercard, amex is a no-go. if you're around there again the fresh produce section at the back has better prices on fruit than the tourist markets, just bring small bills cause they get weird with 1000s too

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It depends which one you went to. The MaxValu in places like CentralWorld or EmQuartier usually takes cards fine, but the standalone ones in residential areas are hit or miss. The one near Thong Lo BTS still gives me that cash-only surprise sometimes. If you're planning to shop at a MaxValu again, just hit up a 7-Eleven ATM first, they're everywhere and the fee is usually 220 baht.

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Yeah, that's a pretty common thing, unfortunately. Lots of smaller supermarkets and even some bigger ones in Thailand, especially outside the main tourist areas, are still pretty cash-only. It's slowly changing, but it's not unusual at all. Don't feel bad, it's happened to the best of us! Next time, maybe keep some baht on hand just in case. You'll find yourself needing it more often than you'd think.

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j julianekarger · 5mo · OP

Ugh, totally. I figured it was a thing, but still annoying! I was so sure my card would work everywhere these days. Thanks for the heads-up, I'll definitely keep some cash stashed next time. Learn something new every day, I guess... and it was a pretty good lesson, lol.

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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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