Bangkok's Secret Staircase?

ngl the staircase is real and the stairs themselves are fine, it's the landing that'll make ur knees wobble. i went up last month and some local guy was already there with a tripod, we just nodded at each other. if ur nervous about the tight space just go on a weekday around 5pm, fewer people and u can take ur time. the view of wat saket is nice but honestly the real magic is the way the light hits all those corrugated roofs in between

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

It's definitely a real thing, but I wouldn't call it a secret anymore. The staircase is tucked behind the main elevator bank on the ground floor, next to the janitor's closet. I've been up there a few times and the stairs are solid concrete, not creaky wood, so the main worry is the narrow spiral at the top. The view is worth it though, you can see all the way across to Wat Saket's golden stupa catching the last light. Just bring a small flashlight, that top landing gets pitch black before the sun fully sets.

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

I've poked around that building before and the staircase is real, but honestly the bigger issue is the top landing. It's barely three feet wide and the railing is loose, so if you're prone to vertigo or have a few drinks in you, I'd skip it. A better bet for sunset without the sketchy climb is the Sky Bar at Lebua, it's a ten minute walk from Sirisuk and you get the river views instead of just rooftops.

arrow_drop_up 2 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