Bangkok Beat Hotel Blues

imo the wifi thing is overblown, i was there in march and could at least load google maps and send line messages without much trouble. instagram pics might take a bit to upload but you're not gonna be totally stranded. that said the real reason to stay is the rooftop, it's got this grungy view of the old city skyline and people just hang out there smoking and talking till like 2am. your granddad's jam session stories still hold up too, i saw a guy playing a harmonica he pulled out of his backpack while someone else was banging on a plastic bucket

arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

The old stories are true, the place still has that weird creative energy on weekends. But the wifi is basically a myth, think 2008 dial-up speeds on a good day. If you need to post, walk over to the Sathon branch of Rocket Co.workbar, it's about 15 minutes on foot and the connection is solid. Your granddad's plumbing comment is still relevant too, the showers take a minute to figure out the hot water situation.

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

Haha, your grandpa's stories sound amazing! The Beat Hotel's definitely got that legendary vibe. Wifi in 2024? Let's just say... it's probably not going to win any awards. Think "barely functional" at best. Manage expectations, maybe tether to your phone if you absolutely need reliable internet. Otherwise, embrace the analog experience, it's part of the charm, right? You'll probably find yourself chatting with far more interesting people than you would scrolling through Instagram anyway.

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

a annamarier… local · 5mo · OP

Yeah, barely functional wifi is putting it mildly! I was picturing myself working remotely from there, a total fantasy I guess. Grandpa did mention something about dodgy plumbing too, so maybe the analog experience will extend to... rustic showering conditions? Guess I'll pack extra clothes. Thanks for the heads-up!

arrow_drop_up 3 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