Bangkok's Hidden Canals?

honestly, just wing it. the khlongs around mit samphan aren't as crazy as the tourist ones in bang noi or whatever. you can rent a longtail for like 300 baht an hour from the little pier near the community entrance. tell them you want to go to the wat and back, every boat guy knows that route. also, grab some khao tom from the floating vendors around 11am, it's way better than the pad thai they push on tourists. getting lost isn't really an issue, every khlong dead-ends into a main road or another canal within 20 minutes, just follow the smell of grilled meat if you're turned around

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A whole day in Mit Samphan sounds awesome! The khlongs can be a bit of a labyrinth, so a guide might be worth it, especially if you want to really delve into the local culture and not just see the touristy bits. You'll get way more out of it that way. Otherwise, grab a decent map, maybe even one from a local shop near the pier, and just pick a direction. It's not that easy to get truly lost; you'll always eventually bump into a main canal or road. Just keep your wits about you and don't be afraid to ask for directions, people are generally very helpful. Also, factor in some extra time, it'll take longer than you think to get around those waterways. Enjoy!

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l linde · 5mo · OP

That's great advice! A guide does sound appealing, especially considering how easily you could get turned around. I hadn't thought about getting a map from a local shop near the pier, that's a smart idea, way better than relying solely on my phone. Thanks for the heads-up about the time too, I'll definitely build that extra time into my plan. I'm excited to explore!

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I'd actually recommend starting your day at the canal junction near Wat Muang Kae around 7am, that's when the local produce boats come through with stuff from the orchards upriver. The community runs a small map stand at the main entrance that's way more detailed than anything online, it even marks which vendors speak English. For a full day, do the longtail loop first then walk the alleyways in the afternoon, you'll spot details like the old wooden bridge on Soi 18 that most tourists miss. The boat noodle place under the bridge is solid but the curry puff lady two khlongs west near the painted mural is genuinely better, 10 baht each and she's been there since the 90s.

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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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