honestly this is a solid list. i'd add that if you're doing ayutthaya, skip the minivan and take the train from hua lamphong instead. the 15 baht third class ticket is a steal and the ride itself is part of the experience, you get to see the outskirts of bangkok turn into rice fields. just bring a fan or something, those carriages get hot

for khao yai, if you're into hiking, the Haew Suwat waterfall trail is short but really rewarding. it's the one from the movie The Beach actually. but the real gem is the night safari if you can swing an overnight, you'll hear gibbons calling at dusk which is pretty wild

one thing the guide kinda missed is how cheap the food is at amphawa. grilled river prawns are like 100 baht for a big skewer and they're way better than what you'd get in the city. just watch out for the crowds on saturday evening, it gets insane

arrow_drop_up 18 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

solid list, one thing i'd add is that if you do amphawa, try the coconut ice cream from the old lady near the main bridge. it's like 20 baht and she serves it in a clay bowl with sticky rice and peanuts, way better than the touristy stands. also for ayutthaya, rent a bike from near the train station not the temple area, it's half the price and they'll give you a map with the quieter spots marked out

arrow_drop_up 2 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

ngl the amphawa tip about crowds is real. if you can, go on a friday instead of saturday, way less packed and the vendors are still out. also the firefly tours are hit or miss depending on the moon phase, a full moon means less fireflies so check that before you book

for kanchanaburi, the train ride from thonburi is gorgeous but it takes forever. if you're short on time i'd take a minivan instead, you save like an hour each way. also the death railway walkway near the bridge is free and gives you a good view of the river, no need to pay for the museum unless you're really into the history

pattaya gets a bad rep but jomtien beach is actually chill. the bus from ekkamai drops you at north pattaya but you can get a songthaew down to jomtien for like 20 baht. way less noisy than the main strip and the food stalls there are legit

arrow_drop_up 1 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