Here I share travel information, all meal prices, and my honest impressions of the flavors.
Travel Period: April 27, 2024 – May 5, 2024
Impressions of Bangkok, Thailand
-
Abundant Cheap & Delicious Eats
You’ll find countless places where you wonder, “How can this taste so good at this price?!” Especially for Bangkok, there’s tons of information—if you gather tips via:
-
April Is Unbearably Hot
Temperatures can approach 40 °C—hydration, hats, and heatstroke measures are a must. My phone nearly overheated from all the filming.
-
Feels Quite Safe
Even walking alone at night felt safe—but avoid poorly lit, deserted streets, as a rule. (I may have ignored that tip once or twice while tipsy…)
-
Grab Bike Rides Are Cheap & Fast—Too Fast
Take a Grab bike and brace for near-death experiences: drivers weave through traffic like rugby players. At one point I was forced to ride without a helmet—definitely the moment I felt closest to heaven. Note: Thailand’s traffic fatality rate is among the world’s highest.
-
Many Cannabis Shops
In areas like Khao San Road you’ll see leaf logos everywhere. Since legalization in 2022, they’ve exploded in number. Japanese perceptions make these places feel a bit off-limits.
-
Dog Fundraisers
People wheel small dogs in carts to solicit donations—dogs stay perfectly still and never try to jump out. It feels ethically ambiguous; police seemed to be warning them, so it’s a gray area.
-
Lots of Cats
Most cats are friendly and unafraid of people—Thai people must be kind to them. But remember, cats can carry rabies too; don’t touch.
An ingenious system: just let cats sleep and collect money. They never wake up even if you pet them—maybe they love sleeping, or… am I overthinking?
Places Visited
-
MeGa Plaza
An obvious otaku mecca—one spot for everything subculture. From rare retro games to bootlegs. There was a shop selling pirated anime DVDs but no photo permission.
Note: Bringing pirated goods home risks seizure at the airport and legal trouble—buy official versions for your own safety. MAP
Rows of toys—this is heaven.
Most items are likely bootleg games.
PS2 Mario Kart existed? (facepalm)
YouTube VideoGet a feel for MeGa Plaza’s gaming & gourmet scene:
-
Soi Cowboy | Soi Cowboy
The neon lights are so beautiful that just walking through leaves a lasting impression. Bars line the street—you can enjoy a drink there or relish the chance to mingle with others; that’s part of the adventure. MAP
The stunning view wakes you up and makes for great photos; look closely and you’ll spot the security cameras.
The perspective from inside the bar is full of exotic charm.
This time I only had one beer. Just this once.
-
Yaowarat | Yaowarat Rd
One of Thailand’s largest Chinatowns with over 100 years of history and its own captivating atmosphere. Simply strolling around is fun, and you can sample a wide variety of Chinese and Thai street foods. MAP
Its beauty makes you want to explore on foot the moment you see it.
Bustling with people enjoying their meals.
Some vendors cook right in front of you, entertaining passersby with their flair.
YouTube VideoThis video covers most of Yaowarat’s street food and prices in one go.
-
Bangkokian Museum
A slightly off-the-beaten-path but historically valuable spot in Bangkok. This house was donated by its lone owner and perfectly preserves traces of Thai life from about 100 years ago, inviting reflection. MAP
At first glance the entrance looks like a normal house, but the interior is much larger.
Probably a portrait of the original owner.
Everywhere you look there are furniture and tools you rarely see today, sparking vivid imaginations of the past.
The toilet’s design shows it was already standardized back then—and it’s remarkably clean.
-
ICONSIAM
A gigantic, insanely crowded mall that feels like the most densely packed place in Thailand. Opened in 2018. MAP
It already feels busy just at the entrance.
So lively and fun—shops are dazzling, and there are many Japanese visitors.
A perfect date spot—though as a lone traveler, it’s not for me (zero girlfriend history).
The night view from the restaurant is a million-THB view.
-
Asiatique The Riverfront
An amusement park with over 1,000 shops—everything from gourmet food to souvenirs. Families will love it. I visited at night; the riverside night view is stunning, and it’s fun solo too. MAP
The entire place sparkles, and the ferris wheel really stands out.
With so many shops, time flies just browsing.
Surprisingly, there’s even a restaurant on a boat.
Definitely worth a visit.
YouTube VideoWatch this for Instagram‑worthy river and boat views at night.
-
Khao San Road
Once known as the backpacker’s haven, it’s now a mainstream tourist spot—but still worth a visit to soak up its dazzling atmosphere. MAP
The entrance alone is thrilling.
Music blares everywhere—fun for me, but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Some stalls even sell scorpions for a true thrill.
You can taste delicious crocodile meat too; it tastes like chicken.
YouTube VideoThis video covers the street food scene and even shows being overcharged on a drink at the start.
-
O-corner Shop
A compact shop packed with rare retro video games. Any gaming enthusiast’s paradise. MAP
The dense, nostalgic vibe hits you at the entrance.
Those Famicom games now command sky‑high prices; I wish I’d collected more back then.
Seeing Japanese games scattered overseas is oddly moving.
Rare PC Engine card games have an irresistible charm.
-
Khlong Toei
Called a slum area, but it’s not as rundown as you’d expect. Labeling any neighborhood a “slum” can feel disrespectful to locals. MAP
Houses line the train tracks—that’s its signature look.
I found bagged Est Cola—a rarity in Thailand these days. It’s literally life‑giving on a 40°C day.
Stray cats sleep here so peacefully.
Cheerful children add a sense of warmth.
This spot is famous for its crispy pork dish, Moo Krob.
This place went viral on TikTok. It’s a bit hidden but absolutely delicious. MAP
YouTube VideoWatch this to see the cooking process and the feel of Khlong Toei.
-
Sathorn Unique Tower
Bangkok’s largest ruin—truly powerful to see in person. Due to trespassing and suicides, security guards now monitor the site. It was used in a film before mysteriously disappearing from Google Maps.
It even doubles as an iPhone billboard—working even as a ruin.
Enter via this side alley to get up close to the “accessible ruin.”
Graffiti raises safety concerns; daytime visits are probably best.
The sheer scale is overwhelming in person but hard to capture on camera. Signs warn “trespassers will be punished,” so admire it from outside.
YouTube VideoThis simple video shows visiting Sathorn Unique Tower after discovering a Michelin‑rated restaurant nearby.
-
Siriraj Medical Museum
Learn the history of Thai medicine and see human anatomy in astonishing detail. I felt a bit uneasy afterward, but it’s deeply educational—highly recommended. MAP
Photography is prohibited inside; even if allowed, the content is too graphic to share. Search online at your own risk for cautionary images.
-
Gyunoya
A gyudon (beef bowl) restaurant on Thaniya Road, a nightlife district full of Japanese eateries. Its exterior is clearly a deliberate nod to a well‑known chain. MAP
This façade is boldly intentional.
Inside, the decor faithfully mimics the original chain’s color scheme.
The menu design feels equally familiar.
With Japanese writing and plentiful options, it clearly caters to Japanese patrons.
Menu Tried at Gyunoya
-
Beef Bowl (M)
180 THB- The meat was slightly overcooked but nicely fatty.
- The broth was as delicious as the original chain.
- The rice had the same texture and flavor as Japanese rice.
-
Onsen Egg
40 THB- Tastes exactly as it looks.
-
Kimchi
30 THB- Quite spicy.
- Lacks umami.
- No crispness.
- Not recommended at all.
YouTube VideoAbout the Company Behind Gyunoya
A Whois lookup of the company’s domain showed an Osaka virtual office address, which seemed suspicious, but online digging suggests it might be legitimate.Company NameMercato Co., Ltd. (since 2006)CEOShintaro MasudaBackgroundAfter working as a Japanese-style spaghetti chef in the U.S., he opened a tonkatsu restaurant and now runs multiple outlets in Bangkok.Bangkok LocationsGyunoya Katsu Shin Omasu Raijin Kaki GoyaA video documenting the visit and tasting of Gyunoya’s beef bowl.
-
Bangkok Solo Trip Food Expenses & Taste Ratings
Gourmet Images and a Brief Comment
There are also some gourmet images not listed here.
Betagen
BangkokEven if you can't read Thai, you can guess the flavor of the drink by its color. Vitagen tastes like Yakult! It’s less sweet with a slight tang but very drinkable. The power of color association with lactic acid drinks is impressive. By the way, using color association, you can boldly drink carbonated barley tea in front of your wife. I take no responsibility.
Beef Bowl (Medium Size)
Bangkok, GyunoyaCraving gyudon abroad? Head to “Gyu-no-Ya” on Thaniya Road in Bangkok! The name and signboard are intriguingly imitative. The beef was slightly overcooked but still genuine gyudon. The sauce was delicious, closely resembling Yoshinoya’s! Researching the company, it turned out to be a rental office in Osaka. Oh, someone’s at the door.
Roll Noodles Soup (Small)
Bangkok, Nai Ek Roll NoodleWant to choke on pepper? Visit Kuay Chap Nai Ek in Yaowarat! The roll noodles soup features slippery, curly noodles and a peppery broth. Pork liver and tongue are plentiful, making it a hearty meal. Enjoying the sensation of choking on pepper made me happy watching others choke too. Happy ending.
Yakult Pipo Smoothie
Bangkok, Mega Plaza Saphan LekIn Thailand, there's a cute jelly called PIPO, which I found blended into a Yakult smoothie—a quirky delight! Ordered, and it was handed over from the fridge at lightning speed. Sipping it through a straw, the sherbet-like Yakult was delicious, and the sweet jelly added random joy! Kids will love it—I guarantee because my mind is childlike.
Pad Thai
Bangkok, Mega Plaza Saphan LekEating Pad Thai in the food court of the toy paradise mall, Mega Plaza in Bangkok! The chewy rice noodles absorbed the sweet sauce, crispy bean sprouts, and flavorful dried shrimp. Toastiness in food is essential. I also found a PS2 version of Mario Kart, making the whole experience even more nostalgic and delightful.
Krating Daeng (Red Bull)
BangkokThailand’s Red Bull, Krating Daeng, has nearly 50 years of history. The taste is like a condensed, non-carbonated Red Bull—perfect for energy drink fans! After drinking it, wow! My mind felt sharp! With this energy, I could accomplish so much, but today's task is just posting on X.
Roti (Banana + Nutella)
Bangkok, Rambuttri StreetCommonly seen at Bangkok’s street stalls, roti. Eating it on Rambuttri Road near Khao San Road! Freshly grilled, crispy, and juicy banana. Sweetened with condensed milk and chocolate, adding happiness and guilt! As time passed, only the sweet memory of that sinful roti remains in my heart. The guilt stayed in my belly.
Pineapple Fried Rice
Bangkok, Rambuttri StreetA picturesque dish in Thailand, "Khao Pad Sapparot"—pineapple fried rice. Like a pilaf, the rice is loaded with nuts and pineapple, making it fun and photogenic—perfect for posting! Enjoy it with beer and songs! The singer’s outfit at the restaurant was also very revealing, but I’ll refrain from posting those pictures.
Est Cola
Bangkok, Khlong ToeiWandering around the local Khlong Toei area in Bangkok’s 37°C heat to confirm a rumor. I found est COLA, a national drink born from a dispute with Pepsi, served in a bag—maximizing the local vibe! Lighter carbonation and a soft sweetness compared to a certain cola. The ingredient that enhanced the flavor was Thailand’s shining sun.
Moo Grob (Crispy Pork)
Bangkok, Chef Gaa Moo KrobSearching for the famed crispy pork dish "Moo Grob" in Khlong Toei, I got lost but reached the place with locals' help. They double-fried the meat on the spot, making it piping hot. One bite, and I was shocked! The crunchy sound resonated in my head, with a perfect blend of spicy-sweet flavors. I huffed and puffed with delight! This time it was chicken due to a pork shortage. If this is not their best, what is?
Royal Thai Tea
Bangkok, Pang Cha EmsphereWant to feel like royalty in Thailand? Drink Thai tea at Pancha! The beautiful orange Assam tea had a luxurious feel, with a rich, sweet flavor. Additionally, the mix of chewy and popping boba pearls added to the grandeur. I felt like royalty, sipping elegantly, but the slurping sound from the straw was anything but elegant.
Party
BangkokThe first Thai word I learned from snacks: “ปาร์ตี้” (party)! The pronunciation is almost the same. This cheerful snack has a curved shape, a sweet and salty caramel flavor, and a slightly shiny appearance—perfect for a party! My obsession with parties and cheerfulness might stem from something in my past.
Goi See Mee
Bangkok, Poon Lert RoomOver 80 years old, the famous dish from a venerable Bangkok restaurant: Goishimi! The clear, glossy starchy sauce and the bamboo shoots and chicken in the noodles were delicious, making my cheeks flush. Wait, the signature dish here is Khao Na Gai? I must return! This restaurant stole my heart and my funds for another trip.
Mochi Milky
BangkokCraving Yukimi Daifuku in Thailand? Try Mochi Milky! One bite reveals the perfect chewy texture of mochi. The refreshing milk ice cream isn’t too sweet, which I love! Unlike the two-piece packaging of the original, the single-piece packaging is perfect for a lone eater like me! It’s perfect forever.
Rad Na
Bangkok, Krua Porn La MaiHeard rumors about an amazing rat na (noodle with gravy) near Bangkok's Chinatown, so I had to investigate. I ordered, but it wasn’t noodles—it was crispy rice! And it was the perfect choice. The crispy, chewy rice cake with the delicious gravy sauce made my beer disappear. The rumors were true. Incidentally, the rumor about a drunk guy taking cheerful selfies was also true.
Sato Siam
BangkokTraditional Thai drink Sato Siam? My first sip was puzzling, like a super sweet and fruity sake. Curious, I researched and found it's made from glutinous rice, popular in rice-growing regions. Learning about alcohol is fun! When you’re interested in something, it sticks in your memory. Glug, glug! The only thing that stuck with me the next day was the alcohol.
Big Sheet Tao Kae Noi
BangkokThai seaweed snack Tao Kae Noi is crispy and pairs well with beer! Surprising fact: this business was started by a 19-year-old, dubbed “Little Boss,” or Tao Kae Noi in Thai. It even got a movie adaptation! Perhaps in Thailand, where seaweed wasn’t common, Tao Kae Noi has become synonymous with seaweed.
Gai Yang
Bangkok, Gai Ban Prik Thai DamNear Yaowarat in Bangkok’s Chinatown is a hidden gem. The Gai Yang (grilled chicken) here is so good it’ll make you shout! The garlic and black pepper aroma from the charcoal grill drew me in. The juicy yet firm meat and the crispy skin with rich fat made my throat slide smoothly. I gulped down the beer in seconds, feeling pure joy.
Dunkin' Donuts (Glazed, Chocolate)
Bangkok, Dunkin' DonutsI finally tried the long-desired donut after years of missed opportunities: Dunkin’ Donuts! I assumed it would be extremely sweet but found it moderately sugary and easy to eat. A bit dry, so it paired well with coffee. Satisfying my curiosity after years was fulfilling! The flavor rating is 2.6, but let’s round it down to 2.0.
Grilled Crocodile Skewers
Bangkok, Khaosan RoadGrilled crocodile skewers on Khao San Road! Freshly grilled, the meat was firm with a wild chewiness. Salt and pepper added a wild flavor, and I devoured it heartily. The small beer bottle was 150 baht, quite expensive, but I played it cool. Then, I saw another place selling it for 80 baht. My face turned wild.
Moo Ping
Bangkok, Khaosan RoadThai dish Moo Ping: tender pork with a delightful chew and a sweet, rich sauce that pairs perfectly with beer! Speaking of which, when I find a dish I love, I dream of opening a restaurant abroad. If I started a Moo Ping shop, I'd mass-produce with my secret sauce, stock up on beer, and spend all day eating and drinking in my room.
Tao Huai
Bangkok, Banthat Thong Road, Tao Huai Jae NoiBangkok's Banthat Thong Road is a gourmet spot where I discovered tofu pudding, bringing back memories of Taiwan. In Thailand, it’s called Tao Fuay. The mildly sweet milk highlights the flavors of tofu and ginkgo, perfect for a break while exploring. Spending fun times with Thailand while thinking of Taiwan made me feel like a bit of a jerk.
VitaC Detox Juice (Original Size)
Bangkok, MBK Center, Juice Stand BOOSTFeeling tired of life? Head to the juice stand BOOST! A cup full of vitamins and minerals will recharge you and make you a stronger, more positive person! Weak people, you know, look down on others. But I get it. Sometimes you need to look down to feel secure. But when I look down, there’s no one below me, so I have to look up.
Thai-style Onigiri (Fan Tuan)
Bangkok, Ari, Fantuan ThailandFound Taiwanese onigiri, fantuan, in Thailand! The Thai version is wrapped in seaweed for easy eating, with chewy purple rice from black rice giving it a sophisticated look. The fillings, like mayo-flavored chicken and pickles, are crunchy and lively! The local, tough Taiwanese version versus the stylish, universal Thai version—both ways of life are cool.
Espresso Ice Cream
BangkokAt Bangkokian Museum, a historic site in Bangkok. The house, donated by a single owner, offers a glimpse into Thai life 100 years ago. Later, I pondered my single life at a café. What could I donate? My games, dollar-store plates, wrinkled laundry? With nothing to leave behind, I decided to live in the present.
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Ma Muang)
Bangkok, Baan PhadthaiA dessert with a cute name: Khao Niao Mamuang. The emerald green sticky rice is of high quality and gentle sweetness, making me glad to be in Thailand. The mango is super juicy, making Thailand the best! Wanting more sweet happiness, I poured on coconut milk and regretted the overwhelming sweetness. Lesson: check your brakes when you're happy.
Tom Yum Goong
Bangkok, ICONSIAM, Baan Khanitha The HeritageIcon Siam in Thailand feels like the most densely populated place. Enjoying one of the world's top three soups, Tom Yum Goong, with the night view. The shrimp's umami and perfect sourness make my brain happy with every sip, and the cilantro adds an unending thrill! Watching the scenery alone, I felt like I was with a guy named Tom Yam. I mean, Tom Yum.
Som Tum
Bangkok, Asiatique The RiverfrontExploring the adult area of Bangkok, Asiatique, and enjoying an adult salad, Som Tam. The shredded papaya has a tangy, bitter adult taste. The nuts are fragrant, and the shrimp is delicious for all. The salt and spiciness make the beer flow, and I'm glad to be an adult. Next stop: the game center.
Larb Kai
Bangkok, Asiatique The RiverfrontFor cilantro lovers, try Thai dish Laap Gai. The strong aroma is pure cilantro, overpowering raw onions. With ground chicken, the beer flows. Even the beer's aroma is overwhelmed! I want this at home—have your wives make it! Oh, and husbands too! I lost to societal expectations.
Marshmallow Chocolate Ice Cream
Bangkok, Asiatique The RiverfrontSmiles have power. For a better life, keep smiling. At Bangkok’s Asiatique, I enjoyed smiley-face marshmallow ice cream. Hot, toasted marshmallows with cold chocolate ice cream made life happy! I’m an old guy, but I want to keep smiling at people. A cute kid smiled at me 😄. A policeman smiled at me too 😠.
Dutch Mill
BangkokWhen describing flavors, a person's personality shows. There are no rules for expression, so personality reflects easily. Let’s see my personality with Thai dairy product Dutch Mill. Dutch Mill is pure milk, refreshing! But the name “Dutch” makes me think of.../// It turns out I’m ignorant and perverted.
TW Milk Tea Say Cheese
Bangkok, Café AmazonThe Siriraj Medical Museum in Thailand is a valuable spot. Seeing real dissected bodies, I appreciated the importance of medicine. After the tour, I calmed my shaken heart at Café Amazon, thinking about diseases. Medicine saved me too. If there were no medicine... I thought from my heart, thank you, medicine (Thai).
Poo Pad Pong Curry
Bangkok, SavoeyTrying the famous Thai dish, Pu Pad Pong Karee! Fluffy eggs and sea-flavored crab. The sweet, spicy richness makes me lick the plate! Eating heartily, the waitress asked, “Is it good?” with a smile. Now that I think about it, I ate like a dog. Researching, I found this dish originated from Somboon, founded in 1969! I want to go to Thailand again (whining like a dog).
Shark Fin Soup
Bangkok, China Town Yaowarat, Ah Tuer Shark Fin SoupEating the labor-intensive shark fin soup in Yaowarat! The shark fin itself is soft and fibrous with little flavor, but combined with the thick Chinese soup, it’s exquisite! I wanted to convey how labor-intensive shark fin processing is, but the steps and word count were too long for X, so see my website for more!
Grilled Jellyfish Skewers
Bangkok, China Town Yaowarat RdIn Bangkok, I reached out for grilled jellyfish skewers. The crunchy texture with sweet and sour sauce was refreshing! A business idea sparked: Jellyfish are abundant in the sea. Catch them and sell grilled skewers to become rich! Entering the sea, I found the jellyfish slow. Easy catch! Jellyfish: "Get a Darwin Award!"
Singha Beer
Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport[Warning: illegal activity] Introducing a magical bag to sneak alcohol through Thai airport security. 1. Pack beer in a regular backpack. 2. Show the beer at security. 3. When told to dispose of it, your illegal chance! 4. Transfer to a special bag to pass undetected. 5. The bag is called "stomach."
Khao Soi
Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport, GINGER FARM KitchenSatisfied with Bangkok, my last meal at the airport: Khao Soi with crispy and boiled noodles. The sweet, rich, spicy curry was addictive, with plenty of chicken to satisfy! But knowing Khao Soi is from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, I yearn for more satisfaction. Will I never learn to be content? Oh well.
Hotel Stayed in Bangkok – Arawana Express Chinatown
Hotel Impressions
- Excellent location near Yaowarat (Chinatown) and the station
- Convenience store also very close
- Wi‑Fi works fine, but iPhone and PC require re-login each time you return to the room—Android devices did not
- Kitchen equipped with cookware and microwave
- Desk suitable for PC work
- Overall, outstanding value for money
Hotel Photos (from Expedia)
You can book Arawana Express Chinatown through these sites:
*This article contains affiliate links. If you like the hotel, booking via these links is much appreciated!