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
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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:
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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.
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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…)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Onsen Egg
40 THB- Tastes exactly as it looks.
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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.
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Bangkok Solo Trip Food Expenses & Taste Ratings
Gourmet Images and a Brief Comment
There are also some gourmet images not listed here.
Roll Noodles Soup (Small)
Bangkok, Nai Ek Roll Noodle
Yakult Pipo Smoothie
Bangkok, Mega Plaza Saphan Lek
Roti (Banana + Nutella)
Bangkok, Rambuttri Street
Moo Grob (Crispy Pork)
Bangkok, Chef Gaa Moo Krob
Dunkin' Donuts (Glazed, Chocolate)
Bangkok, Dunkin' Donuts
Grilled Crocodile Skewers
Bangkok, Khaosan Road
Tao Huai
Bangkok, Banthat Thong Road, Tao Huai Jae Noi
VitaC Detox Juice (Original Size)
Bangkok, MBK Center, Juice Stand BOOST
Thai-style Onigiri (Fan Tuan)
Bangkok, Ari, Fantuan Thailand
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Ma Muang)
Bangkok, Baan Phadthai
Tom Yum Goong
Bangkok, ICONSIAM, Baan Khanitha The Heritage
Marshmallow Chocolate Ice Cream
Bangkok, Asiatique The Riverfront
Shark Fin Soup
Bangkok, China Town Yaowarat, Ah Tuer Shark Fin Soup
Grilled Jellyfish Skewers
Bangkok, China Town Yaowarat Rd
Khao Soi
Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport, GINGER FARM KitchenHotel 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:
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