Best Pattaya Family Friendly Hotels For First Time Visitors
Best Pattaya Family Friendly Hotels
With my daughter quickly growing up and developing a deep love for travel, we often find ourselves visiting Thailand’s seaside resort city of Pattaya. Living in Bangkok, Pattaya is the closest and quickest spot for a short beach getaway, just one hour and thirty minutes by car.
Yes, it’s the same Pattaya known for its notorious red-light district lined with go-go bars near the beach, made famous in the 1970’s, during the Vietnam War era.
It is certainly a sight to behold, especially while visiting Pattaya with kids in tow is your first time. Or the overly religious mother-in-law.
Today due to the Thai government’s efforts to “tidy up” Pattaya’s darker side, there have been some positive changes, including a cleaner, more family-friendly Pattaya Beach environment.
Beach Road Pattaya
No doubt Pattaya is still a hotspot for major sex tourism. But it’s confined to the side streets of central Pattaya and near the end of Beach Road, particularly Walking Street. Which is this blog post will be helpful for any family looking to visit Pattaya for the very first time.
Because there are ways to avoid it all, by staying at any of the hotels listed below. Most of those hotels are by the beach, not on it as there are no hotel properties directly on the beach.
Except for one which is just further up on north Pattaya, and it is one mega kid-friendly hotel but even big kids like myself love it.
Even then, it’s probably a good idea not to let your husband wander out alone when he says he’s going out to buy a jug of milk and a loaf of bread.
Central Pattaya is separated by Beach Road
Your Kids Will Love My Hotel Recommendations (Your Mother-in-Law Too)
As a result, a surprising number of hotels in Pattaya feature large swimming pools, complete with water slides, kiddie pools, and water cannons, offering fun-filled options for families within the hotel property in certain parts of Pattaya. Some hotels even have fun-themed playrooms. Filled to the brim with toys for all ages!
And almost every year I’ve had the pleasure of staying in some of these popularly recommended hotels in Pattaya with facilities in place for family rest and peace.
In this blog post, I’ll share a few of my favorite kid-friendly hotels in Pattaya. These are also great options if you’re looking for a place to take your sweet old mother—without her inquisitively questioning the sight of dozens of scantily clad women dancing around a single stripper pole.
And the dreaded questions from your little ones like “Daddy, why are there two women sitting on that old man’s lap?”
All hotels I recommend below are near the north end of Pattaya Beach.
My Pattaya Hotel Booking Tips
After living in Thailand for nearly 20 years and staying in Thai hotels frequently I’ve learned a few things and I’ll quickly share them here with you:
The majority of family-friendly hotels are located on the North side of Pattaya, called Pattaya Nua, which is in my opinion, the nicest part of Pattaya. But you don’t want to stay too far north of Pattaya as it is quieter and desolate.
The sweet spot is right where Pattaya Beach starts from the north. And that’s where all of the best Pattaya family-friendly hotels I recommend can be found.
Most modern hotel rooms in Pattaya are smoke-free. Which is a plus for the little ones. And most Thai hotels in Pattaya have a balcony. Some are spacious. Some are small. Regardless, make sure the balcony door locks are functioning.
For extra safety, I barricade the balcony door with chairs. You can tell I’m a paranoid parent. But my kid is clever. She’ll figure out how to open that door quicker than snatching a lollipop from my hand.
Typically check-in times for Thai hotels is 12 pm afternoon. However, from my experience as long as there are clean rooms available they may allow earlier check-in. That’s one thing I noticed about hotels throughout Thailand. Management is quite flexible with the rules.
Checkout times are typically 11 am. But let’s say you know your little one will enjoy the hotel’s kiddie swimming pool or well-stocked playroom. And you’d like to have a late checkout for 1 pm for example. Again speaking from experience as long as the hotel isn’t expected to be fully booked they will allow it. Especially if you notify them ahead of time.
Holiday Inn Pattaya Hotel Lobby
I mentioned to the front desk that my daughter loves their swimming pool and could use some extra playtime. Show them how adorable your little one is. As long as rooms are available, the hotel will likely grant you a few extra hours after checkout.
This way, you can relax without rushing to pack your bags. Your child can enjoy more time at the pool. You can recover from that breakfast food coma at your own pace.
Speaking about hotel buffet breakfast…
Thai Hotel Breakfasts are Really Good!
The Breakfast Buffet
Thai hotel breakfasts are indeed worth it. Especially for the family-friendly hotels in Pattaya, I recommend below. This is particularly true if the cost is around $10 USD – $15 USD extra on top of the room rate.
All the hotels I recommend below offer Western and Asian food choices, from eggs cooked to order to freshly baked bread, Chinese dim sum, Thai noodle soups, and rice porridge. A wide assortment of cereals and baked goods
Vegetarians will find a large selection of salads and fruits to enjoy. Also gluten-free food choices as well these days.
Let’s start with what I think is the best kid-friendly hotel in Pattaya. But words won’t do it justice. So I made this video way back, around covid time. I’ll make an updated video someday but I think my video will show you how cool this super-popular hotel is for local Thai people and foreign tourists.
Grande Centre Point hotel properties are one of the best throughout Thailand. I’ve stayed in numerous Centre Point properties and I’ve enjoyed every single one.
Though prices have gone up recently due to popularity at this north Pattaya property I can say with certainty if you can find a price between $100 USD to $175 USD it is worth it.
However, it is possible to get a standard balcony city-view room for $85 USD during the off-peak season.
The Grande Centre Point Pattaya is attached to a mall called Terminal 21 Pattaya, a fantastical-themed shopping center. Be sure to check out the food court center while you’re there.
You can read room reviews of Grande Centre Point Pattaya and find discounts like I did at Agoda.com.
Amari Pattaya, like Centre Point, is another group of Thai hotel chains providing high-quality accommodations and services in the country.
Even when I stay in Hua Hin I always recommend the Amari Hua Hin because it has a huge swimming pool surrounded by beautiful landscape. My daughter simply loves it over there. But I think she particularly loves this Amari Pattaya property even more!
The Amari Pattaya is right beside Grande Centre Pattaya on the north end of Pattaya Beach, which is right across Beach Road.
Standard rooms are quite massive, nearly 50 square meters! And Amari buffet breakfasts are one of the best in my books. Pricewise standard rooms cost more but believe me it’s worth it!
You can read room reviews of Amari Pattaya and find discounts like I did at Agoda.com.
Amari Pattaya Twin RoomAmari Pattaya Kids’ PlayroomMassive Swimming Pool
One of the most famous international hotel chains, the Holiday Inn Pattaya also located by the north end of Pattaya Beach, is a great hotel property for traveling families.
With 33 square meter rooms that cost around $150 USD per night, it’s a decent deal. And better yet the kids’ rooms and pools have been renovated. In recent renovations, they’ve even added more activities and facilities for young children.
The location is good, about a 400-meter walk to Pattaya Beach. Though if you want to mall crawl the closest one is Terminal 21 which is also about 400 meter walk.
Read reviews for Holiday Inn Pattaya and find discounts on Agoda.com
I also recommend this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Pattaya, it’s right next to Holiday Inn Pattaya because they are managed under the same international corporation. So the quality is great for the value and the service is top-notch.
Mercure Pattaya Kids Swim area
Matter of fact I stay here more often when I plan to stay in Pattaya for 3 to 4 days. And they’ve got a great swim area with a water slide for kids. And a much longer water slide for bigger kids like me!
There’s even a small rocking climb wall plus a small kids’ play room. But overall I think one can appreciate a compact play area. This way you can laze away on one of the beach chairs knowing that your little one can’t wander away too far from sight.
I usually stay in one of the standard rooms which are also compact at 26 square meters. But it’s more than enough space for my wife, myself, and my little one. And costs around $85 USD per night which isn’t so bad.
I gotta admit Grand Mercure Pattaya could improve its breakfast buffet choices.
Read reviews and find discounts for Grand Mercure Pattaya on Agoda.com
Standard rooms are 26 square metersBathrooms are clean with amenities
Want to stay at a hotel with a mini theme park? And it’s right on the beach too. The Centara Grande Beach Resort no doubt is a bit pricey. But not so crazy expensive when you compare it to the outrageous 5-star Western hotel rates.
So once in a while as a treat, we stay here for a day or two all to the benefit of our little girl. One night here will set you back around $250 USD with no taxes and breakfast included. This means if you can find it lower than that you should book the room.
And those are the rates for standard rooms, which are around 40 square meters. So it’s comfortable with enough space for your kid to run around and drive you nuts.
And it’s right on the beach!
Read reviews and find discounts for Centara Grande Beach Resort on Agoda.com
Check out this massive resort!
In Conclusion
To wrap it up, while Pattaya is often known for its vibrant nightlife, it’s also becoming a hotspot for family-friendly hotels that are perfect for those traveling with kids.
These places offer spacious rooms, fun pool areas, and easy access to the beach, making it a breeze for families to have a great time together.
Whether you need a hotel with amenities for the little ones or just want a chill spot to relax, Pattaya has a ton of options that cater to both parents and kids, ensuring everyone has a blast.
So, when you’re planning your next family getaway to Thailand, don’t forget to check out the family-friendly side of Pattaya—you might be in for a nice surprise!
This shopping street called Nakamise leads up to the entrance of Sensoji Temple…
On a Budget? Asakusa is the Place to Be
Asakusa is an excellent area for budget travelers looking to experience Tokyo’s traditional charm without overspending. Known for its historic atmosphere, Asakusa is home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, a must-see attraction that’s free to visit.
I can almost smell the incense as I write!
Kaminarimon Gate at Asakusa
Surrounding the temple are bustling streets lined with affordable souvenir shops, local eateries, and street food vendors. Visitors can sample classic Japanese snacks like takoyaki and yakitori at reasonable prices. The area’s emphasis on culture and history allows travelers to explore Tokyo’s past while keeping their expenses low.
Accommodations in Asakusa are also budget-friendly, ranging from hostels and capsule hotels to tourist hotels.
How to Get to Asakusa from Narita and Haneda Airports
The area is well-served by public transportation, with direct access to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Toei Asakusa Line, making it easy to travel around Tokyo.
Asakusa is also connected to Narita Airport via the Keisei Skyliner and Haneda Airport Keikyu Line, offering added convenience for international travelers. Depending on which train service you choose it takes a little over 1 hour. Alternatively, there are airport buses to take you to Asakusa in a little over two hours.
Amazing food in Asakusa
Benefits of Staying Around Asakusa
Additionally, Asakusa’s proximity to other budget-friendly neighborhoods, like Ueno and Akihabara, makes it a great starting point for exploring Tokyo. Ueno offers free attractions such as Ueno Park and its many museums, while Akihabara, known for electronics and anime culture, is a short train ride away. You can also walk, which I often do.
With its history, affordability, and convenient access to Tokyo’s key attractions, Asakusa is a perfect choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to maximize their Tokyo experience.
Whether it’s your first trip to Tokyo or a veteran Japan visitor, you will enjoy staying in Asakusa as much as I do.
Asakusa Hotel Booking Tips
If you don’t smoke, make sure you book non-smoking room
Check in time is usually 3pm (double check with hotel)
Check out time is usually 10am (double check with hotel)
Certain hotel reception close at midnight (double check with hotel)
Many hotels have coin-operated washing and drying machines
Whenever I get the chance I always recommend accommodations with owners on site. And, it’s a Ryokan a traditional Japanese style in around Asakusa! How cool is that!
The location is near many places to eat, Asakusa, and its Sensoji Temple is 500 meters away. Plus two subway train stations are nearby Asakusa Subway Station and Tawaramachi Subway Station being the nearest.
Don’t let the one star fool you, it’s only because it is basic accommodation, but in a good way.
This Ryokan has only 13 rooms. So yeah it could be tricky to get a room here since Asakusa is such a major tourist destination. Plus incredibly affordable. So if the price is right for you, I’d say go for it!
Read reviews and find discounts for Asakusa Ryokan Toukaisou Hotel through Agoda.com
Now if you’re looking for a modern hotel with shiny television this is it. It’s one of the newer hotels in Asakusa so it is very popular.
APA is a popular chain hotel in Japan, mainly with business travelers known for modern comfort and most importantly affordability. And also small rooms or course. With the standard rooms at just 11 square meters. It shouldn’t be a surprise most newer budget hotels throughout Tokyo are that small.
That said, there’s a comfortable bed with a shower and a bathtub I barely fit myself in. I count my lucky stars I can fit my ass in the toilet set.
It’s clean and close to train stations, and food, Asakusa is just a 500-meter walk, and the price is not crazy. What else can you ask for?
APA Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi Ekimae Standard Room
So I’m more of a hotel guy, not really into hostels at my old age. But I can say for sure, a lot of you will like this popular hotel property super close to Asakusa!
Though as an old guy, I sure do appreciate the onsen and sauna!
Luckily, as the name of this property states, it is a hotel plus a hostel. I sure do appreciate Japanese efficiency.
There are male-only and female-only plus mixed dormitories all at reasonable rates.
Now, this might be a deal breaker for some of you. The men’s and women’s shower rooms although separate are public.
Read reviews and find discounts for Hotel Plus Hostel TOKYO ASAKUSA 1 on Agoda.com
When I started traveling to Tokyo, Japan many moons ago my Japanese friends told me Ueno was the best place in Tokyo for budget accommodations. Today, it’s still a true statement.
Hopefully, this blog post is helpful enough to convince you to find a budget 3 star hotel in Ueno to sleep and re-energize for another day of fun in Tokyo. Just like my friends advised me to do so.
There are many affordable hotel alternatives in Ueno, Tokyo, making it an excellent choice for those on a limited budget yet wish to stay at a convenient hotel. Many of these accommodations are near Ueno Station, which makes it simple to reach and explore other popular parts of Tokyo via the extensive train network.
Ueno is a great destination for travelers on a tight budget because it offers many free or low-cost attractions. There are also several free museums to enjoy.
Streets of Ueno Tokyo
For food, there is no problem at all. Affordable sushi restaurants, flavorful ramen, and izakayas for grilled meats and beer are all Ueno. Don’t forget about 7-Eleven and other Konbini for quick snacks and ready-to-eat meals and drinks!
You’ll love it here!
Even though there are quite a few attractions in Ueno of course you’re going to want to explore greater Tokyo and more.
Here’s how you can do just that!
Ueno Train Stations
Ueno Station (上野駅)
Keisei Ueno Station (京成上野駅)
Keisei Main Line (connects to Narita Airport)
Okachimachi Station (御徒町駅)
JR Lines: Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line
Ueno-Okachimachi Station (上野御徒町駅)
Toei Oedo Line
Naka-Okachimachi Station (仲御徒町駅)
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Ueno-Hirokoji Station (上野広小路駅)
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
These stations are all within walking distance of each other, making Ueno a well-connected hub for getting around Tokyo.
Though there are many things to see, do, and eat around Ueno, it is not a well-known spot, even today when Japan travel is exploding.
So you might be curious as to why Ueno…
Where is the Ueno District
Ueno is located in the northeast section of central Tokyo, within the Taitō ward. This lively area is famous for its cultural sites, rich history, and bustling markets. It’s nestled between the Asakusa and Akihabara districts, giving it a more traditional Tokyo vibe.
At the heart of Ueno is Ueno Park, home to several important museums, Ueno Zoo, and Ueno Station, which serves as a major transport hub linking the area to the rest of Tokyo and beyond.
Major roads like Chuo-dori flank the Ueno neighborhood on the west and Shinobazu-dori on the east, creating a vibrant mix of commercial, cultural, and residential spaces.
It’s a favorite spot for tourists and locals, thanks to its affordability, cultural attractions, and easy access to other parts of Tokyo.
At night, I enjoy walking around Ueno. When it’s super quiet, you’ll feel like you’re the only person around.
If you prefer walking to do your touring here are points of interest for those that enjoy traveling on their feet.
What’s in Walking Distance and Things to Do in Ueno
Ueno is a fantastic spot to explore on foot, with plenty of cool attractions and neighborhoods nearby.
Check out these highlights:
1. Ueno Park – This spacious public park is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in the spring. It’s home to several museums, like the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Don’t forget a visit to Ueno Zoo, which is Japan’s oldest zoo.
2. Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko Market) – Just below the train tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi stations, Ameyoko is a bustling street market where you can find everything from fresh seafood and tasty snacks to clothes and souvenirs, all at great prices. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in Tokyo!
Ameyoko Fish Market
3. Shinobazu Pond – Nestled within Ueno Park, this beautiful pond has walking paths all around and offers boat rentals. Don’t miss the Bentendo Temple, a serene little shrine located on an island in the pond.
4. Yanaka – A quaint, traditional neighborhood just west of Ueno, Yanaka is known for its charming old-town vibe, narrow streets, temples, and the lovely Yanaka Cemetery, which is especially stunning during cherry blossom season.
5. Akihabara – Just a short stroll south of Ueno, Akihabara is the go-to place for electronics and otaku culture. It’s a paradise for anime, manga, and video game fans, blending pop culture with cutting-edge tech. And even though I’m 50 years old I can still appreciate the nostalgia of some of my favorite gaming systems and anime I grew up with.
Sensoji Temple Asakusa
6. Asakusa – About a 20-minute walk from Ueno, Asakusa is home to Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and the iconic Kaminarimon Gate. The area is rich in traditional Japanese culture, with many souvenir shops and street food stalls. With so many attractions within walking distance, Ueno is a perfect starting point for exploring Tokyo’s cultural and historical gems.
Now that you know why Ueno is a good location to explore the country even if it’s your first or second trip to Japan, let’s go on some highly recommended and favorably reviewed budget hotels in Ueno!
Quick Tips on Booking Tokyo Hotel
If you don’t smoke, make sure you book non-smoking room
Check in time is usually 3pm (double check with hotel)
Check out time is usually 10am (double check with hotel)
Certain hotel reception close at midnight (double check with hotel)
Many hotels have coin-operated washing and drying machines
Narita Airport is connected to Ueno Station via Skyliner Express Train
Candeo Hotels Ueno-koen is the place to be for first-time visitors to Tokyo Japan! It’s super close to Ueno Park and Ueno Station, making it super easy to hit up all the cool spots in Tokyo. You can stroll to awesome places like the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo, and Ameyoko Market, so it’s perfect for exploring the city.
The hotel itself is a nice blend of modern amenities and Japanese culture. Rooms are a bit small of course at 16 square meters. As of writing their buffet breakfast cost around $11 USD.
Now for me, it’s worth it because I eat a lot, I really, really eat a lot. The breakfast buffet is a treat too, with both Japanese and Western dishes to satisfy both cravings.
Enough about food. This is an affordable hotel and I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Read reviews and find discounts for Candeo Hotels Ueno-koen at Agoda.com.
APA Hotel Asakusa Shin Okachimachi Ekimae is a sleek and budget-friendly spot right by Asakusa and Ueno, making it super easy to hit up Tokyo’s top attractions. And, it was built in 2022 so fixtures are nice and still shiny.
Standard rooms here are only 11 square meters. It’s just enough for two people and some luggage space. No doubt it’ll be tight.
But hey you’re here to explore Tokyo not stare at your toes in bed.
Though there are larger deluxe rooms expect to pay twice to three times the price.
The hotel features cozy yet well-appointed rooms that prioritize comfort, complete with APA’s signature perks like comfy beds, free Wi-Fi, and big flat-screen TVs. APA Hotel Asakusa Shin Okachimachi Ekimae is an awesome pick for travelers looking for a budget-friendly stay without skimping on comfort.
Read reviews and find discounts for APA Hotel Asakusa Shin Okachimachi Ekimae on Agoda.com
Although this is one of the oldest hotels on this list, it has been renovated awhile ago. But because the property is well taken care of it has become quite a popular choice for budget travelers. And, it’s always about location, Tokyo Ueno Touganeya Hotel is a 5-minute walk to Ueno station.
The beds are soft and comfortable here and yet again, standard rooms are small at 12 square meters. They do have room types that are larger with bunk beds so it’s a great place if you’re traveling with young children. Of course, these rooms with extra beds will cost more, but not more than booking an extra room.
Great little hotel and one I recommend quite often.
Read reviews and find discounts for Tokyo Ueno Touganeya Hotel on Agoda.com
Another terrific 3-star hotel in Ueno near train stations, restaurants, and konbinis! And it’s a newer hotel built in 2020. If you’re into otaku culture you can take an easy stroll to Akihabara from the hotel’s doorsteps. Asakusa is also a walkable as well.
It’s slightly more expensive to stay here but you do get what you pay for. Which are slightly larger but newer rooms, and a super convenient location close to train stations.
And the hotel’s buffet breakfast costs an additional $8 USD per stay. I think that is a great bargain, they have a decent Western and Asian spread. Just fill up and you might be able to forgo lunch. Though with so many amazing Japanese foods around it will be hard to resist that extra snack or meal.
Out of all the Ueno area hotels recommended here Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi is slightly pricier. Book in advance you will save money.
One of my most popular blog posts is about starting a cafe business in Bangkok, Thailand. Where I shared my knowledge and experiences about running a coffee business as a foreigner.
That blog post was written almost 10 years ago. I update it once in a while with some new information about selling coffee drinks to the masses in Bangkok.
I don’t have a cafe anymore. But if the timing and situation are right, I wouldn’t mind getting behind the espresso machine again.
I miss cranking out a well-pulled espresso shot.
That said, I’ve always followed the coffee industry in Thailand. Particularly exporting coffee beans from Thailand.
Well, to be a coffee trader in Thailand to be exact.
Roasted Coffee Beans from around the World
Thai Coffee Growers in Thailand
Most people know about coffee from Africa and South America. Well, at least North Americans and Europeans do. And coffee can only be grown in certain regions and climates.
But coffee beans from SE and Pacific Asia nations are getting noticed. Mostly because the world loves coffee and can’t get enough of it.
And, I’m going to do my part to show that Thailand has some amazing coffee by becoming a coffee trader.
Cheers!
An Exciting New Business Venture
So this is new and exciting in my life. Recently I started making connections with Thai farmers in Chiang Mai, the northern region of Thailand. As well as Myanmar.
And I’ll be working with them as a coffee trader.
I gotta admit to that this is a truly exciting venture to get into.
The goal at first is to try and connect the farmers with buyers mainly in the USA. Eventually, if everything goes well I would package my brand of roasted coffee beans.
I’ve been breathing, eating, sleeping, and pooping in Bangkok for 25 years. That’s a long time, considering that’s half my life and counting.
So people ask me:
Is Bangkok safe? How easy is it to get around Bangkok? Are Thai taxis really that bad? What Bangkok scams should I be aware of? Is tap water safe in Thailand? Is there going to be a huge language barrier with locals? What’s the secret sauce to life?
It’s All True, Please Don’t Come Here
I’m just kidding.
Let’s start with whether is Bangkok a Safe City to Explore
Bangkok is a major metropolitan city. Teeming with millions of people and growing. With the laws of mathematical probability, there’s bound to be criminal behavior and activity at every level to some degree. It’s the same as any major city with a sizeable population around the world.
I mean Bangkok is way safer than my native city, New York. Even then I never lull myself into a false sense of security and neither should you.
How easy is it to get around Bangkok?
There are too many variables to supply an ample answer for you.
Here’s my approach:
If I am in sort of a hurry, I’m traveling alone or with my wife and it’s a long distance, it’s raining, and it’s rush hour, but there is a train station near my destination I train it.
Take that same long-distance example, if I’m traveling with 2 or more people, it’s not raining, it’s not rush hour, and even if there is a train station near the destination I will take a taxi. Keep in mind, that Thai taxis can seat 3-4 passengers.
Mainly because the combined costs of train fares for 3-4 people for long-distance train rides will equal or possibly cost more than taxi fares.
But aren’t Thai taxis just a bunch of scammers?????
Back in NYC I could count the number of times I’ve taken yellow cab taxis on one hand. Because NYC yellow cabs are expensive.
Out of those five times in a NYC cab, I was taken for “a ride” once. The meter went way too fast for a short distance.
Now in Bangkok, I’ve used Thai taxis hundreds of times. Short distance, long distance. I’ve only encountered one taxi with an overambitious meter.
That said, I stay away from taxis parked outside of hotels and major tourist attractions. I always wave down metered taxis that are moving along with traffic.
You’ll often hear foreign tourists complain about drivers refusing to go by meter.
This happens most often, you guessed it, near busy tourist attractions.
But guess, what? Locals get the same treatment. Especially when it’s raining.
Finally, this shouldn’t be an issue as much these days. Because many foreign tourists now use the Grab Taxi service.
Bangkok Scams?
Not every local or local business in Thailand is out to scam. Please keep that in mind. There’s a lot of (mis)information floating out about making travelers hyper-paranoid.
Sadly it is a perpetual cycle that is harming well-meaning local Thai businesses.
That said, my advice is very simple.
Wherever you go. Do your research online about your destination. Whether it be a tourist attraction, restaurant, or beauty salon. Google Maps is effective but should just be one source for information.
Do not talk to anyone who approaches you out of nowhere. This includes foreigners in Thailand. Not saying you should quickly get into your karate stance and round-kick them in the face with your best war cry.
Scammers are highly motivated sellers. There are also foreigners in Thailand attempting to take advantage of other foreigners as well.
In most cases, they do not mean harm when you reject their offer. They think they are providing you with a valuable service with compensation.
Most importantly do not be overly defensive. Just smile, walk away, and forget about it.
Is the Tap Water Safe?
I’ve never drank tap water in Thailand. I know of some locals that do but not many. Brushing and showering are fine. Just stick with drinking bottled water.
The Langauge Barrier
English is spoken, particularly in Bangkok and especially around the tourist attractions. Practically everything has signage in English, even the local buses in Bangkok.
Many Thais can speak various foreign East Asian languages, particularly Mandarin.
You’ll be fine.
Want to Discover a Little More of Bangkok?
I do love my kebabs
What’s the Secret Sauce to Life?
I was hoping you could tell me by leaving a comment below 😀
Kuala Lumpur Horlick Fried Chicken and Japanese Hamburg – Day One
It’s always exciting to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The diversity of flavorful foods in every direction of the city is spectacular. I always tell people that for me, KL is a culinary goldmine. Because I can find my favorite foods, Malay, Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern staples at prices I think are quite reasonable.
I only had four days for this trip, and that’s not a lot of time. Too little time and not enough stomach capacity. So I planned out some places I gotta try out, with the emphasis on visiting some clay pot chicken and rice restaurants.
First Stop – Horlick Fried Chicken
I saw some viral videos about Gerai Ah Kow chicken and rice. When I got off the plane and dropped my bags at the hotel this was the first place I made a beeline to.
If you’ve never had fried chicken in Malaysia, your mind will be blown. Malaysia takes fried chicken to a whole new level.
This shop fries up quarter legs covered in a light horlick and sesame batter. Horlick is a malted milk powder and I drank this a lot when I was a kid. Haven’t had Horlick ever since puberty. So this one will bring back the memories.
Plus I was looking for a new fried chicken recipe for my YouTube food channel, Wally Cooks Everything.
I got lost at first, even following Google Maps. I overshot Gerai Ah Kow by 500 meters. My brain always gets foggy after getting off a plane.
If you don’t know by now I am a dummy. Part of the problem was I assumed it was a standalone restaurant.
Gerai Ah Kow is located inside Medan Selera Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz food center. I have to go back someday because there are many hawker restaurants inside with amazing-looking food.
When I found Gerai Ah Kow I ordered a leg quarter, rice, and a small plate of bean sprouts. It also comes with a small bowl of soup with pickled mustard greens. And a bottle of bright orange chili sauce.
They open at 10:30 am close at 4:00 pm and are closed only on Thursdays. I read it gets busy, especially during lunchtime.
I got there an hour right before they closed. But I think it might be better to get there early
Horlick Fried Chicken with RiceFried Bean Sprouts with AnchoviesGerai Ah Kow Horlick Sesame Fried Chicken
The first bite I kinda knew it wasn’t going to be… not so great. Mainly because the fried chicken was sitting on the tray for at least 30 minutes to an hour. So the chicken cooled down and the crispy skin which Gerai Ah Kow fried chickens are famous for was just not there.
There’s also some soy sauce with oil on the bottom of the plate of fried chicken.
It might be the reason why I couldn’t taste any of the Horlick flavors. But while reading their reviews on Google there were a handful of similar complaints
The sprouts were good and I think the fried anchovies on top gave it a good crunch. The sambal sauce was tasty, more sour than a spicy kick. They give you a whole bottle. I gotta admit, I was tempted to take it with me.
I think to get the best flavorful experience you should get there around lunchtime, when you know for certain they are frying up a fresh batch of horlick sesame fried chicken!
What I ordered at Gerai Ah Kow (Total RM 24):
Fried Horlick Sesame Chicken (Big Set) RM 19
Crispy Bean Sprouts RM 5
Hamburg at Donkai
After a not-so-stellar meal at Gerai Ah Kow, I owed my tastebuds something juicy. Something beefy!
The mighty Hambagu or Hamburg of Japan is a rehashing of the lowly Salisbury steak in the USA. But Japanese Wagyu Beef is Japanese Wagyu Beef! The cost is not that crazy which I will get to later. Donkai is the type of place you can affordably treat yourself to a tasty meal.
This restaurant called Donkai is located in the lobby of Bukit Collectionz Hotel, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur an area called Bukit Bintang.
This location is like the Times Square of New York City it’s a super busy area, close to shopping and train stations.
Close to many restaurants and nearby Jalan Alor Food Street.
Donkai opens every day, 11 am to 11 pm. I arrived there around 9 pm and only a few customers were enjoying their meals. Plenty of seats available so I sat near the main flat-top grill, where I could watch the cook work his magic.
Humbug Choices at Donkai:
Angus Beef
Australian Wagyu Beef
Japanese Wagyu Beef
Chicken
In addition, you’ll get unlimited refills of rice, vegetables, and miso soup. I wish they could also add unlimited hot green tea or iced green tea too.
On top of the type of humbug you’ve got sauce options:
Original (which I think is a tonkatsu sauce)
Truffle Sauce (truffle is overrated)
Tartar Sauce (this one I’m curious about)
Black Sauce (they said it’s an onion sauce)
And also complimentary seasonings and condiments plus unlimited Kim Chee.
Delicious Black SauceMany Condiments to PickPersonal Hot Plate
I ordered 2 Japanese Wagyu Beef Hambug patties. Each patty weighs 100 grams. I was tempted to order three patties. But after my last meal, I still felt pretty full. And to top it off I picked Black Sauce.
Customers get two options on how patties are cooked, medium rare or well done. I chose medium rare. Though if it’s still too rare to your liking there is an individual hot plate right in front of you. Mine was cooked rare but some cooking time on the personal hot plate took care of that.
I also ordered one pasteurized egg. I wanted the onsen egg but they were out. Oh, I also ordered a can of A&W Root Beer. I haven’t had that in ages.
For me, I think the patties could do well with a little bit of salt. Not saying it’s tasteless because there are just so many sauces to pick from. It’s just that simple salt can heighten the natural taste of beef. On the other hand, sauces can overpower it.
What I ordered at Donkai (Total RM 72)
2 Japanese Beef Wagyu set
Pasteurized Egg
A&W Root Beer
Conclusion
My first day, well actually my first half day in Kuala Lumpur. I think I did pretty well covering two foods I wanted to eat. It was a good start for my recipe research so I can’t wait to get started working and planning on what to cook next.
And most certainly excited for my next day full day in Kuala Lumpur!
There are many reasons to stay in Shinjuku, Tokyo for your first visit to Japan. It’s one of the most popular areas in Tokyo convenient for travel, food, and overall full Japanese travel experience.
Shinjuku district has everything you’ll love and or was interested in Japan in the first place. The wonderful culture, the mesmerizing lights of billboards and signs with flashy Japanese characters. The sounds of J Pop music blaring around every corner with maid café hostesses carrying billboard menus.
The vibe of Japan is everywhere!
And who can forget about amazing Japanese foods too!
You’ll either love the Shinjuku in Tokyo or hate it. Some friends told me so when I was looking for good affordable hotels in Shinjuku. It was my first visit to Japan back then.
I’ve stayed in Shinjuku frequently. Although you can visit most of Tokyo via the Yamanote Line I prefer walking. So I’ve never taken a train to Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine to the south. I walked to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office to the west before and it was pleasant.
I tell you staying in Shinjuku was everything I expected. It blew my mind.
But there is more to Shinjuku. It will be right in your face and hard to ignore.
Shinjuku’s Famous Red Light District
Shinjuku is home to Tokyo’s largest red light district. To be more precise the Kabukicho Entertainment District. According to Wikipedia, there are over 3,000 nightlife establishments for tourists and locals to behave naughty. All crammed into .15 square miles.
It’s a terrific area to check out, especially at night. I recommend Izakaya Bars, these are popular food and drink establishments preferred by hard-working salary men and women. You can easily find them all over Kabukichō Entertainment District.
Shinjuku bar hopping Magical Tour group…
If you want a guided tour of Shinjuku bars I recommend Magical Trip. An English-speaking guide that will take you on a 3.5-hour bar-hopping tour of Shinjuku to places you might not find on your own.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
If you love beers and hard liquors, in tight quirky spaces with friendly bartenders, you must not miss the bars of Golden Gai! It’s an alley full of tiny bars stacked on top of tiny bars. Many with only 5 seats for bar patrons.
I first took a walk through Golden Gai twenty years ago. Back then it wasn’t really for foreign tourists. And I gotta admit it was intimidating.
Today Golden Gai has become so famous and well-known around the world Golden Gai’s Japanese bars have adopted a foreign-friendly attitude.
Today there are signs welcoming everyone. Even when the bars are super tiny with very little seating.
Golden Gai Bars Shinjuku
Because Shinjuku is NOT for Everyone
I stayed in Shinjuku a few times as a single male traveler. I can tell you with certainty if you’re a guy walking around Kabukicho you will be approached by pimps and touts. It’s annoying but if you can chill and relax they will leave you alone.
Today now that I have a wife and child traveling with them around Kabukicho where you see photos of scantily clad women plastered all over the area I get it. Shinjuku is not the type of place you want to take your mother to.
So why am I recommending Shinjuku for your first time in Japan? When they’re are so many other terrific neighborhoods in Tokyo.
If you can overlook the shenanigans and monkey business, which the local Japanese and millions of foreign travelers with families do you can easily have a terrific holiday.
There’s more good than bad for Shinjuku and safe for solo and female travelers.
Why Stay in Shinjuku
You can find all types of accommodations for all budgets. Because Shinjuku has a high concentration of hotels from the capsule, budget, and luxury, it’s all there.
Shinjuku Station is a great starting point for train travel to neighboring cities in Japan and also around the country.
Whether you prefer traveling by train or on foot, you can reach many popular areas in Tokyo quickly.
Lots of shopping and restaurants, just like it is in any of Tokyo’s major neighborhoods.
Shinjuku JR Station
Shinjuku Station is an incredibly complex transportation hub. All major railways connect to what the Guinness Book of World Records calls the busiest station. It’s where you can ride the city’s subway or catch a bus from the nearby bus depot.
It’s an amazing and beautiful station it’s even possible you can spend an entire day inside.
Although this hotel is the furthest away from Shinjuku station, Kabuchiko, and the center of activity, it’s not that bad. Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku is located on the quiet side of Shinjuku. I’ve stayed here more than a few times.
There’s a metro station not far from the hotel with plenty of restaurants for food and drink.
The rooms are typically small but most importantly clean and tidy. The hotel staff are curt and polite it is a good business-class hotel fit for touring Tokyo. I highly recommend this hotel!
Read reviews and find discounts for Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku on Agoda.com
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku – Standard Room
This hotel will put you in the thick of all the nightlife action Kabukicho offers. Still a great little hotel mainly due to its location and quality. Though I warn you the room size is not highly desired at 12 square meters. But the room is clean, there is an onsen bath onsite and the room rate usually includes breakfast.
Overall a pretty good value.
Read reviews and find discounts for Super Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho on Agoda.com
If you want to stay at a hotel with a massive Godzilla head on the rooftop and close to Shinjuku Station then I’ve got a hotel for you.
It’s a really good value for a 4-star hotel. The standard rooms are just slightly larger at 18 square meters and cost around $125 USD. Though they do have rooms up to 25 square meters you have to pay extra but not that much.
But I gotta warn you this hotel is in a super busy location so there are lots of people especially at night and on the weekends. But none of the stuff outside spills into the hotel.
Read reviews and find discounts for Hotel Gracery Shinjuku on Agoda.com
I always seek out new hotels in Shinjuku. WPU is one of the newest in the district. This means that the rooms will be tiny as most newer hotels in Tokyo are.
Located around the northern tip just a 10-minute walk to Shinjuku station. And Shinjuku subway station is mere meters away. Goes without saying there are plenty of dining options all around.
WPU Hotel has really good reviews for cleanliness and front desk service. But I warn you the rooms are the smallest like I mentioned at around 11 square meters.
Read reviews and find discounts for WPU Shinjuku on Agoda.com
Hotel Amanek is another property in the heart of Kabuchiko. So the price is higher but not so much that it’s not affordable.
The rooms here are slightly larger and the hotel staff is attentive. Again even though Hotel Amanek is located in Shinjuku’s red light district, none of spills into the hotel. Matter of fact it’s like an oasis away from the madness of Kabuchiko.
You can walk to nearby Golden Gai or simply check out the Izakayas for food and drink. Just the perfect location for enjoying local nightlife.
There are many hotels all over Shinjuku and I’ve shown you a few around Kabuchiko and Golden Gai. As well as others that on the outside away from the district’s nightlife.
And even though there are so many transportation options in Shinjuku I recommend getting around on foot if possible. Because Tokyo’s sidewalks are wide and well-paved. Streets signs are in English which makes wandering around fun.
I hope you find my hotel recommendations to your liking. Please check out my other Japan travel recommendations for even more helpful resources:
Affiliate disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a hotel booking via links we may receive a small commission, at absolutely NO EXTRA cost to you. Any commission received helps keep this blog alive and our cats fed.
Where to Stay in Bangkok – A Guide for Foodies – Huai Khwang
This is a guide for all the die-hard foodies looking for delicious local Thai eats in Bangkok. It is a recommended read for anyone familiar with traveling around Bangkok. If this is your first visit to Bangkok check you’ll find this blog post more helpful.
Nevertheless, if you already know the ins and outs of Bangkok. And confident enough to travel around and explore on your own, read on!
I wish I could tell you that there’s only one area of Bangkok where you can find great local Thai food. I’m not talking about Thai food made for foreign tourists and priced for foreign tourists.
This is a popular neighborhood spot for takeaway…
I will point you to areas in Bangkok with amazing, authentic Thai foods where you’ll be eating shoulder-to-shoulder with the locals. It’ll be an authentic Thai eating experience.
On top of that, you’ll find out where to stay in Bangkok near all the best local eats!
There is a simple answer to the simple question of “Where to find the best local eats?”
You go where the locals go!
Huay Khwang – Popular Local Neighborhood in Bangkok
It can’t get any more local than this. Huay Khwang is a district, located just north of central Bangkok. There are two MRT subway stations in this location:
Thailand Cultural Centre MRT
Huai Khwang MRT
Thailand Cultural Centre and Huai Khwang station are the next stop from each other. It is a super popular local area with many shopping centers such as the Street Ratchada which is partially open 24 hours with cafes and supermarkets. Around late evenings a night market appears outside the Street Ratchada’s parking lot.
And you can check out the newly renovated Big C shopping center and pick up some Thai snacks. There is also an updated food court and fast food restaurants serving a wide variety of Thai foods and snacks.
To take advantage of the convenience of this location I recommend Prom Ratchada Hotel. It’s right behind the Big C shopping center. A standard room costs about 1300THB a night, which is an excellent value for the location.
Standard room at Prom Ratchada Hotel
And many local Thai hawkers stand where food is delicious and affordable!
One popular Thai restaurant I can highly recommend is Zabb One Restaurant. I’ve been eating there for nearly 15 years. And back then it was just a dark humble shack. They mainly serve Issan food, a region in northeast Thailand.
Today, they’ve expanded their current location so there’s more space for customers to dine comfortably. Matter of fact they’ve become so popular they’ve even opened another location. It is only 600 meters on the opposite side of the Ratchadpisek Road called Zabb One Soi 5, here’s the location.
Zabb One Ratchada is 250m walk from Thailand Cultural Center MRT Exit #1Zabb One Ratchada RestaurantSomtam Kai Kem (spicy papaya salad with salted egg)Gai Yang (grilled chicken)Koo Moo Yang (grilled pork collar)
I like salty foods so for me Somtom with salted egg (ส้มตำไข่เค็ม) is my go to choice for that spicy papaya salad Thailand is famous for. And of course, some grilled pork collar (คอหมูย่าง) and grilled chicken (ไก่ย่าง) with sticky rice round out the meal.
I also highly recommend catfish with green mango salad (ยำปลาดุกฟู) and Tom Saap (ต้มแซบ) another version of Thai hot and spicy soup usually with pork but beef is also an option.
Zabb One Ratchada is popular, especially with the lunch and dinner crowd. I recommend going in before lunchtime and after lunchtime, if you want to eat comfortably. Because it gets busy as it is a very popular local som tam restaurant.
Another Great Huai Khwang Spot for Local Thai Food
Pracharat Bamphen Road Soi 7. Odd-numbered side streets are on the left and even-numbered side streets are on the right.
A little further up north closer, to Huai Khwang MRT station is another area I recommend for local Thai food in Bangkok.
There’s a street called Pracharat Bamphen Road located east of the Huai Khwang junction, with Huai Khwang MRT station entry/exit #1 leading right to the road. This often congested 600-meter-long narrow road is home to Bangkok’s new Chinatown.
Bangkok’s Second Chinatown
This is an area where a small wave of Chinese immigrants gradually settled. Operating restaurants and other businesses catering to Chinese tourists.
You will see the signage of this road spelled Pracha Rat Bamphen Road. However, the word “Rat” alone might be off-putting.
This is why I rather stick with the spelling Pracharat Bamphen Road because it’s the way Google Maps has it spelled. And I don’t want to cause any confusion.
Pracharat Bamphen Map Huai Khwang
In this area, I recommend walking down to Soi 9 and there are a few places I think you will like. It is as local as it will ever get. You might see a few curious foreigners here and there.
Trust me, this place is strictly the local’s favorite spot to pick up a quick meal box.
And these shops don’t have names or signage. You will not find them on Google Maps.
That’s because they open early in the morning. And sell out by the afternoon. You won’t even know they were there as everything they brought is gone. Poof like magic.
And you won’t see them again until early next morning.
Look for Pracharat Bamphen Soi 9
Look for Soi 9This corner has a lot of good food in the morning
Right at the entrance of Pracharat Bamphen Soi 9, in the morning you will find my favorite takeaway food hotspot!
Yes, only takeaway. There are no tables and chairs. But you can eat on the street in Thailand that sort of behavior is not frowned upon.
Or you can take it back to your hotel. I will recommend a few close to this area below.
Many locals living in this area come here for food. Mainly Thai office workers pick up a quick breakfast to eat at the office.
You will see customers standing in line and some even on their motorbikes ordering several boxes for takeaway.
They’ve got two dozen Thai classic food choices for you to pick from. Thai curries, Thai stir-fries, and stuff maybe you’ve never seen before.
I mean there’s stuff I’ve never seen before here either. But that’s the fun thing. You can eat here every single day without getting bored.
Cooked for Locals, Priced for Locals
You gotta give them credit for keeping food prices affordable. It’s not easy to cook up this quantity of food. Thai cooking requires lots of ingredients. They must be working from early morning to prep and cook these foods. While you are still dreaming comfortably in your bed.
1 Choice 30 THB
2 Choice 30 THB
3 Choice 40 THB
Some clarification for the 2 choices it’s still 30 Baht, they’ll just portion out appropriately. And if you want a bigger box with more portions they charge 40 – 50 Baht extra.
At the current exchange rate, 30 Baht is just under $1 US Dollar.
Everything is served on top of rice in a takeaway box. Bear in mind they do not cook everything on the spot. All of the foods are cooked in a separate location and transported to their location. Which means the food won’t be piping hot.
You can always bring it back to your hotel and ask them to reheat it.
I’ve tried at least 6 to 8 of their dishes. My favorite is their Thai-style fried chicken with cashew nuts. And be sure to try their fried boiled egg in tamarind sauce, it’s delish!
Thai Chicken Cashew Nut, My Favorite!Thai Tamarind Fried Hard Boiled Egg
I recommend their Chicken Massaman and Green Curry Chicken. Two classic powerhouse Thai dishes and they cook it just right.
Thai Fried Donuts
Who doesn’t like donuts?! A fine donut made on a street corner is a beautiful thing in the morning!
Patongo (ปาท่องโก๋) are Thai-style fried donuts locals line up for and enjoy for breakfast. And there are two styles of these puffy delectable treats.
This stand makes amazing Patongo, a Thai fried donut
The version that looks like two sticks stuck together is the most common. You will see small containers of coconut pandan custard (สังขยาใบเตย) or a simple sweetened condensed milk for dipping the fried donuts sold separately. Each container costs 10 Baht.
If you plan on buying coconut pandan custard remember to consume it quickly. Coconut milk spoils easily.
Don’t Forget to Try Salapao
This vendor also fries up fresh Salapao (ซาลาเปา) which is a different version of patongo. The outside has a sweet taste with a soft, airy inside and crunchy inside. Not too overly sweet, though enough that it goes terrific with some black coffee with no sugar. Which is how I like my coffee.
I prefer salapao because it reminds me of the classic Italian zeppole! Just without the powdered sugar.
Each piece is only 3 Baht!
Soy Milk is typically sold next to Patongo…
In Southeast Asia, when you see fried donuts like these, usually hot soy milk is sold beside it; this is because both are enjoyed together as breakfast.
Asians love to dip these fried goodies into soy milk.
Where to Stay Around Pracharat Bamphen Soi 9
CMYK Hotel Bangkok is 300-meter walk from Soi 9
CMYK Hotel is a newly renovated hotel on Pracharat Bamphen Soi 5. Only a 300-meter walk to Pratcharat Bamphen Soi 9 and a 250-meter walk to Huai Khwang MRT subway station.
CMYK rooms are on the small side, around 20 square meters. The upside is the room rates are affordable at around 1000 – 1300 Baht per night. You can read reviews and find discounts for CMYK Hotel on Agoda.com.
There are many other hawker stands and small Thai and Chinese-owned restaurants to explore here. And I just mentioned a few of my favorites that are not listed on Google Maps.
Here are a few local eats I like to recommend, that you can find on Google Maps
Por Charoenchai – Thai Chicken and Rice
Chicken Rice Restaurant Huai Khwang Bangkok
One of my favorite chicken and rice shops open 24 hours, Por Charoenchai is again, super popular with locals in this section of Huay Khwang.
Their tasty boiled chicken is tender and they make a good fried chicken. I like to order both over chicken broth-soaked ginger-infused hot rice. And their house ginger, garlic, and chili sauce is on point.
Thai Boiled Chicken and Fried Chicken mixed over Rice – 60 Baht
Danchai Chinese Steam Bun
Fluffy steamed buns stuffed with delectable delights are a staple in Asia. I like to recommend this little shop on a corner right next to patongo hawker stand I mentioned on the corner of Pracharat Bamphen Soi 9.
Danchai Chinese Steam Bun located on the corner of Pracharat Bamphen Soi 9
This is a very old-school Chinese bakery. And the folks that make their fine buns look like they’ve been around forever. That’s why they are very well known in this neighborhood for steamed buns filled with sweetened black bean paste, minced pork with salted egg, red pork with salted egg, and sweetened cream bun.
Steamed bun at Danchai
One steamed bun costs 30 Baht, which sounds pricey. However, I think the price is justified because it’s handmade. And these folks producing these buns are elderly so let them charge what they want.
Get Out There, Explore, and Eat!
There are other places that I recommend on this post. But I covered the places that are hard to find when you don’t know where to look.
Check out these recommended places to eat in Bangkok yourself and have fun.
Eventually, as I find more places to eat in Pracharat Bamphen Road I will update this post. So I hope you can make it out here one day.
Whether it’s good or bad, I’d like to hear about your experience by commenting below 🙏
See that photo above? That is me, and I am addicted to New York pizza. But I wasn’t in NYC when I took that photo. I wasn’t even in the USA. I was on the other side of the planet in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.
And in my hand, a proper NY slice
For the past year, I’ve been reviewing pizzerias in Bangkok, and I can tell you with certainty—this city’s got the goods. While most pizza restaurants in Thailand are leaning towards Neapolitan style, NYC-style pizza is slowly gaining traction.
I’ve made it my mission to eat and review as much pizza as I can in Thailand!
MY PIZZA QUALIFICATIONS
I grew up in New York City. Specifically on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It’s the early 1980s, and back then, there were many local Italian pizzerias in and around my old stomping grounds
I still remember going to pizzerias with my dad, grabbing a couple of slices and a soda together. I don’t remember what we talked about—just two guys enjoying pizza. Those were good times.
Then when I was old enough to go out on my own, as if a rite of passage, my parents gave me .75 cents to get a slice for lunch. At the same time, avoid the possibility of getting beaten, stabbed, and robbed in that specific order.
I remind you it was the mid-1980s. Peak crack epidemic era. Crackheads everywhere. Also, a time when Chinese triads ran amuck looking to stop any Chinese kid with a funny hairstyle “on their turf” with .75 cents jingling in their pocket for collection.
Back in those days, NYC was life and death I tell you. It’s a miracle I’m still alive. I remember walking alone to Gino’s Pizza on Catherine Street, Richard’s Pasta and Cafe on Pearl Street, Famous Ray’s Pizza (most of them), and Pizza Palace on Bayard… that’s all the pizzerias I can remember on the Lower East Side. When I got back home I would relish my reward.
I can relate to Neatherdals going out in the wild hunting mammoths. Or a hyena back from a successful scavenger hunt. NYC was just that bad.
From then on I’ve eaten pizzas all over NYC’s 5 boroughs. Most taste the same. And then there are the pizzeria gems. Whether good or bad, pizza is pizza.
One of my favorite pizzerias in NYC
Though looking back and counting my lucky stars, it was a privilege to walk a few minutes from where I lived. And smell the sweet, sweet aroma of a freshly baked cheese pizza bubbling away inside a gas oven.
New York Style pizzas are thin and crispy. The outer crust is not fluffy but has a yeasty bite. A well-made cheese pizza with a generous sprinkling of garlic powder and dried oregano afterward. And a dash of spicy chili flakes is a must!
It’s the best I tell ya! THE BEST!
The usual lunch at my favorite NYC Pizzeria
BUT I’M NOT IN NYC ANYMORE
I’ve been living in Bangkok for over 25 years now. It wasn’t until five or six years ago that NYC-style pizza started gaining traction in Thailand.
Before that, options for ‘Western’ style pizza in Thailand were limited. You could find Neapolitan-style pizzas in hotel restaurants, and Pizza Hut—Thailand’s first American pizza chain—arrived in the ’70s, but it just wasn’t the same.
I recall there were a few small foreigner-owned pizzerias near a red-light district in Bangkok. This made sense since those areas are popular spots where many foreign tourists go to drink and “socialize”.
Then there are the local Thai interpretations of pizza: a round piece of baked dough topped with mayonnaise and ketchup, with non-traditional toppings like imitation crab, squid chunks, and hot dogs. But I get it—the locals love their version of ‘pizza’ too, and I don’t blame them
Fancy pizzas were in Bangkok before NY style pizzas…
That’s not to say decent or pizza as close to as I know it was never around Thailand. Like everything else around the world that people are passionate about there is an origin story.
SO MUCH GREAT FOOD IN THAILAND, WHY PIZZA?
Pizza is in my blood. Cut me, and I bleed tomato sauce and cheese—mostly cheese. Just ask my doctor; it’s probably in my medical records. When you’re away from something you love eating for so long, the craving only grows stronger. You just want to be near it, to savor it, to become one with it. I hope I’m not coming off too creepy.
I’m sure there’s a Thai national who’s been living in NYC for two decades, still searching for the perfect Tom Yum Goong or Khao Soi in one of the boroughs—just the way they remember it from growing up in Bangkok.
The fast food business in Thailand started slowly with a cold reception. As the founder of Pizza Hut in Thailand stated in this article, dairy in cheese form wasn’t popular with Thais. And neither was bread.
Times have changed and the Western diet is quickly taking hold in Thailand and most of Asia. Cheese is widely eaten and then some. Seems like many Asian countries are finding a whole bunch of reasons to add cheese to everything.
For example, bubble tea and donuts. And no I’m not making that up.
Currently, there are 180 Pizza Hut Thailand restaurants and delivery outlets. Pizza Hut’s main rival The Pizza Company has 560 branches.
Domino’s Pizza Thailand has the least branches. They are quickly growing in popularity.
First Pizza Chain in ThailandSecond Pizza Chain in ThailandThird Pizza Chain in Thailand
Today chain pizza restaurants spend heavily on flashy commercials that are advertised on social media, and traditional media. And it’s working. The younger Thai population is crazy about fast-food pizza. Plus it’s really affordable. Often you’ll find a buy 1 get 1 free promotion all for under 500B for medium-sized pan pizzas.
Fancy Pizzas in Thailand (Neopolitan Pizza)
Over time, restaurants serving Napoli or Neopolitan-style pizza—or as I like to call them, fancy pizzas—began to appear as well. Many casual Italian dining spots, often opened by foreigners, became popular, especially throughout Bangkok and Pattaya.
Even a famous NYC Neapolitan pizza restaurant Roberta’s has tossed their hat into the pizza ring in Bangkok! I haven’t had a chance to review them yet but it’s on my calendar book after I lose a few pounds.
Neopolitan Style Pizza in Bangkok
THE ARRIVAL OF NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA IN BANGKOK
If I remember correctly I found SOHO Pizza through an advert on my Facebook feed. It looked legit with the classic New York style slice appearance. Matter of fact they sold pizza by the slice like they do in parts of America. And they had the name SOHO in it.
Here’s a smoother version:
Soho (South of Houston Street) is one of those fancy-schmancy neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan, with many popular old-school pizzerias dotted throughout the area.
With SOHO pizza ads crammed in my face, I decided to try it out with my wife at their flagship restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 11.
Half and Half Pizza Pie – SOHO Pizza
I gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised with the first bite. It was really good, as close to NYC-style pizza as you can get halfway across the world.
The cheese, the crust, the zingy tomato sauce. And oh yeah, the grease. You know the grease that runs down your hand leaving a yellow-orange streak, down to your elbows if you’re not careful. Whether you like that or not it is a hallmark of a NY slice.
I looked into the background of SOHO Pizza and learned that it’s managed by a powerhouse food and beverage agency called SOHO Hospitality.
I think they did a great job bringing my favorite style of pizza to Thailand. As of writing SOHO Pizza has 6 branches, all inside Bangkok.
Though for me, it’s corporatized pizza.
CHEF BING PIZZA
Then we got Chef Bing! of Chef Bing Pizza also started his pizzeria in Bangkok, around 2019 with the first location near Khao San Road. He has recently moved to the Lumphini area, very close to central Sukhumvit Road.
I learned about the chef from watching Mark Wien’s videos.
The chef has a New York City pedigree. And a real chef. Not just a title he picked up. After working in top-notch restaurant kitchens for a while he eventually returned home to Thailand.
Chef Bing and Mark Wiens
Where he taught himself to make New York City style pizza.
This reminds me of the story of Mark Iacono, a master pizzaiolo and owner of one of the most famous pizza restaurants in Brooklyn called Lucali. And I wish Chef Bing achieves the same level of success here in Thailand
His pizza has a very good char to it. Every bite I took there was a snap and a crunch, the cheese and the sauce, oh man! He had done NYC pizza justice and I am so proud he’s in Bangkok!
Chef Bing Cheese Pizza Pie 14″
PIZZAS IN THAILAND TODAY
Today, if you want to eat Italian or American-style pizzas in Thailand, it’s easy to find them. Whether they’re authentic or meet your taste standards, however, is a whole different matter.
Just take for example if an Italian from Napoli traveled to Bangkok and tried a Napolitana at an Italian-owned restaurant will that pizza remind them of Napoli?
Sad Soggy Neopolitan Pizza
It depends on how well the Italian chef trained his cook. It depends on the ingredients the Italian chef used the same ingredients used in the Italian city of Napoli. Napoli pizzas use specific ingredients native to its surrounding region, such as tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
That’s how serious the Italians are and there’s an organization AVPN that oversees the quality and integrity of Napoletana pizza around the world.
It’s the same way I look at it. Especially when I started making pizza reviews in Bangkok. And I can say for certain it is an exciting time!
As of writing, I made a few pizza reviews on Wally’s Travels and Eats which is my second YouTube channel. Go check it out and discover Bangkok’s pizza scene!
MY FAVORITE NEW YORK PIZZAS, BUT IN BANGKOK
With a growing number of foreigners from the West setting roots in Thailand, it’s not surprising to fin entreprenuers filling a food niche people around the world love.
I mentioned Chef Bing as a prime example.
Then we’ve got Pizza Mania which is quite popular with deliveries from their kitchen in the heart of Bangkok. One of my favorite places for one of my favorite foods! I couldn’t find out too much about the owner of Pizza Mania but it’s all good, I highly recommend their pizzas in Bangkok.
I can also recommend Capone’s Pizza, also located in the heart of Bangkok near the Asoke/Sukhumvit intersection. Though they are more well know for their deep dish pizza, cause you can gather from the name Capone it’s got them Chicago roots.
Classic Cheese Pizza from Pizza Mania
According to this online pizza publication https://www.50toppizza.it/ five of the best fifty best pizzas in Southeast Asia are in Thailand. That’s quite impressive. All pizzas are of the Neopolitan variety as those are the predominant variety in Thailand.
The main reason why I don’t like Neopolitan pizza is because the center is usually soggy. Some restaurants in Bangkok make it soggier than others it really depends on the hands of who ever is making the pizza.
Pannetti Pizza Margherita
There are Thai cultural aspects to consider in the Thai food industry. Thais do not like to eat burnt food. Eating charred bits as a certain population of Thais believe is carcinogenic. Whether or not that is true I would say you have to do your research on the validity of such a claim.
Traditional pizzas have what’s called Leopard Spotting, where spots of dark char are visible under the pizza as well as the crust. It is typically more pronounced in wood and coal-fired ovens.
So if a local Thai sees too many scorched marks on the crust it’s a big no no in their eyes.
A pizza I got at a Hua Hin night market. Looking good from the top.Bottom needs a bit more time in the oven…
My Favorite Neoplitan Pizzas in Bangkok
That said, most of the best Neopolitan pizzerias or Italian restaurants are written up on popular food websites. With the names Pizza Massilia, Pizzeria Mazzie and Peppina coming up as the de facto best.
Never eaten in any of those restaurants before. But it’s on my to go list.
Instead I went to Neoplitan pizza restaurants off the beaten path. And some sorta and around the path.
Daniello’s Pizza has fantastic Neopolitans. And I really enjoy Ronin Pizza too. Both of those restaurants are not really in central Bangkok but it’s not far either and worth a try if you truly love these types of pizza.
Ronin Margherita Pizza
Above is a photo of Ronin’s pizza and as you can see it’s got some dark char on the crust. Which I enjoy and again, some Thais, depending on how hold they are might not be into it.
Which to me is quite challenging for Thai pizzeria’s trying to go the traditional route. Or make the taste palatable for locals. That’s a hard decision.
That said, there are so many pizzerias all over Bangkok, Pattaya, and Hua Hin I can’t wait to check them out. I’m pretty sure the islands of Phuket and Koh Samui have many too because of foreign tourists and expats.
Till then, I’m going to eat as much pizzas I can in Bangkok!
What’s your favorite pizzeria in Thailand or from anywhere else you’re reading this?
I know a lot of first-time visitors to Bangkok want to experience staying at 5-star hotels. Because they know hotels in Thailand have a stellar reputation for affordability with excellent quality and service.
And they are right. The Swissotel Bangkok, located on Ratchada Road (Ratchadapisek Road) is a perfect example of a high-quality hotel in Bangkok with excellent guest facilities and genuinely friendly and caring service-minded hotel staff.
And for around USD 100 to USD 150, you can stay in a very comfortable 40 square meter room. Those are off-season rates but even in high season you can book a room for around USD 180.
Grand entrance to Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada
My friends, that is not a bad price at all for a 5-star international hotel near central Bangkok.
To find low rates for Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada I recommend Agoda.com it’s what I use to find discounts for hotels throughout Asia.
Once I paid USD 100 to stay 1 night in a shitty room at a filthy motel near Laguardia Airport in NYC because I didn’t make it to a standby flight. That is a story for another day.
Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada Reception
Where is Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada?
Swissotel is located in Huai Khwang district right by the main Ratchadapisek road intersection. About 1 hour and 15 minute drive to Suvarnabhumi International Airport by tollway. Don Muang International Airport is about a 45-minute taxi ride by tollway.
MRT subway Station Huai Khwang Entry/Exit 4 is about a 300-meter walk to Swissotel. So you do have the option to take the Airport Rail Link by riding the subway to MRT Phetchburi station and then walking a short distance to Makkasan Airport Rail Link station.
Huai Khwang MRT station
Directly south, just 4.5 kilometers lies the Asoke/Sukhumvit junction where you’ll find Terminal 21 Mall with the BTS Sky Train Asok station. You can reach this area by taking the subway to Sukhumvit MRT station, only 4 stops from Huai Khwang MRT station.
So if you want to check out a couple of Bangkok’s famous red-light districts such as Soi Cowboy and Nana you can use the subway station near the hotel. Or just hail a metered taxi, there are many driving past.
However keep in mind Bangkok’s subway and train systems close from 11;30pm to midnight.
Ratchadapisek Road Bangkok (Swissotel on the right side)
To the northwest of Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada is the city’s largest famous open-air market in the world, Chatuchak Weekend Market. You can travel to this popular Bangkok attraction again with the Huai Khwang MRT train to Kampheang Phet MRT station, which will take you to the southwest corner of Chatuchak Weekend Market.
There are many 2-star to 4-star hotels in Huai Khwang which I also reviewed on this blog post, on where to stay in Huai Khwang.
I can say with total confidence Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada is hands down the best 5-star hotel in Huai Khwang. Matter of fact it is the only true 5-star hotel in the area.
Huai Khwang is a Terrific Bangkok Neighborhood
The immediate area surrounding Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada is what I like to call a locals’ local area. Meaning it’s where many local Thais live. As you will see from the apartments and high-rise condominiums all over.
So there are plenty of local Thai restaurants. But you will also find Western and Asian restaurants, particularly Chinese Mala Hot Pot restaurants.
Pracharatbamphen Road leads you down to Bangkok’s second ChinatownChinatown in Huai Khwang Bangkok
Right after the pandemic, many Chinese moved to Huai Khwang, setting up a second albeit smaller Chinatown that runs through a 600-meter section of Pracharatbamphen Road.
There is a red light district aspect in Huai Khwang, particularly with massive massage parlors with prostitutes. But I can tell you for certain the stuff that happens inside doesn’t spill out. You won’t see or notice it.
But it won’t hurt to keep an eye on your husband when he says he is going out to buy milk in the middle of the night.
My Experience at Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada
I lived in Huai Khwang for a while so I am aware of Swissotel’s reputation. I’ve eaten inside the hotel’s restaurants often. And the food is always good.
Why not try staying there for a night I thought. It would be a nice family treat.
Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada Lobby
I booked one of their Premier rooms with a king-sized bed. Premier rooms are pretty much Swissotel’s standard rooms. It’s still a big room at 40 square meters.
At the time I paid around USD 125 plus taxes and breakfast for 2 and my daughter being just a kid ate for free. It was entirely worth it.
Big Room, Clean, Comfortable and Modern
40 square meters is certainly big for a standard room today in Bangkok’s hotel industry. All of the newer hotels built after the 2000s have smaller standard rooms.
Again we booked a premier room with king sized bed. There was plenty of space for my daughter to run around. With an armchair in one corner and a good-sized work desk opposite. I wish the flat-screen television was a little bigger but we didn’t hang out in the room all day.
King sized bed was comfortable. The pillows were soft and the comforter helped as we love blasting the air conditioning so it gets chilly in the room.
Nice spacious guest roomYou can’t see it but there’s a bathtub on the leftTelevision could be a little bigger
The view we had was perfect. We were on the 17th floor with a southwest view. The swimming pool was below and we could see the cityscape outside.
There are USB charge ports added to the bedside fixtures and also by the work desk. The provided free internet Wi-Fi was stable and should be fast enough for general web surfing.
The bathroom is spacious as well with a shower stall and full-sized bathtub. No need to buy soap and shampoo everything is there.
Slippers, check. Bathrobe, check. Hot water maker with powdered coffee and tea bags, check.
Plus a mini fridge to keep things cold and chilly, you got it.
Big Fitness Center and Swimming Pool
If you are a fitness fanatic you will love Swissotel’s gym. It is amazing!
It’s full of modern equipment. From weights to machines. Very clean inside too. And there is so much space inside you won’t bump elbows.
Large fitness center with modern gym equipmentLarge swimming pool at Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada
Outside there is a swimming pool, one side for adults and another for the kiddies.
I enjoyed these facilities so much that I decided to buy a monthly fitness membership. It is worth it especially the staff working inside. They are some of the nicest and friendliest people.
My Only Gripes…
As of writing, I think the in-room safe tucked inside the built-in closet is tiny. You can’t put a small laptop in it or even a full-size tablet. I’m sure Swissotel security is reliable and all. But a more up-to-date room safe wouldn’t hurt.
Swissotel is large, with plenty of space. It would be nice if they could add a playroom for children and young teens. As I mentioned I go to Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada frequently. And I can tell you there are many families with children staying as guests.
Surely Swissotel can find the space to put together a room filled with toys for young children and a gaming system for young teens.
Conclusion…
Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada is a fantastic 5-star hotel in Bangkok that I highly recommend. It’s in a great neighborhood. You can easily walk to the subway station. Plenty of metered taxis pass by because the hotel is near a major road.
I highly recommend staying at this hotel even if it’s just for a few nights and you want a 5-star hotel experience in Bangkok. It’s a terrific hotel near central Bangkok. And easy to get around the city to explore.
Read more reviews and find discounts for Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada on Agoda.com
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