Not Your Typical Tourist

Phra Khanong has quietly become one of Bangkok’s most exciting culinary melting pots. With family in town, we spent a week hunting down the neighborhood’s best international bites. From a bakery run by a Paris croissant champion to a hidden German café steeped in a 75-year-old love story, and an artisan Japanese gelato shop that my niece declared “the best ice cream of her life,” here are three absolute must-visits on your next Sukhumvit food crawl.

Thailand

July 21, 2026 Not Your Typical Tourist

The Great Bangkok MRT Shift: What Expats & Commuters Need to Know

Bangkok’s public transport is undergoing a massive overhaul. With traditional MRT cards officially retired and the rollout of the new EMV contactless system in full swing, commuting in the capital has completely changed. From navigating the “Thai-only” Mangmoom card hurdles to avoiding hidden fees and switching delays at BTS interchanges, here is everything long-term foreign residents and regular commuters need to know to stay ahead of the changes.

Thailand

July 16, 2026 Not Your Typical Tourist

Stepping Back in Time at Thantawan Cafe (Samrong)

Tired of the usual cookie-cutter mall chains? Just a short distance from Imperial World Samrong lies a quiet neighborhood escape that feels like a time capsule. Opened in early 2025, Thantawan Cafe is a gorgeously preserved space that used to be an old-school sewing and embroidery supply shop. Read on to discover this peaceful breakout spot, where vintage old-world charm meets an excellent daily brew.

Thailand

July 14, 2026 Not Your Typical Tourist

Tsuru Udon: My Way (and the Only Way to Eat It)

I’ll be honest: I’ve never been a big fan of udon. But when a lunch date at Tsuru Udon’s original Thonglor branch introduced me to the concept of “Koshi”—the perfect, chewy rebound of freshly hand-pulled noodles—I was completely converted. From a rich, seasonal Kamatama Mentaiko Butter pivot to an aggressive insider tip on why you must always order the thick noodles, here is how a self-proclaimed udon skeptic found her perfect bowl.

Thailand

July 11, 2026 Not Your Typical Tourist

Fast-Food Yakiniku at Yakiniku Like (Central Ladprao)

We are a few years late to the party, but we finally traded the heavy Bangkok afternoon heat for the cool comfort of Central Ladprao to try Yakiniku Like. Known for its quick service and solo-dining concept, this Japan-born brand promises authentic, non-buffet charcoal-style BBQ with your own individual smokeless grill. From a free beef upgrade to a reckless amount of carbs we couldn’t resist finishing, here is our full review of how two people ate their fill for under 1,000 THB.

Thailand

July 8, 2026 Not Your Typical Tourist

Okinawa ChimChim: A Quaint, Authentic Taste of Ryukyu in Bangkok

While Okinawa Kinjo has long been our go-to for its massive menu, a weekend craving for something new led us to Okinawa ChimChim. Tucked away in a quiet house-setting near BTS Ekkamai, this charming spot instantly transports you to Japan. From the beautifully curated spaces to a unique seared pork dish served Ochazuke-style, the quality here took us by surprise. Read on for our full family review, vegetarian notes, and a crucial tip for finding them on MuvMi.

Thailand

July 8, 2026 Not Your Typical Tourist

Guide to the Mega Bangna Free Shuttle Bus (2026 Update)

Planning a shopping trip to Mega Bangna? If it’s been a few years since you last took the free shuttle bus from BTS Udom Suk, things look a little different in 2026! From strict passenger caps to a brand-new queue system, here is everything you need to know about the updated schedule, route adjustments, and a handy 8-baht backup plan.

Thailand

July 6, 2026 Not Your Typical Tourist

Behind the Waves: A Maiden Visit to Siam Amazing Park

Think Siam Amazing Park is only for childhood nostalgia? Think again. Driven by a massive resurgence in local crowds and a current national stimulus campaign, Bangkok’s legendary Suan Siam is experiencing a vibrant new chapter. From dodging the dual-pricing hurdle with long-term visa hacks to surviving the queues at the world’s largest wave pool, here is the ultimate strategic guide to planning a flawless day at the park.

Thailand

July 2, 2026 Not Your Typical Tourist

Escaping the Mall: Discovering Rum Café & Eatery, a Bangkapi Hidden Gem Since 1980

Need a break from the sterile chain restaurants inside The Mall Bang Kapi? Just a short walk away lies a lush, retro oasis that has been anchoring the neighborhood since 1980. Originally a luxury local bakery, Rum Café & Eatery now serves up a nostalgic mix of fresh pastries, comforting Thai-Western plates, and a mysterious signature coffee right beside the MRT Yellow Line. Step inside for an honest look at this multi-generational neighborhood favorite—and a crucial street-level walking tip to bypass the mall’s confusing detour.

Thailand

June 30, 2026 Not Your Typical Tourist

Stepping Into 1933: A Morning at Bangkok’s 93-Year-Old Legend, On Lok Yun

Tucked away near MRT Sam Yot, the legendary On Lok Yun has spent nearly a century serving up comforting, old-school breakfast platters and what might just be the fluffiest butter-sugar toast in the city. But the real magic of this multi-generational coffee shop isn’t just on the plate—it’s found in the heartwarming, boundary-defying hospitality of third-generation owner Uncle Chang.

Read our honest review (including a candid take for our Malaysian kopitiam lovers), check out the details on their elite, weekend-only traditional pandan custard, and find out how a simple morning meal here turned into our most unforgettable Bangkok experience yet.