Khao San Road is a haven for backpackers in the middle of Bangkok.
If you’re going to Bangkok as a traveler, you may have heard of a small street called Khao San Road. It is a backpacker’s paradise in the middle of the city, with cheap rooms, good food, and a lively atmosphere. But what is Khao San Road, and what is so special about it?
Since the 1980s, Khao San Road in Bangkok’s Banglamphu neighborhood has been known as a hub for backpackers. It used to be a quiet street for residents, but as more and more travelers used it, it slowly turned into the busy, chaotic street we see today. Khao San Road is now full of guesthouses, restaurants, bars, street food vendors, and shops that sell everything from souvenirs to DVDs that have been copied.
One of the best things about Khao San Road is that it is cheap. Travelers on a budget can stay in guesthouses or hostels, which range in price from a few dollars per night to about $20 for a private room. Food is also very cheap. For just a few dollars, street vendors sell everything from pad thai to fresh fruit smoothies.
Khao San Road isn’t just a cheap place to stay and eat, though. It’s a place where people from all over the world come together to share their stories and experiences. As you walk down the street, you’ll hear different languages and accents, and you’re likely to meet people from all over the world.
Khao San Road is full of different kinds of people and cultures, and it also has a lot of ways to have fun. Bars and clubs stay open until the early hours of the morning on this street, which is known for its busy nightlife. If you don’t want to drink and dance, you can go to one of the many movie theaters on the street or do some shopping at one of the shops that sell everything from Thai handicrafts to fake designer goods.
Khao San Road is also a great place to start exploring the rest of Bangkok if you want to have a more real Thai experience. Several important temples and other cultural sites, like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, are just a short walk away from the street. The Skytrain and subway also make it easy to get to other parts of the city.
Even though Khao San Road is known as a haven for backpackers, it has something for tourists of all ages and budgets. Khao San Road is a must-see in Bangkok, whether you’re a student on a tight budget or a retiree who wants to learn about a new culture. So pack your bags, buy your plane ticket, and get ready to experience the chaos and charm of this famous street in the heart of Thailand.
Here are some of the activities that you can do in Khao San Road:
- Explore the street markets: Khao San Road is famous for its street markets, which offer a wide variety of products such as clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and food. You can spend hours browsing through the stalls and bargaining with the vendors.
- Try the street food: Khao San Road is a foodie’s paradise, and you can find a range of street food options from classic Thai dishes to international cuisine. Some of the popular dishes include pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and grilled meats.
- Get a Thai massage: There are many massage parlors in Khao San Road where you can get a traditional Thai massage. This type of massage involves stretching and pressure techniques that are designed to relax your muscles and improve your circulation.
- Visit the temples: Khao San Road is located near several important temples such as Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho. You can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi to these temples and admire the stunning architecture and artwork.
- Go bar hopping: Khao San Road has a vibrant nightlife scene with many bars and clubs. You can explore the different venues and enjoy a drink or two with your friends.
- Take a cooking class: You can also take a Thai cooking class in Khao San Road and learn how to make some of the delicious Thai dishes that you have been enjoying.
These are just a few of the activities that you can do in Khao San Road. There is always something happening in this bustling district, so be sure to explore and discover all that it has to offer.
Here are five popular bars on Khao San Road:
- Brick Bar: A popular spot for backpackers, Brick Bar offers cheap drinks, pool tables, and a lively atmosphere. The bar plays a mix of Western and Thai music and often has live performances.
- Gulliver’s Tavern: Gulliver’s Tavern is a well-known sports bar on Khao San Road. The bar has multiple screens showing live sports events, as well as a pool table and a dart board. Gulliver’s also serves pub food and a range of drinks.
- The Club: As mentioned earlier, The Club is an underground nightclub that’s popular among partygoers. The club has a great sound system and often hosts international DJs.
- Hippie de Bar: Another popular bar on Khao San Road, Hippie de Bar has a laid-back vibe and a friendly atmosphere. The bar serves a range of drinks and often has live music or other entertainment.
- The Roof Bar: As mentioned earlier, The Roof Bar is located on the top floor of the Boutique Hotel Casa Nithra and offers a great view of Khao San Road. The bar serves cocktails and other drinks, and often has live music or DJ performances.
While Khao San Road is a popular tourist destination in Bangkok, there are a few things to be cautious about when visiting:
- Scams: As with any tourist destination, there are scammers who may try to take advantage of unsuspecting visitors. Be cautious of anyone who approaches you with an offer that seems too good to be true, and always be aware of your surroundings.
- Pickpocketing: Khao San Road can get very crowded, especially in the evenings, so be mindful of your belongings and keep them close to you. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and important documents with you.
- Noise and crowds: Khao San Road is a bustling area with lots of bars and nightlife, which can make it noisy and crowded at night. If you’re staying in the area, be sure to bring earplugs to help you sleep.
- Traffic: Bangkok is known for its busy streets and traffic, so be careful when crossing the road and always use designated pedestrian crossings.
- Drugs: Despite being illegal in Thailand, drugs are sometimes offered to tourists in Khao San Road. Do not get involved with drugs as it can result in severe legal consequences.
By being cautious and aware of these potential issues, you can still have a safe and enjoyable time in Khao San Road. Remember to always trust your instincts and use common sense when traveling in unfamiliar places.