Khao San Road
Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand, 10200
Head to Khao San Road to immerse yourself in the heart of Bangkok’s budget backpacker scene. Explore a road packed with budget and mid-range hotels, bars and nightclubs, travel company offices, markets, and other tourist facilities. It’s a convenient place to base yourself while staying in Bangkok, or to head for a meal and nightlife.
The Basics
Come to the half a mile (1 kilometer) stretch of Khao San Road, which passes through Banglamphu, to try local restaurants and street food, shop markets selling clothing and souvenirs, experience all kinds of music and nightlife entertainment, and perhaps spend the night. You'll be in the company of other tourists and young, artsy Thais. The road (sometimes written Khaosan Road) is near the old town area attractions such as the Grand Palace, Golden Mount, Giant Swing, and National Gallery.
Khao San Road is the starting point for many guided tours of the Old Bangkok area, including cycling, walking, and tuk-tuk tours. Nightlife tours around Khao San Road are also a good option for solo travelers who want to meet people and check out Bangkok’s bar scene in the safety of a group.
Things to Know Before You Go
To take a tuk-tuk from Khao San Road, it's advisable to walk a bit away from the area to avoid being overcharged.
Book accommodations ahead of time, if possible, for the best prices.
Despite its ultra-budget reputation, you can also find some three-star accommodations on Khao San Road.
How to Get There
There are no Skytrain or Metro stations in Banglamphu, but it is connected to the rest of the city by express boat and bus, as well as taxi. It’s also a hub for longer-distance travel, with some coaches to other parts of Thailand leaving from the area.
When to Get There
To experience its more peaceful side, head to Khao San Road in the cool of the early morning. During the day, check out the markets and shops, and sample street food. At night, the bars and clubs are open late. Thai New Year, or Songkran, is especially vibrant around Khao San Road—prepare to get wet!
Visit the Grand Palace
Not far from Khao San Road is the Grand Palace. The complex is full of ornate, sparkling temples, as well as the Emerald Buddha, one of the most important Buddha statues in the country. The Grand Palace is very popular with travelers, and is an absolute must-visit attraction.
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