KHAO SAN ROAD

Explore Khao San Road, located in the heart of Bangkok, and a famous spot loved by backpackers. Stretching for 410 meters, this vibrant street is filled with street food stalls, shops, restaurants, and much more. It is a bustling place, especially at night, with famous night markets offering a variety of items.

When planning your Thailand trip, must include a visit to Khao San Road, known as a Bangkok backpacker central, located in the old city of Rattanakosin. Although a place without any historical significance or any natural beauty, this vibrant part of Bangkok with its easy access to the Chao Phraya River Express boats is forever filled with people. Tourists visit the series of streets comprising the Khao San Road to eat, shop, stay and enjoy interaction with local people.

If you are a shopaholic and love getting attractive discounts on your purchase, you will be delighted to visit this road, which is a market in itself. The street has no vehicle traffic and the roads are lined with vendors selling every possible item starting from clothes to electronics to travel gears or more. 

The street is also an excellent place to taste various kinds of food starting from pizzas, hamburgers, spring rolls, hummus, falafel and of course, lots of authentic Thai food, from vendors lined up on the streets. 

Khao San Road is well-known for its nightlife and if you are looking forward to getting a taste of the Thai nightlife and mixing with the locals to get a glimpse of Thai culture, this is one of the best places to be. Highlights of the nightlife in Khao San Road include the cavernous Lava Club and the rooftop Gazebo that has been voted to be one of the best bars in the world.

Highlights

• Visit the backpacker’s haven, a vibrant and colorful part of Bangkok in the streets of Khao San Road.
• Go on a shopping spree and shop for anything you want, starting from clothing, CDs, DVDs, books, travel and camping gear etc.
• Taste authentic Thai food along with hamburgers, pizzas, spring rolls and more. Visit the popular Israeli restaurant to taste authentic hummus and falafel.
• Look for a place to stay at a budget price. Opt for a primary backpacker’s room or go for a boutique-style place.
• Visit at night to get a taste of the nightlife in Bangkok and go to any one of the numerous bars and clubs to enjoy some delicious drinks along with shisha pipes.
• Dance the night away in some of the clubs with live bands playing peppy numbers.
• Interact with the locals and get a glimpse of routine Thai culture.
• Explore street food stalls for traditional Thai treats, including Pad Thai and fried insects.

How To Reach

1. By Bus: Take a bus directly to Khao San Road from any part of the city. Some of the buses that operate here are buses A4, S1, 3, 6, 15, 19, 30, 32, 64, 65, 82, 516 and 52.

2. By Boat: Head to Sathorn Pier and board a northbound boat at the pier, departing every few minutes for Phra Arthit Pier. The boat ride lasts approximately 35 minutes.

3. By Train: Take a train from Bangkok’s central hub to Hua Lamphong Railway Station. Once at the station, you can take a bus or taxi to Khao San Road which is just a short distance of 4-5 kilometres away.

4. By taxi or tuk-tuk: you can hop on a taxi or tuk-tuk for a convenient and enjoyable ride from any part of the city. If you are going from Hua Lamphong Railway Station, the journey usually takes around 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Best Time To Visit

Khao San Road attracts visitors with its vibrant energy and diverse offerings all year round. Visit during the weekends when the energetic ambience is amplified. Thus Friday and Saturday are ideal if you are looking for a vibrant nightlife and social atmosphere. This spot is busy all day long, and you can visit at any time. However, if you are looking for a fantastic nighttime shopping experience, the ideal time to arrive is in the evening around 5 PM.

Other Essential Information

1. As a popular spot, be mindful of the crowds and stay vigilant against pickpockets. 

2. When shopping, keep in mind that some shopkeepers may quote higher prices for tourists, so bargaining can ensure a more budget-friendly experience.

3. Experience the serene tradition of locals quietly offering gifts to monks in the early morning or late at night; if you wish to donate food, place it respectfully in front of them or in their basket.

4. If you are going there by taxi, ask the driver for a metered fare to Khao San Road.