The notorious Khao San Road has been attracting budget travellers since the 1980s, and is now Bangkok’s backpacker hub. Expect to see anything and everything on this short street that’s full to overflowing with hawkers, travellers, tour operators and revellers. By day you can pick up cheap clothes and jewellery, and at night you can get a Thai tattoo and party until the sun comes up.
In contrast to the serene atmosphere of the nearby Grand Palace, the Khao San Road is a riot of colour, people and noise. Scooters and tuk-tuks compete with pedestrians for space, and food stalls compete with fast food chains for your business. You can get everything from Thai to Indian to Israeli food here, along with the obligatory banana pancakes and Singha beer. Pull up stool and swap tales with your fellow travellers before heading to a bar or club when the sun goes down.
Despite appearances, Khao San Road dates back to the late 18th Century when Bangkok first became the country’s capital. For two hundred years it was just another street. This all changed in the 1980s when travellers started renting cheap rooms from the residents. Then the hit movie “The Beach” filmed its opening scene here, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Located in the Banglamphu district, Khao San Road is not on either of the inner-city train systems, so it’s best to get a tuk-tuk or taxi. You can also take a bus straight from the airport, or a ferry along the river. Very few places ever close on Khao San – it’s a 24 hour street.
