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Khao San Road, a small and modest street in the heart of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has been rumored to be the largest ghetto of backpackers in the world. Much debated and discussions later, even if that status isn’t entirely verified, it is given that almost every traveler trailing Southeast Asia on a backpacking mission would pass through the infamously famous streets of Khao San Road.

 

Admittedly, Khao San is not a place where you would spend a lot of time on your trip to Thailand, but it is one of those places which is packed with adventures, night life, opportunities to connect with like-minded travelers, and endless budget stay options. All these reasons make Khao San a great base when exploring Bangkok.

How to Save Less and Do More?

 

Before we discover the secret alleys and tips and tricks to rock Khao San Road, let’s take a quick tour of the reasons why Khao San is such a hit amongst travelers, especially backpackers and budget travelers:

  • Budget Hotel, Dorms, and Crash pads – Accommodation, no doubt, is one of the trickiest and the most expensive part of any travel itinerary. Deciding where to stay and how to manage not spending a fortune of accommodation is a challenge us travelers face every time we sit to plan a trip. Khao San, because of its increasing popularity amongst budget travelers, is a mecca for cheap stays. Hostels, dormitories, guest houses, budget hotels – name it and you shall find it.
  • Eat Cheap – The streets of Khao San are filled with food stalls and restaurants. Although, it may be slightly difficult for vegetarians, non-vegetarians can make it a party any day of the week. From 30 cents a stick sausages to $1.50 a bowl chicken/pork noodle soup, you can treat yourself to a complete Thai treat in less than 5 US dollars.
  • Drink Locally – Chang, Singha and Leo are the most widely available and popular beer brands in the country. You can buy the same from a shop/restaurant at around $2 to $4 whereas the same costs just under $1.5 if you buy them from one of the many 7/11 outlets scattered around the district.
  • Shop at Night Markets – Thailand has gain quite the fame over the years for it’s shopping culture. Wherever you go in the country, you are likely to find at least one (or five) night markets, some known to tourists and some only locals can tell you about. The trick is to bargain your heart out. What you are offered at $10 can definitely be bought for $4 to $6 or even less if you are really good at haggling. Khao San, specially, is filled with such shopping stalls and stores, and you can find just about anything, if you look thoroughly and widely.
  • Use local transport – Being the tourist hub of Bangkok, Khao San is well-connected with the rest of the city and the country by tuktuks, trains, buses, and minivans. If you can’t a direct mode of transport, the chances are you can take a bus or a minivan to go somewhere closer and then change again to reach your destination. The streets of Khao San are lined with travel agencies who can help you plan your tour around the city and out of it in the most economical way possible.
  • Skip the Sim Card, Use Wi-Fi – All of Thailand, especially Bangkok, is widely connected through Wi-Fi. Your hostels, cafes, and even bars would have Wi-Fi and they are free to use 99% of the times. You can easily connect to a Wi-Fi network, speak to your loved ones back home, stay in touch with the rest of the world, and do your work in case you are a digital nomad.
  • Ask the locals – Where do you get the cheapest deals? Which market to go if you wish to buy fresh fruits and vegetables? What are the free places to visit? Befriending a local or even your hostel reception manager can take you a long way in finding these secret deals and tricks and save a lot of money, which you would otherwise be spending under the “tourist price”.

Typical Budget for a Stay Here

How much you spend on your travels is entirely up to your budget, and in this section, we have tried to list the typical costs associated with each aspect of your travel. A detailed section on your daily average expenses has been mentioned exclusively, however, below mentioned is some of the major aspects that you need to keep in mind while budgeting your travel.

Accommodation

Being the mecca for backpackers traversing through Bangkok, Khao San streets are filled with accommodation option ranging from really inexpensive budget hostels and dormitories to high-range five-star hotel chains.

Hostels and dormitories can be booked via various travel portals, some highly recommended ones are booking.com and hostelworld.com. The starting range for decent hostels (with or without breakfast) is $4 to $6 per bunk per night. A little over the backpacker’s budget would be the hostels with features such as a sun deck, library, lockers, laundry facility, and in-house restaurants and bars. These can cost you anywhere between $15 to $20.

You can also expect to find great mid-range hostels at under $10 to $15. Most hostels, irrespective of their budget range, offer free Wi-Fi, a 24 by 7 reception, and a travel desk with lots of information and pamphlets for things to do and see around the area.

If you are high-end traveler and enjoy pampering yourself to the finest luxuries of life, five-star properties such as Lebua, Le Meridian, Grand Hyatt and Siam Kempinski are located within 4 to 5 kilometers of Khao San Road and offer rooms for $150 to $300 for a double room per night.

Note: See accommodation recommendations here.

Food

One of the greatest things about Khao San, or most other countries in the South Asian circuit is the endless possibilities when it comes to food and beverages. Depending on whether you are a vegetarian or a meat lover, you can find cheap and yummy delicacies for under a dollar or you can pamper yourself to a full-fledged gala meal filled with all the treats Thai cuisine has to offer.

 

While a plate of Pad Thai (the national and most popular dish of Thailand it seems) can cost $2 to $5 at a street joint, you may end up paying $6 to $10 for the same at a high-end restaurant.

The above rule applies to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. A juice from a regular juice stall costs 50 cents as compared to $3 to $5 from a juice bar or eatery.

If you like your beers, be sure to stock them up from 7/11 outlets whenever you find a chance or you would almost always end up paying double the amount at a restaurant, bar, or a normal grocery store. Also, 7/11 serves them chilled – just as you would like your beer to be on a hot, sunny Thai afternoon.

Transportation

If you are taking a break from your journey and do not plan to go sightseeing around much, you can cover most of Khao San on foot, however, the area around Khao San is totally worth exploring if you are up for adventure and making memories. Also, being the center of Bangkok, Khao San is very well connected to the rest of the city as well as country by bus, train, minivans, and of course songthaews (tuk tuk in simple language).

The key to cheap, affordable and safe transportation in and around Khao San is to know that for every mode of transport they offer a regular class, a VIP class, and an express class (more or less the same for all). The price difference may not be huge but saving $6 to $10 per ticket or transport you take may take you a long way, especially if you wish to stick to a budget. Ignore the overpriced, smiley, faces and head straight to the bus/train/minivan terminals.

 

If you must take a tuk tuk, bargain hard!

Most buses and minivans leave from Ratchdamnoen Klang Road and Chatuchak Weekend Market. Unfortunately, there is no direct Sky train station around the area, which otherwise connects the whole city together.

Another interesting and quite picturesque way of travelling to and from Khao San is taking the Chao Phraya Express Boat which costs under a dollar.

If you are impatient and tired and couldn’t be bothered to wait for a bus or a boat, you can take a taxi to get to and around Khao San BUT always insist on boarding only a metered cab. Otherwise, you may end up paying double or triple the amount of the actual fare.

Sightseeing and Activities

Even though there aren’t any major tourist spots or famous sights on the street itself, Khao San is one of the oldest districts in neighborhood and a part of Rattanakosin which is also known as Rattanakosin island, and is the epicenter of Bangkok’s most important sights.

One of the greatest things about sightseeing in and around Khao San is the fact that most places of importance here can be visited for free!

Being a part of the old city, the surroundings of Khao San swarms with beautiful architecture, majestic wats (Thai for temples), antique shop houses, monuments, forts, and parks of several kinds. While most of these monuments, parks, and forts allow free entry, there are some sights which can charge you an exorbitant fee.

Wat Phra Kaew, and the Grand Palace, namely, are two of the most important sights to visit if you are in Bangkok. It is fair to say that your trip to Khao San isn’t complete unless you have visited these iconic landmarks of the old city. As much as we would like to recommend that you must not leave Bangkok without visiting these sights, mind you that they charge a whooping $12 entry fee.

When you walk the streets of Khao San or Bangkok in general, you will come across several Thai cooking schools, massage parlors, travel agencies selling adventure travel packages, and group tours. While indulging yourself into a rejuvenating massage at a legit massage parlor will cost around $4 to $8 for a head, neck, shoulder, back and foot for hour and half, a full body traditional Thai massage (be warned! It can be excruciatingly painful for the first timers) can cost between $12 to $18.

If you are interested in training yourself the basics of the world-renowned Thai cuisine, group and private cooking classes can be made available to you for $30 to $90 depending upon the nature, duration, and size of the class. Mostly, these classes run up to 4 to 5 hours and include a tour of the local market, introduction and history of the Thai cuisine and primary ingredients, and 2 to 4 dishes.

As mentioned repeatedly, Khao San is the core of all tourist related activities in Bangkok and thus, it is no surprise that the streets of Khao San are crowded with tour operators and agencies selling set and customized tour packages. Boat tours, Bike Tours, Historic city Tour, Temple Tour, and even day trips to Koh Phangan (the party central of South Thailand) can be arranged. These tours can cost anywhere between $30 to $120 per person. Group discounts may be availed if you can negotiate well.

Sadly, the increased number of tourist activities have also given rise to a number of scams in the area. Thus, it is best to research thoroughly before you book a package.

Shopping

Street stalls, weekend shopping markets, and malls are in abundance in the capital city of Bangkok. Khao San being the center has quite a few options with several budget brackets. Jewelries, books, textiles, souvenirs, handicrafts – you name it and you have it.

While you can buy those neon colored fancy Chang printed singlets and t-shirts for $3 to $5 at a weekend/night market, fashionable and vintage cloth items can be purchased from wholesale stores such as Indiana Bangkok for $10 to $45.

Avoid buying anything expensive at street stalls as they are almost always likely to be fakes. If you really want to silver jewelries and souvenirs, it is best to go to a proper store or a mall to guarantee authenticity of what you buy.

Once again, shameless haggling is the trick to shop at night markets and street stalls in and around Khao San (or the whole country for that matter).

Another attraction that tourists find themselves drawn to while in Khao San is the urge to get inked. One interesting fact about getting a Tattoo in Thailand (most parts of it at least) is that the rates quoted to you will be in an hourly basis and not as per the size and intricacy of your tattoo. Most established and legitimate tattoo parlors will charge between $45 to $100 per hour, and use the traditional Thai method of using bamboo for tattoo making. If you are a first timer, be sure that you are ready for the amount of pain!

Estimated Daily Budget

Assuming you stay in a hostel, eat locally, drink a couple of beers a day, and save your shopping for the end of the trip, you should be looking at spending around $15 to $25 in a day – $5 for your room/hostel bed, $10 for your breakfast, lunch and dinner, $5 for the beers, and $5 extra for your travel, shopping, and sightseeing.

This budget can easily go low or high depending on your money-saving skills and also the kind of money you have budgeted for your trip.

There can be occasional night-long parties (after all, you are in Khao San), a packaged tour, and a lavish meal once in a while.

Top Places to Visit at and around Khao San Road

As mentioned in the earlier section, Khao San is one of the oldest districts in neighborhood and a part of Rattanakosin area which is a pool of Bangkok’s best attractions. Despite the absence of any significant on the streets of Khao San itself, the area’s old-worldly charm and strategic location makes it convenient for visitors to explore the jewels of the city of Bangkok.

Below are the most important sights around Bangkok:

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace

The most important sight in the city of Bangkok is the compound of the Grand Palace, the official residence of the royal family, built over 218,400 square meters. The initial construction of this palace was initiated under the reign of King Rama I in the year 1782. Beautiful located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace compound consists of not just one structure but several buildings, pavilions, lawns and gardens, halls, and of course Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Even though the royal family does not reside here anymore, only a section of this palace compound has been made open to public, the rest are still functioning as royal offices. Wat Pho, across the street from the Grand Palace complex, is the famous Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Note: Be cautious of the Grand Palace is Closed scam and others here.

Location: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Distance from Khao San Road: 2.8 kilometers (approx.)

Mode of Transport: Foot, Taxi, Bus, Tuk Tuk

Timings: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Entry: $12

Bangkok National Museum

If you are visiting The Grand Palace and the Wat Phra Kaew, then the Bangkok National Museum must also be in the list. Established by King Rama V in the year 1874, the museum exhibits the most expansive collection of Thai art and history in Thailand and is the largest museum of its kind in Southeast Asia. The gallery was initially set up with the intention of featuring gifts and antiques bestowed upon King Rama V by his father King Rama IV, however, in the current time, it holds collections dating back to the Neolithic times. The exhibits include native Thai artifacts starting from Dvaravati and Srivijaya period to the Sukothai and Ayutthaya Period along with an extensive collection of regional Asian Buddhist arts. A significant piece in the museum’s collection is the inscription of the King Ram Khamhaeng which was recognized by UNESCO’s Memory of The World Program in the year 2003.

Other intriguing exhibits comprise Chinese weaponries, exquisite stones, woodcarvings, musical instruments, and a funeral chariot hall which features carriages that were used for royal cremations.

Location: Na Phrothat Road, near the Grand Palace

Distance from Khao San Road: 1.9 kilometers (approx.)

Mode of Transport: Foot, Taxi, Bus, Tuk Tuk

Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Wednesday to Sunday)

Entry: $1.20 per Adult and $0.60 per child

Democracy Monument

Located right in the middle of Bangkok, Democracy Monument is a public monument occupying a traffic circle on the east-west side of Ratchdamnoen Road. Designed by Maeo Aphaiyawong and shaped by Italian sculptor Corrado Feroci, the monument was appointed in the year 1939 to memorialize the 1932 Siamese Revolution. To the them military ruler of Kingdom of Siam, Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, the monument represented the new age Bangkok.

The Monument is a collection of 6 figures, each representing the Thai constitution, the four branches of Thai armed forces, one of the naga fountains, sculptural panel titled “Soldiers Fighting for Democracy”, another panel titled “Personification of the People”, and the last panel titled “Personification of Balanced and Good life”, respectively.

Location: Ratchdamnoen Road, Rattanakosin (Old City)

Distance from Khao San Road: 1.6 kilometers (approx.)

Mode of Transport: Foot, Tuk Tuk

Timings: Open 24 hours

Entry: Free

Phra Sumen Fort

One of 14 citadels established to protect the royal capital of Bangkok shortly after its foundation in the late 18th Century and one of the two last remaining original forts, Phra Sumen Fort is one of those edifices that are hard to miss. At around 20 meters high and 45 meters wide, Phra Sumen Fort’s three-tiered structure painted in white and old canons peeping from one of the peep holes almost shifts you back in time.

Unfortunately, the entry to the park is restricted to tourists and locals, however, most vistiors come here to get some time off from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a quiet, relaxing day in the adjoining park which overlooks the river.

Location: At the corner of Phra Arthit and Phra Sumen Road

Distance from Khao San: 900 meters (approx.)

Mode of Transport: Foot, Tuk Tuk

Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Entry: Not allowed but can be viewed and photographed from outside

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Supposedly claimed as the best floating market around the city of Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak is located over an hour outside the boundaries of the main city, but is totally worth a visit. The easiest way to explore the floating market is to book a tour with a legitimate travel operator. Your tour will start early in the morning so you can avoid the day heat and traffic and be at the market on time to catch the complete action.

Once you are at the pier, you will be guided to one of the many long-tail boats to take you to the floating markets. If you are a photography enthusiasts, it may be a good idea to prep your cameras at this point. As your boat floats across the narrow canals, you will observe small wooden houses sitting on the fringe of the river banks. Sit comfortably on your boats and have your cameras and wallets ready. As you continue in your exploration of the night market, several row boats filled with fresh fruits, flowers freshly prepared Thai dishes, and souvenirs will pass you by.

Though most of the things you find here can also be found at one of the many street markets, but the old-worldly charm of this rustic neighborhood is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Location: Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi

Distance from Khao San: 87.5 kilometers (approx.)

Mode of Transport: Sign up with a tour operator for best results

Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry: Return tours can be booked starting from $25

Top Things to Do at Khao San Road

Khao San Road is as crazy as it gets. The fun, the frenzy, the brightness, and the life – every nook and cranny of the streets of Khao San scream the adventure that you are guaranteed to have. Every year thousands of tourists arrive here with the hope of starting their great South East Asian escapade with a bang. So, while you are following on the same footsteps, why not create some insane memories?

Eat Like a Local

By local, we don’t mean Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice. Think more on the grounds of fried grasshoppers, scorpions, water-bugs (that are often confused with cockroaches), and even spiders! And, fried is not all, if you like them sweet, caramelized, or classic salted, that can be done too! If you are not into slimy, gooey particles in your mouth, we suggest you avoid the earthworms.

Drink Like a Fish

Thais love their beers. Although you would find your favorite brands easily, try a bottle of chilled Chang, Singha, or Leo – first, because its inexpensive, and second, because it’s absolutely amazing! The streets of Khao San are lined with bars, all serve chilled beers, classic cocktail buckets, and shots. With so much to enjoy, you are assured to have a gala of a night, a bit blurry even.

Party till Morning

Being the biggest backpacker district in the world, clubs and bars here stay open till wee hours into dawn. If you are a party animal, this place gives you all reasons to start early and party till the first rays of the sun blind your drunken senses. If you are traveling alone, half hour into your time at a pub on the streets of Khao San, you are likely to be welcomed by a group of travelers or locals to join the craziness with them.

Enjoy a Massage

 

Indulge into an hour of pure, out-of-the-world experience while a highly professional and apt masseuse runs her firm hands through every pressure point in your body, even the ones you didn’t know existed. Don’t fall for the shady ones though, they make the whole massage business in Thailand look bad. Consider yourself lucky if you find a parlor that offers a traditional Thai massage – be warned, it can be a bit painful at first but you will definitely feel the weight lifted off of your body by the end of it. Add that to a serene ambience filled with incense sticks, soft candle lighting, and the fragrance of the essential oils that cover your body, and you will have one of the best massage sessions of your life.

Shop and Haggle

Since Khao San is one of the most popular districts in Bangkok, the streets here are lined with shopping stores of all sizes and kinds. Then, there are the night and weekend markets. You can find almost everything here – fashion apparels, traditional clothes, vintage shops, antique sellers, jewelry stores, electronics, formal clothing, tour packages, and souvenirs. Keep in mind, that the stores may be a little overpriced due to their location in the popular district of Khao San.

Get a Tattoo

The number of tattoo parlors in Thailand, especially in Khao San, is mind-blowing. Services such as traditional Sak Yant tattoos, Bamboo Hand poked tattoos, and electric machine tattoos are offered at most prominent tattoo parlors. Getting a tattoo here is one of the most common activities backpackers like to get involved in, especially after a crazy drunken night.

Word of advice – Be sure of the parlors safety standards before you get a tattoo in order to avoid any rashes and skin infections.

Meet the Monks

Once upon a time in the history of Thailand, the current notorious streets of Khao San were considered a religious district. It all changed with time but if you are an early riser, take a walk on the streets, especially near temples, and you are most likely to find some monks on your way. They are very friendly and are happy to chat with you. Monks are not allowed to beg or hoard, so be generous and donate something to them – may be place a plate of fruits in front of them or leave some change in their bowl.

Make New Friends

 

The greatest thing about traveling is the opportunity to make new friends and acquaintances it brings along with it. Whether you are partying all night, joining a group for a city tour of Bangkok, or just roaming the street markets of Khao San alone, all it takes is a smile and a ‘hello’, and before you know it, you have spent the next three days exploring Khao San and the hidden secrets of Bangkok. Social media platforms make it easier to stay in touch even after you separate ways. Several love stories are bred through such travel encounters – if you are single and looking for that one true love, keep your eyes and heart open – you never know who you may find.

Where to Stay at Khao San Road?

In an earlier section of this Khao San guide, we talked about the various options you may find in terms of accommodation in and around the district. Even though Khao San road has been made popular worldwide as ‘all things backpacker’, it will be unfair to say that the area is deprived of luxury and mid-budget travelers. Keeping in mind the various budget levels and facilities you may look for while searching for the best place to stay during your visit to Khao San Road, we have categorized our top picks for you under four main types – hostels, budget hotels, mid-range hotels, and high-end properties.

Hostels

Price Range – 150 Baht to 300 Baht ($4 to $8)

  • Love Hostel: Located 600 meters from the main streets of Khao San, Love Hostel, despite its shady name, comes highly recommended by tourists all over the world. A popular hit among solo travelers, the hostel offers free Wi-Fi, a lounge, a café, and a terrace. The dormitory rooms are fitted with comfortable bunk beds, each with their own night light and charging socket. There is also a designated locker area where guests can keep their valuable items. A shared bathroom offers nice hot and cold shower.
  • Krit Hostel: One of the top-rated hostels around the area of Khao San Road, Krit Hostel offers mixed as well as female-only dormitory rooms to travelers. The hostel offers a snack bar, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, travel desk, on-site convenience store, a lounge area, balcony, and laundry service (chargeable). Dormitory rooms offer cozy bunk beds with individual reading lamps and power sockets. The curtains offer a feel of privacy even when you are sharing the room with others. Breakfast is included in the fee.
  • Bed Box Khao San Hostel: The top of the list hostel as per popular travel booking websites, Agoda, Bed Box Khao San Hostel is located right at the centre of the touristic haven of Khao San. The hostel offers mixed as well as female-only dormitory rooms which offers clean, contemporary bunk beds, shared bathroom with toiletries, a seating/lounge area, washing machine, and locker facility. The hostel also offers double, triple, and 4-bed private rooms with shared bathrooms at amazingly competitive prices.
  • Nacorn Hostel Khao San: The moment you enter the Nacorn hostel‘s bright and vibrant reception area, the smiling and friendly front-desk staff welcomes you to this wonderful hostel that offers all the modern facilities that you can think of in a hostel. 2 (female-only), 4 and 6 person dormitory rooms, standard twin and double rooms, and deluxe double room. All rooms are equipped with AC, bunk beds, shared bathroom, wake-up service, breakfast and tea/coffee area,seating area, and free Wi-Fi across the hostel.
  • Vivit Hostel: Another bright and lovely hostel adorning the streets of Khao San Road, Vivit Hostel offers cozy, well-maintained 4 bed mixed and female-only dormitory rooms, and double rooms with shared bathroom. The property offers free Wi-F across all rooms, AC, daily housekeeping, and includes free breakfast in the hostel tariff.

Budget Hotels

Price Range – 250 Baht to 700 Baht ($8 to $20)

  • Villa Guest House: If you are on a budget yet enjoy the comfort of a private room to relax your head and unwind from the crazy night you have just had partying in the wicked alleys of Khao San, Villa Guest house may just be the place for you. Basic yet beautifully decorated wooden single and double rooms, carefully crafted decorative pieces, large windows to keep the fresh air coming, and a highly traditional ambience makes the guest house a real catch amidst the hustling streets of Khao San. There is of course free Wi-Fi.
  • Darin Hostel: Even though the name says hostel, Darin offers you with spacious, well-furnished private rooms with private bathrooms. It’s located just 100 meters off of Khao San Road and has an in-house spa and massage parlor. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. If you are traveling with a partner or buddy, you can opt for twin beds or a queen bed all to yourself.
  • New Siam Guest House: New Siam Guest House is located at the Khao San Road and offers single as well as double rooms. You can choose an AC or a fan room depending upon your budget. The rooms are well-maintained, clean, and offer all the basic comfort that you require. The property offers free Wi-Fo across all rooms and the seating area. The in-house bar is an added incentive to staying at the property.
  • Baan Bangkok: One of the finest budget hotels around Khao San Road, Baan Bangkok offers a variety of guest rooms across its vibrant and friendly guesthouse – dormitory, queen room, standard rooms, family rooms, and superior family rooms. While the queen rooms are equipped with AC, dormitory beds and family rooms may or may not have fitted AC to suit your budget. Other facilities include daily housekeeping, free Wi-Fi in all rooms across the property, terrace, and seating area.
  • SS Hotel: Highly popular among guests because of their cleanliness and friendly staff, SS Hotel offers bunk bed in dormitories, twin and double bed rooms, as well as triple rooms. The guest rooms are well-equipped with all modern amenities such as AC, free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, en-suite bathroom, mini refrigerator, and a work desk.

Mid-Range Hotels

Price Range – 400 Baht to 1,000 Baht ($12 to $30)

  • Thanabhumi: Booking.com, one of the most trusted travel booking portals, rates this property an exceptional 9.5 out of 10. Located just 500 meters from Khao San Road, this Condo hotel offers you all the comfort of your home. It may not be super luxuries, but has all the necessary amenities that you would like to enjoy on your holiday at Khao San. The Thanabhumi apartments are equipped with AC, private bathroom, attached balcony, essential toiletries and a spacious work desk. There is a common lounge, washing machine to be used by the guests, free Wi-Fi across the property, and even RO water system in the lobby.
  • Sam Sen Sam Place: Built on a 100-year-old traditional Thai home, Sam Sen Sam has as much character in its personality as it has comfort. Guest rooms are equipped with twin or double bed, AC, TV, necessary toiletries, and some also include free breakfast. The antique home-cum-hotel has one of the most gorgeous patio for you to sit and enjoy your breakfast or a glass of wine while you finally get to read that book you brought along. There is also an in-house library, travel desk, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, and a lounge area.
  • Rambuttri Village Hotel: A 5-minute walk from the heart of Khao San Road, Rambuttri Village Hotel offers well-furnished, comfortable private rooms fitted with AC, private bathrooms with hot shower, personal safe, satellite TV, in-house massage centre, and an on-site travel agency to help guests make travel arrangements in and around Khao San. The star attractions of the hotel are its two rooftop swimming pools.

High-Range Hotel

Price Range – 2,000 Baht to 5,000 Baht ($60 to $150)

  • Millennium Hilton Bangkok: If you are one to enjoy the finest luxuries of life, Millennium Hilton, located on the banks of the very famous Chao Phraya river, approximately 3.7 kilometers from Khao San road, is the perfect address for you. The hotel offers a free boat service to the nearest BTS Sky train station. There are four restaurants, a 24-hour gymnasium, a best-in-the-class spa parlor, and an infinity pool. The guest rooms are equipped with the modernity of a luxurious lifestyle – a king-size bed, flat screen TV, AC, bathtub, safe, sitting area, minibar, refrigerator, and a work table. Additionally, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking if you are driving to the hotel.
  • The Raweekanlaya Bangkok: Built out of a property which was originally the residence of the royal governess of His Majesty King Rama VI and established in the late 1800’s, the Raweekanlaya Bangkok is located only 1.3 kilometers away from Khao San Road and is pure urban bliss. A 120-year old banyan tree decorating the gardens, guest rooms with refection of the old Siam period mixed with the modernity of the present-day Thailand, an outdoor swimming pool, a rejuvenating spa parlor, and the ever-friendly 24-hour front desk are the key ingredients in making this property one of the most popular of its kind. Aside from all the obvious comforts and amenities that the guest rooms are equipped with, the five-star property also has an in-house restaurant that serves some of the finest delicacies of Thailand and abroad.

Where to Eat at and around Khao San Road?

Southeast Asia is a food lover’s haven. No matter which country you pick or which city you visit, there will always a dozen things that you just can’t resist trying. And, before you know, some of these would become an addiction, so much so that you may end up planning your next holiday just to get a spoonful of that favorite dish. Thailand, like the rest of Southeast Asia, offers world-class cuisines and hides some of the best gems of Asian delicacies. Having said that, it is a well-known fact that too cherish a country’s true cuisine, you must try it the local way.

Below is a compilation of our recommendations for where to eat and where to get the best cocktails and mocktails when you are in the mood:

Pad Thai at the street markets of Khao San

Pad Thai is one of the most popular dishes available all across the country and in different variations. There is veggie Pad Thai, Shrimp Pad Thai, and chicken Pad Thai. However, the seafood Pad Thai or the shrimp Pad Thai is known to be the genuine one. There is a barely a restaurant or an eating joint which doesn’t feature the self-proclaimed national dish of Thailand.

Though, you can easily go to a fancy restaurant and enjoy a plate of Pad Thai, the best and the most inexpensive way to do it is to walk over to the market streets of Khao San and spot a Pad Thai stall. The dish is quite easy to make, given that you find the right ingredients – rice noodles, tofu, fish sauce, dried shrimp, garlic, palm sugar, and chili pepper. Served with sliced lime wedges and chopped roast peanuts, a plate of Pad Thai will cost you only $1.50 to $2.50.

Recommendation: Try the dish at Pad Thai Loong Pha located near the corner of Soi Samran Rat.

Kaeng Matsaman at Street Buffet Restaurants at Soi Rambuttri

If this is your first time in Thailand and at Khao San, and you are an absolute food junkie, this fleet of open air street buffets at Soi Rambuttri, just 5 minutes from Khao San, is where you need to be. Kaeng Matsaman, chicken and potato dipped in a sweet coconut milk curry, is one of the specialities. The buffets serve traditional Thai dishes such as the khai luuk kheuy (deep fried eggs in tamarind sauce), Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), and Pad Krapow Moo Saap (fried basic and pork served with rice), varieties of soups and curries, and of course stir-fries. You can also enjoy a bowl of chicken noodle soup, roast pork, spring rolls, and fresh fruit juices and smoothies. The cost of a buffet meal costs between $3 to $8.

Recommendation: Try a bowl of jok, a delicious rice porridge soup served with roast pork, liver, or intestines.

Beef Noodles at Nai Soey

Undoubtedly, one of the best places to serve beef noodles is the no frill restaurant at Phra Arthit Road, Nai Soey, named after its establisher, which has been serving the dish, known as kuay-tiao neua in Thai, for over 40 years. A special hit with Korean tourists, the standard version consisting of fresh beef, morning glory, fresh bean sprouts, and a choice of sen lek thin rice noodles), sen yai (wide noodles), or sen mee (vermicelli). You can also add dried chilies or vinegar soaked chilies to make your spicy. The bowl costs around $2 but you can try the braised beef tenderloin version for $3. They are open daily from 7 in the morning till 6 in the evening.

Recommendation: Ask for a glass of ice and enjoy a cup of iced chrysanthemum tea from the pot that’s left at every table.

Khao Mok at A-isa Rot Dee

A little difficult to find, A-isa Rot Dee is an assembly of food carts tucked secretly in a dark alley of Tani Road near Khao San Road, serving mouth-watering Muslim-Thai dishes. There are total of seven dishes available here and they are all nicely displayed as tempting images on the wall. There are food carts and respective veteran chefs, each specializing in one or maximum two dishes. Khao Mok, also known as biryani, a famous Muslim dish is the place’s specialty. Made up on rice seasoned with turmeric, chicken stock, and herbs along with chicken thighs or braised beef, the dish is best enjoyed with vinegar-soaked onions and tangy green mint chutney. Most dishes here cost around $1.50. It’s purely a hidden secret and the shop owners don’t speak much English.

Recommendation: If you are ordering more than one dish, try the kuay-tiao-gaeng (curry noodle soup) made of rice noodles of your choice, mild coconut curry broth spiced with cardamom, tofu, hard-boiled egg, with beef.

Fried Roti at Roti Mataba

There is barely a food guide or blog about the best food in Bangkok that doesn’t feature this gem! Founded in 1943, way before Khao San gained its popularity as the ‘mecca for backpackers’, Roti Mataba has been serving delectable stuffed rotis for over 60 years. Originally a Muslim dish brought to Thailand by Abdul Kareem, a south Indian, the family has been running this modest yet famous restaurant with all its traditional charm and appetizing delicacies. With such an extensive menu comprising of tandoori items, Indian curries, chicken specialties, and mataba with fish and beef stuffing, you are bound to get confused while you slurp secretly. Located right across the street from Phra Sumen Fort, this eating joint is one you must not leave out.

Recommendation: Try the banana roti made up of roti stuffed with chunks of banana and a side of sweet condensed milk (a great breakfast item).

Veggie Delights at Ethos

There is no shame in being a vegetarian in Asia or anywhere else in the world for that matter. In fact, a lot of travelers switch to a vegetarian diet during their travels, not only to save on the budget but also to avoid stomach infections. However, sadly, the options for vegetarians in this part of the world as compared to non-vegetarians is quiet low. But, if you are travelling in Bangkok and staying at Khao San, Ethos is the solution for all your veggie problems. Frequented by travelers, the eating joint has a south Thailand vibe – perky world music, wooden furniture, low-lying tables with rugs and cushions, red lanterns, and a laid-back atmosphere. Ethos is famous for its range of mean vegetarian delicacies, often complimented with an impressive non-alcoholic beverage menu. Wi-Fi works great here so you can finally respond to the pending work emails, share photos of your crazy night at Khao San on Instagram, and speak to your dear ones back home over video calls.

Recommendation – Try the veggie lasagna for lunch, chocolate fudge cake for dessert, and an herbal tea to give your afternoon a successful wrap.

Jungle Curry at Steve Café and Cuisine

Located on the banks of Chao Phraya River and nestled amidst one of the most picturesque settings in the chaotic city of Bangkok, Steve Café and Cuisine is definitely a place to unwind the evening if you have just arrived from a hectic leg of your travel or are venturing into one soon. A little overpriced due to its prime location, the restaurant offers brilliant views of the Rama VIII bridge and the river itself. The chef is known for his highly-delectable range of southern Thai dishes such as the Gaeng Pa, jungle curry for tourists, which is made up of lime peel and leaves, garlic, green peppercorns, lemongrass, eggplant, chili, and pork/chicken. Other options in the menu include seafood and western Thai dishes. Most dishes cost between $2.50 to $10. The settings of this lace also make for a beautiful wine-and-dine evening with your partner.

Recommendation: Try the som tam style salad, prawn spring rolls, pad pak sataw with prawns.

Where to Drink and Party at and around Khao San Road?

Whether you are a party animal or not, staying at Khao San Road will make you want to party like there is no tomorrow, at least once during your visit. And, how could you not? After all, this is where history is created every day by hundreds of travelers with a wanderlusting soul and passion to conquer the world.

Though, our personal favorite and in fact the most amazing idea is to drink and party at one of the street-side bars that litter the pavements of Khao San Road, we have listed some of the most popular clubs, bars, and party joints in and around Khao San. See below our list.

The Club

Address: Khao San Rd, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Timing: 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM

Type of music: Trance, techno, house

Entry: Free

Regarded as one of the most popular clubs in Bangkok, the Club has all the ingredients required for the making of a perfect party ambience. It’s theme, kept in accordance with the likes of Ibiza, London, and New York, is a hit among the youth of Thailand as well as westerners. The club has a huge dance floor so you don’t need to worry about being cramped in a tiny hole. There is also a huge room for sitting and making friends, a small chill-out zone, a smoking room, and of course, a bar. There is also a raised platform (if you wanted to show off those Beyoncé-like moves) surrounding the DJ station. The disco lighting and smoke machines complete the package with amazing effects.

A bottle of beer costs $3 while a jug of beer costs $6. Bring your ID in case you look too young for your age.

Mulligans Irish Bar

Address: 265 Khao San Rd, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Timing: 24/7, seven days a week

Type of music: Live music every day from 10:00 PM followed by bands and live DJs

Entry: Free

No matter which day of week or which week of the month it is, if you want to party, Mulligans has its doors and arms open for you. The pub and restaurant is undoubtedly one of the most famous joints at Khao San. There is something fun and adventurous and never-seen-before event every night.  And, if you happen be here during St. Patrick’s Day, you are in for a true Irish evening filled with cold beers, tasty food, and crazy parties. If you are not drunk enough to start dancing, gulp your Guinness ($8 for a pint) while you beat your opponent in a game of pool. There are arcade games for your enjoyment and 10 huge screens streaming sports events from across the world. Food here, even though expensive as compared to eating on the streets of Khao San, is simply worth dying for. The Irish stew, Beef and Guinness Pie and the signature tender Lamb Shank  are a must-try.

Enjoy happy hours daily from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM and 2:00 AM to 4:00 AM on selected draught beers (approx. $3) and cocktails (approx. $2.50). Check their website for brand specific details.

Bombay Blues

Address: Towards the end of Soi Rambuttri, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Timing: 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM (closed for renovation until September 1st, 2017)

Type of music: Bollywood

Entry: Free

Another gem of Khao San, Bombay Blues is a modest but famous Indian restaurant that serves some of the best Indian bar and restaurant in Bangkok. Specially known for its food, cozy seating space, and crazy weekend Bollywood parties, Bombay Blues also has a well-equipped bar on the lower level. If you are up for a Bollywood adventure, try the jelly shots or share a bucket with your friend (if you feel generous). And when it’s finally time, shake that body of yours to some groovy Indian chartbusters. When all is said and done, and you want to relax a bit, order a hookah and enjoy it on the quiet rooftop.

The place is under renovation but will be back in business starting September 1st, 2017 so if you are planning your trip after the grand re-opening, be sure to pay a visit and enjoy the spice in your mouth and life that India is so famous for.

Gulliver’s Traveler’s Tavern

Address: 2/2, Khao San Road, Talat Yot,  Phra Nakorn, Bangkok, 10200

Timing: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM

Type of music: American “pop-hop”, latest commercial chartbusters

Entry: Free

How do you miss a place which literally has a tuk-tuk perched over its entrance? Yeah, you don’t! Gulliver’s Traveler’s Tavern is one such place that brings out the party beast in even the most decent person in the bar. In the day, the tavern is just another sports bar with big screens playing international sporting events, pool tables, and a seating area. Come dusk, the place shines with bright neon lights and all the latest musical hits that you would like to dance on. Gulliver’s is a great hit amongst backpackers and is normally packed quite fast. The tavern also has a quitter top level where you can sit, relax, and enjoy a bottle of beer or a glass of cocktail. Gulliver’s is one of the original drinking holes of the Khao San district so its popularity and laid-back charm has come a long way.

Gulliver’s is highly popular with locals, tourists, and expats, and thus, a great opportunity for you to meet different kind of people and have great conversations.

The Brick Bar

Address: 265, Khao San Road, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Timing: 7:00 PM to 1:30 AM

Type of music: Ska-style, Thai Indie, Reggae, Pop covers

Entry: Free on weekdays, $9 on weekends

A bit of a legend among tourists and locals alike, the Brick Bar is the place to be if you are a sucker for live music bands and dancing on table tops. One of the very few places in Khao San strip where you may be outnumbered by locals, the restaurant and bar has a huge basement, and you must come early if you wanted to secure a table close to the band. To secure a table for a night, you need to order a bottle of something with ice and mixers – it’s cheaper than ordering $3 beers and $7.50 cocktails all night. Though there are several live bands in action, the larger-than-life house band is the one you should be looking forward to.

Get rid of those flip flops and show your dance moves atop a table – it’s not only acceptable but highly encouraged.

Top Experiences you can’t miss when at Khao San

Every country has a lot of experiences and memories to offer you, some good and some not-so-good. Whatever be the nature, these memories definitely make up for interesting travel stories that we share with people we meet on the road and our family and friends when we go back home. Thailand is one such place which is filled with experiences and moments in every nook and corner.

Let’s look at some of the can’t-miss moments that you must experience when you are in and around Khao San Road:

Riding the Sky Train

Though there is no direct sky train connection to Khao San road, the rest of the city is well-connected with the Bangkok Mass Transit System, otherwise known as BTS or the sky train. Siam, Ratchathewi, and National Stadium are the closest BTS stations to Khao San. Once you are at any of them, traversing through the busy streets of Bangkok becomes a piece of cake. No matter how far you have to go and how humid it is, board one of the sky trains and enjoy traveling the high-speed, AC trains to your next destination.

Go on a Shopping Frenzy at Chatuchak Market

The streets of Thailand are filled with night bazaars and weekend souks, and to gain the popularity of being the largest street market in Thailand is quiet a title that Chatuchak has achieved with its range of over 10,000 stalls and 200,000 daily visitors. Arguably, this mammoth-sized weekend market is the place where you must be for all your shopping needs – there is almost nothing you can’t find here if you have the patience to stroll through all its stalls. Haggling is the main key to any shopping here. Even though Chatuchak is a weekend market, Jatujak plaza, a section of the market is open throughout the week.

Cruise on a boat along the Chao Phraya River

If there is one surreal experience in Bangkok which you may or may not get anywhere else, its taking a boat or a diner cruise with your beloved down the pictorial beauty of Chao Phraya river. A major lifeline for the locals who work on the boats, Chao Phraya, also named as “the river of kings’ by King Rama I is a sight to behold – skyscrapers and historical monuments at one side and simple wooden shacks raised on the river on the other, there is no place else which can truly depict the balance of life. Book a dinner cruise or a long-tail boat for just the two of you if you are here to make lifetime memories with your partner.

To enjoy the best of Chao Phraya, take the tourist hop-on-hop-off boat for $4.50 and get unlimited trips to the nine prominent piers of Chao Phraya. They run daily between 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Climb the unfinished Sathorn Unique Tower

Once considered as one of the fanciest and most brilliant projects in the city of Bangkok, the unfinished Sathorn Unique Tower was meant to be a 49-storey skyscraper before the construction was put on hold due to the 1997 financial crisis that hit Asia pretty bad. The edifice was supposed to be a condominium complex with around 60 units, however, the halt in the plan left it only 80% completed but a famous derelict in Bangkok nonetheless. Put on your climbing shoes, pack your cameras, tip the guard and get ready for the climb of a lifetime. The views of Bangkok city from the top of the building is worth the strenuous climb.

Feast your taste buds at China Town

Almost every established city in the world map has its version of a China Town, how could Bangkok be any less? You know you are here when you walk through those massive ceremonial Chinese gates and past the dragon statues and Chinese inscriptions. The streets of China town are packed with food stalls and restaurants, and we bet, this is the largest compilation of Chinese food you will find in the entire city of Bangkok. If you happen to be Chinese cuisine lover, this definitely is your utopia. The place is also known for its gold, so if you are on the lookout to buy some, you can look around here.

Get a Hangover at the Skybar, Lebua, Bangkok

Remember Hangover Part II? We bet you do. The stunning wedding location in Krabi, the Gogo bars, and the speedboat over Chao Phraya river are hard to miss, especially if you have been a fan of the series and are visiting the city after you have watched the movie. While you may or may not be in a position to retrace the steps of your favorite actors from the movie, there is one thing you can definitely do – try the Hangovertini which was specially crafted for the crew of Hangover II while they were filming the movie on this bar and restaurant situated on the 64th floor of Lebua hotel – the highest open-air bar in the world.

Water fight during Songkran

Every year, Thailand celebrates the arrival of a New Year from 13th to 15th of April with fun, galore, and affection. The most popular festival in Thailand, Songkran is generally celebrated by splashing water on friends and family members and visiting temples together. The country is packed during the festive time so you have to make your reservations well-in-advance for hotels if you plan to arrive here for the festival. Be sure to play by rules, use only clean water, carry a waterproof bag in case you are carrying your gadgets along, dress decently considering you will get wet and light clothes may become transparent, and definitely carry a waterproof camera.

Tips and Tricks to Move Through Khao San & Bangkok Swiftly

One of the easiest ways to know a city or a country is to befriend a local, but with strict timelines it may be a bit difficult to do so. If you are traveling through SE Asia and Khao San is just a pit-stop, the suggestions made above would take you a long way, but if you are planning to join the ever-increasing list of expats who have been flocking the country in recent times, there are a few more things you need to know to make the best out of your Khao San experience.

Look for a fully-furnished apartment

If you are a digital nomad and plan to say in Khao San for over a month, the easiest and the most affordable option is to rent an apartment which is equipped with the necessities that you would need in your home. A working kitchen, laundry facility, Wi-Fi access, and easy transportation are some of the facilities that you need to look for when hunting down an apartment. A lot of budget guest houses and hostels offer a reduced package if you stay for longer so don’t hesitate to bargain with the reception manager if you really like th place you are staying at.

Volunteer and Work Visas

 

Thailand offers volunteer visas to the citizens of a lot of countries and it is fairly very easy to get. Search for volunteer options of sites such as WWOOF, HelpX, and HelpStay for suitable volunteer opportunities and apply well in advance. Once selected, most of the establishments help you in acquiring a 90-volunteer visa which you can renew as many times as you would like. Helping as an English teacher is one of the most convenient and widely sought-after options in the country.

Take up a Language Course

Another great alternative in spending as much time as a year in the country is enrolling yourself into a recognized university for a language course in Thai. Most universities offer a one-year course which means you can stay, study, and earn in the country for one-year without having to worry about leaving or making frequent visa runs. The chances of getting job opportunities once you know the national language also increase thrice as much.

Avoid the tuk tuks if you can Walk

The streets of Khao San are swarmed with tuk tuk drivers. If you ask them about a particular destination, chances are that they will claim it to be far away and offer to take you there for an exorbitant fee. The safest way to escape that is to check on Google maps or get an idea from one of the many city maps available at your hotel reception area. This way you will always know where you are headed and can walk without having to pay so much.

Avoid drugs, prostitution, and any illegal activities

The ‘land of smiles’ has gained an ill-reputation over the last few decades as the ‘sex capital of Asia’. It is due to the many GoGo bars and lady boys lining up the streets of Bangkok, and especially touristy areas of Khao San. Even though tourism is one of the main sectors of Thailand, the laws of the country are still very strict to any sort of violence, drug usage, and prostitution. Stay away from all such nuances and enjoy a peaceful, enjoyable holiday.

Cultural Do’s and Don’ts of Bangkok, Thailand

It is not unfair to say that the ‘land of smiles’ is the holy ground for backpackers, paradise for expats and retirees, and the stuff that great travelogues are made of. As friendly as the residents of the country are, they respect and value their culture and traditions a lot more than they value their tourist influx. This is not to say that will ever be hostile or disrespectful towards visitors to their motherland ever, but perhaps this section can help us be a better traveller and pay our respects to the country that we plan on visiting.

Below are some of the common cultural do’s and don’t when visiting Khao San Road or Thailand in general:

Don’t talk about The King and Don’t disrespect him (ever!)

You weren’t probably planning on disrespecting anybody but let’s just say that Thais live by the words and wisdom of their King. The residents of Thailand are very sensitive towards their King and will take offence if there is any sign of disregard or disrespect towards their King. Also, as the currency has the King’s image imprinted on them, it is never a good idea to stomp your feet on them or disdain the currency.

The Wai

The Wai is the most common and popular gesture which is used to greet, apologise, express gratitude, or bid goodbye in Thailand. The gesture is made by slightly bowing your head down with your palms pressed together in front of your chest (like a prayer position or namastey position in yoga).  If greeting or expressing gratitude, complement your Wai with a slight smile and bow of the head and you will be surprised at how much you will be appreciated among the locals.

Don’t sit with your feet pointed towards anyone

According to Thai culture, your head is the holiest part of the body and the feet is considered as dirty. Sitting with your feet pointed towards someone or touching someone using your feet is considered highly disrespectful. Also, touching someone’s head is considered inappropriate, irrespective of whether the other person is a child or an adult. As mentioned, this is because the head is considered sacred.

Don’t shout or raise your voice

The most significant cultural value for a Thai resident is to save his honour and dignity. At any point, whether you are angry, trying to prove a point, or just bargaining, do not raise your voice, Saving their faces is the most important factor for any Thai national.

Keep your clothes on, take the shoes off

Whether you are visiting a temple or somebody’s home for a casual dinner, remember to keep your shoes off at the door. It’s a sign of respect. Also, when visiting a temple, follow the common code of conduct for wearing clothes, i.e., keep your shoulders and legs covered and don’t wear anything that you were planning to wear to a party or on a beach.

 

Stop for the National Anthem and Keep your cool at all times

Everyday, at 8 in the morning and 6 in the evening, the speakers across the streets of Thailand blare the Thai National Anthem to encourage nationalism and denote patriotism. You would notice all the pedestrians around you stopping what they were doing and standing still during the national anthem as a show of respect towards the anthem as well their nation. Though no one will stop you if you wish to keep walking or doing what you were doing, showing the same respect and standing still will earn you your fair share of respect and appreciation. Additionally, when in Thailand, you have to understand that Thais believe in a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle. ‘Mai Pen rai’ or ‘Never mind’ are words that you will hear almost everyday during your stay in the country. So, while you are in Thailand, don’t fret over anything and don’t forget add an element of fun and relaxation to everything you do.

One of the very few countries in the world which has no history of war crimes, brutality and hostility, Thailand is truly known as the ‘land of smiles’ as the natives of the country, no matter which part you visit, are always smiling, always helpful, and always up for a conversation. This is one of the main reasons that the country is also listed as one of the top choices for solo travelers.

When communicating with a Thai, there are a few basic things that you need to keep in mind such as never to shout at them – that is not only considered rude but highly disrespectful, never face your feet towards someone – especially if you have been invited to a local’s home or a temple, always say everything with a smile, and learn basic Thai words.

Learning the basics of a language makes travel easier no matter where in the world are you. Opening words such as Sawadee Kha (Hello), Sabai Di Mai (How are you? /Are you well?), Khop-khun-kha (thank you), and Hen-khun-nayi-phaylang (see you later) some of the common phrases you can use in your conversation.

Keep in mind, Khao San may undoubtedly be the ‘mecca for backpackers’ and Thailand may be one of the most modern, friendly, and westernized countries in Asia, the culture values its traditions like no other. And, it is only fair to respect and value a countries’ culture and tradition, if not for yourself, then for the sake of many other travelers who would walk the route after you and would want to enjoy the ethnicity of this beautiful nation.

Last but not the least, hope this extensive guide of everything Khao San helps you plan your trip better and you have the time of your life wandering the wicked streets of Khao San Road.

Happy exploring!