Thailand is a popular holiday destination. People who have already visited the exotic country will definitely tell you about Khaosan Road Bangkok. The street in the very center of the capital is known for conflicting information. But it is unlikely that even one foreigner who came to the city, bypassed it. All travel guides include Khaosan Road in the list of must-see attractions.
Khaosan Road is located in Banglampu district. Today, this pedestrian zone is famous for the fact that numerous and inexpensive establishments are located on its territory:
- guest houses, hostels, small private hotels;
- cafes and restaurants;
- shops and souvenir stands (you can buy everything from keychains to clothes with the country’s symbols);
- open-air massage parlors;
- mobile makashnitsa constantly offer passersby drinks and food;
- tuk-tuks (three-wheeled vehicles) that will take tired pedestrians to any place.
All the activities taking place on modern Khaosaan Road Bangkok are noisy. At any moment of the day or night, there are many people here who are looking for accommodation or experiences. Entertainment options include a variety of shows, entertainment programs, and even illegal entertainment in other countries.
Historical background
This wasn’t always the case. Until four decades ago, Khaosan Road in Bangkok was a residential area, a relatively quiet corner of the city. The celebration of the 200th anniversary of the capital, which took place in 1982, changed everything. This event attracted a huge number of tourists who wanted to see the celebration near the Royal Palace.
No one expected such an influx of people. It was difficult to settle so many people. The situation was saved by the local population. Residents of Khaosan Road guessed to rent out their own housing for the night to foreigners. It turned out to be quite a lucrative business. Since then, the infrastructure of the central part of the street in the Thai capital has grown.
Khaosan Road was also very popular with the film “The Beach”, which was shot in this country. In the role of the main character – a young Leonardo DiCaprio, who wants to find himself, explore a new world, experience the thrill of Thailand. According to the film, he arrived there from far away and settled on Khaosan Road in Bangkok.
Taking the film as a guide to action, many young people and adventurous travelers followed in Leonardo’s footsteps. Khao San Road is the starting point for tourists who want to get to know Thailand better. And for people who have a limited amount of finances on vacation, this place will offer budget accommodation and food options.
All roads leading to backpacker Street
It is because of the availability of entertainment and accommodation on Khaosan Road that many tourists who call themselves backpackers come here. These are people who do not use the services of tour operators, saving on everything possible. They travel light with a minimum of belongings that actually fit in one backpack.
Most foreign citizens arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, located in the capital of Thailand. There are several ways to get to Bangkok on Khaosan Road from here. Choose the most appropriate route based on time and finances.
- The Citi Line Aeroexpress train runs from 6 am to midnight. This type of transport will take you to the center of the capital in 30 minutes by high-speed line. You need to go to Phaya Thai. This is the end station of this route. After arriving at your destination, you can continue your journey to Khao San Road by taxi or by bus numbers 2 and 59.
- The airport Express line is the fastest way to get to central Bangkok. It will reduce the travel time by half compared to the previous method and will take only 15 minutes.
- Taxi service is available from anywhere in Bangkok. The price can be negotiated with the driver individually.
- Taxi from Suvarnabhumi directly to Khao San Road. This option will be more economical if you go in a group of 3-4 people. A trip to the Road will cost about $15.
- Khao San Road is served by the S1 direct Bus, which departs from the 1st floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport every half hour. Opening hours are from 6.00 to 20.00.
- The destination can be reached via the Chao Phraya River. After reaching Phra Arthit pier, buy a ticket for a boat that circulates along the route with a stop at Khao San Road. River transport in Bangkok is well developed, so you will not have to wait long.
Accommodation
Not only Khaosan Road Bangkok itself, but also the entire surrounding area – the territory of budget guesthouses, hostels, rented rooms, and other rooms for living. The main feature is accessibility for any user.
If you only need a bed, then in a hostel without additional amenities it will cost about $5-7 per person. More comfortable conditions imply the presence of a bathroom, air conditioning, shower. You will be charged $12 for this option.
Especially comfortable conditions in this area are not worth looking for. The focus is on the number of visitors received and the lowly public, rather than on the quality of housing. For the same reason, there is no hope that travelers will be able to sleep in a quiet environment at night. In the dark, a noisy street turns into the center of the capital’s entertainment. Loud music and endless fun on Khaosan Road lasts until the morning.
Even with some inconveniences, the demand for rental housing in the area is high. The central location of the Road allows tourists to easily follow from here in any direction: whether it is a temple, a beach, shopping centers, clubs or parks. So it is better to book accommodation before the start of the trip, so that upon arrival you do not fuss, do not worry about the availability of free seats.
There are many well-maintained hotels with higher prices near Khaosan Road:
- Chillax Resort-A 1-room double room costs from $80 to $125 depending on the season;
- Dang Derm Hotel-standard room costs $35-37, often there are discounts on accommodation;
- Nouvo City Hotel — here you will have to pay from $69 to $92 for a double room;
- Rambuttri Village Plaza — $ 29-40 for a double room.
Cafeterias and restaurants, shops and shopping
There are many similar establishments, despite the short length of Khao San. Prices are average, designed for a diverse audience, as well as the menu of these establishments. Tourists can enjoy national cuisine or find a place with a European menu.
You can always eat that one. Stationary cafes and kitchens on wheels work around the clock. Most of the dishes in such establishments are sold at a low price to satisfy the guests of the capital and withstand considerable competition in their segment.
As tourists say about Khao San, it is a street where you can buy everything. Quite logical. With such an influx of travelers, it is necessary to provide them with souvenirs, inexpensive clothes, beach uniforms and, of course, positive emotions.
To do this, local residents organized not only shops and shops with a variety of goods, but also opened an incredible number of massage parlors. They provide their services at any time of the day and offer different types of relaxation.
Useful tips
I would like to draw the attention of visitors to Khao San Road to some features and important points.
- For a low price in Bangkok, a blind master massage service is available. According to Thais, people who do not have vision have more sensitivity on their fingers and perform a massage procedure more effectively. Foreigners who have tried this technique speak about the benevolence of the staff and the comfortable atmosphere in such salons.
- A few words about the features of a local taxi. If these are not organized structures that provide passenger transportation services, but private cars, you should immediately specify the price. It is advisable to choose a car with a mileage meter. Then you can calculate your expenses. After all, a taxi driver in any country is not averse to earning extra money on tourists. Therefore, they often overcharge here, if there was no prior agreement with the client.
- Most people who visit Bangkok talk about the need to be vigilant against existing scammers. Due to the increased traffic activity on Khao San Road, there are situations of property theft. They mostly steal money.
- If you are looking for a quiet place to spend the night, it is better to choose areas located a little further away from Khao San Road. It is a transit point for many people from different parts of the world, so the Road never “sleeps”. The neighboring streets of Samsen, Rambutri and nearby alleys are also ready to accommodate foreign guests for the night.
- A great time to arrive in downtown Bangkok is Thai New Year’s Eve. A spectacular celebration will surprise anyone. Locals combine traditional fun on the streets with dousing with water and paint. Such an unusual celebration for European tourists is especially attractive with warm weather. After all, this period falls on the middle of April. In many countries at this time, there is still snow and frosty weather.
Interesting facts
- Every day, Khaosan Road in Bangkok is visited by 40-50 thousand people in high season and 20 thousand in low season.
- Khaosan Road in Bangkok is 410 meters long.
- At dawn, when the crazy night life on the street ends, you can often see Buddhist monks here, thanks to the nearby Wat Pho Temple.
- Located on a tiny, unnamed street leading north from the eastern end of Khao San Road, and open since about 1980, VS Guest House is supposedly the oldest operating guest house on the street.
Khaosan Road Bangkok is a mecca for backpackers, young people from different countries. It is called the “gateway to Asia”. Daily replenishment of the ranks of travelers is replaced by their constant movement throughout Thailand. Not everyone likes this kind of activity, but seeing the Road with your own eyes at least once in your life is definitely worth it.