The infamous Khao San Road is known to be a “backpackers ghetto”. Thanon Khao San is located in the Banglamphu Neighbourhood of Central Bangkok and attracts people from all corners of the globe who have come to visit Thailand. Many visitors to Bangkok use Khao San Road as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Khao San Road boasts a wide range of accommodation and many services useful to travellers. From the budget priced guesthouse to the mid-range hotel, there is accommodation available to suit every budget. Better value for money, are the guesthouses in the surrounding Banglamphu area. The streets around Khao San Road are home to number of accommodation options and these are often much cleaner and better priced than those on Khao San itself.
Restaurants, bars and clubs line Khao San Road. Once nightfall hits, Khao San Road becomes full of activity and home to a number of street vendors offering “very strong cocktails” at good prices. The numerous pubs and clubs all close at around 1 am, but drinks are often officially sold at guesthouses after this time. Restaurants are plentiful and both Thai and Western cuisine is available at reasonable prices. For those on a budget, street vendors offer both meals and snacks for just 15 or 20 baht.
Khao San Road is lined with market stalls selling many different things. Clothing, jewellery, DVD’s, shoes, CD’s, etc. are all sold at tourist prices. Bookshops, travel agents and massage parlours are all plentiful on Khao San Road and the close proximity of all these services makes it a starting point for exploring Bangkok or heading to other parts of the region. Visa services for nearby countries are offered at many travel agents.
Tuk tuk drivers are plentiful on Khao San Road, offering “ping pong show, sir?” and asking you “Where are you going?” at every possible opportunity. Normal taxis are also plentiful on Khao San, so transport is easy. Government buses stop near Khao San and mini-buses frequently depart from here as well. The mini-buses departing from Khao San Road are not recommended as theft is common and services are slow and unreliable. Airport mini-bus services, both ways, are also available.
Khao San Road is a great place to meet other travellers and do some shopping. There are many other areas to stay in Bangkok, such as Siam and China Town, which can be far more relaxing. These areas are much less catered to the tourist.
Megan Styles - null
