Khao San Road is the most famous street in Bangkok. Here, you can find out if it’s worth a visit and what the backpacker hotspot offers.
In this article, we take you to Bangkok’s most famous street.
We’re talking, of course, about the notorious backpacker hotspot Khao San Road (Thai ถนนข้าวสาร).
Khao San Road is a meeting place for party-going and curious travelers from all over the world. It offers plenty of bars, pubs, culinary highlights, cheap accommodation and shopping.
The street is a true microcosm that perfectly captures Bangkok’s vibrant vein and all the metropolis’s craziness and individuality.
Most visitors either love or hate Khao San Road. But it’s best to see for yourself.
How to get there: By cab.
Opening hours: Daily around the clock.
Admission: Free
Party without end – Khao San Road never sleeps
Khao San Road is world-famous for its vibrant nightlife.
There is also a lot going on here during the day. But as soon as the sun goes down, the backpacker street turns into a completely new world.
Countless restaurants, bars, pubs, and nightclubs open their doors then.
Best things to do in Bangkok
The owners and staff outbid each other with happy hour deals, and if you’re looking for cheap drinks in the biggest containers possible, this is the place to be.
On Khao San Road, you can make new contacts, dance the night away, celebrate exuberant pool parties, or enjoy the view of the city at one of the rooftop bars.
Tip: Book a bike tour of Bangkok here, which will take you through the hidden backyards and alleys of the city.
Around Khao San Road, Bangkok, you can find cheap accommodations
Around Khao San Road, accommodations are traditionally cheap. While you won’t find any high-end hotels here, there is one inexpensive hostel after another.
Privately run guesthouses are also common in the adjacent streets.
No matter if you are looking for a cheap bed in a dormitory or want to treat yourself to a private room: Here you will certainly find the right accommodation and can make lots of new contacts.
Shopping paradise: Get lots of souvenirs and bargains
Even if you prefer it quieter, Khao San Road is worth a visit. The legendary street is also one of the shopping paradises that Bangkok has to offer.
Here, you will find lots of junk but also great, creative souvenirs and souvenirs for friends and relatives.
From handmade jewelry to clothing and shoes to accessories and handicrafts, there’s nothing you can’t find on Khao San Road.
Plagiarism of all kinds is also one of the perennial favorites. From fake designer items to student IDs and driver’s licenses, you can buy almost anything here.
You should never accept the first price directly. Because the vendors on Khao San Road are used to haggling. Accordingly, the prices are inflated for the time being.
Foodie Hotspot Khao San Road – Regional and International Delicacies
If you want to taste different Thai specialties, Khao San Road is the place to be.
Here, you will find authentic street food – at the street stalls and in some cafes and restaurants.
From classics like curry, Pad Thai, or mango with sticky rice to exotic “delicacies” like grilled maggots or grasshoppers, you can feast your way through Thai cuisine.
But even if you need a break from Thai cuisine after a long time, you will quickly find it on Khao San Road.
In addition to traditional dishes, pizza, burgers, or pasta dishes are also offered on every corner.
Tip: This 4-hour food tour with a Klong boat ride takes you through Bangkok’s sensational cuisine.
Cultural highlights around Khao San Road
Khao San Road is also popular with backpackers because it’s a great starting point for some of Bangkok’s major attractions.
Not far from the notorious street are, for example, the Grand Palace, the temple Wat Pho with the reclining Buddha, and also a mooring station on the Chao Phraya River.
From here, you can take a boat ride on the khlongs, the canals of Bangkok.
The Khao San Road by day
If you want to avoid loud music and drunken crowds, you should visit Khao San Road during the day.
Even by day, the famous street has a charm all its own. For example, choose one of the sidewalk cafes for a leisurely breakfast and watch the hustle and bustle while sipping a mango shake.
Afterward, you can recharge your batteries with a Thai or foot massage. By the way, there are also plenty of shopping opportunities during the day.
Our conclusion on the backpacker mecca Khao San Road
Khao San Road is certainly a matter of taste. Some love them and are completely absorbed in the hustle and bustle of the street.
The others avoid them at all costs. Because of the often eccentric alcohol consumption, the glaring neon lights and the loud bass of the music are certainly not everyone’s cup of tea.
We can only recommend that you see for yourself because the Khao San Road is simply unique and belongs with all its craziness but somehow to a Bangkok visit.
The bustling streets, the many vendors, and the countless stores, bars, and restaurants create a unique atmosphere that immediately makes you feel like part of a big travel family.
Khao San Road is a meeting place, and if you want to socialize with other travelers, you certainly won’t be alone for long.
The street is also a good location to explore other parts of the city and Bangkok’s surrounding areas.
Because not only a lot of buses, cabs and tuk-tuks leave here. You can also book tours everywhere and compare the best deals for day trips.
The best tours around Khao San Road
1. City Highlights and Temple Walking Tour
Visit the main sights of Bangkok with tickets to the Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun with a local guide.
The tour will first take you to the Grand Palace, which was once the home of the kings of Siam and now houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Continue to Wat Pho with the famous reclining Buddha. The last stop is Wat Arun – the beautiful Temple of Dawn.
2. Thai cooking course with a market tour in the morning
At the House of Taste Thai Cooking School in Si Lom, you’ll learn about Thai ingredients like vegetables, rice, herbs, and spices and how to make your own coconut milk and curry paste.
But first, we go to the market for shopping. Then, four delicious dishes are prepared from the acquired food.
3. Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun private tour
As part of this private tour, you will be picked up and returned from your hotel comfortably – your guide will drive you around Bangkok in a comfortable car.
Visit the Grand Palace, Tha Thien Market, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. You can also take a boat trip on the Chao Phraya if you like.
The best thing is that here you can put together all the elements yourself and visit the sights that interest you the most.
Frequently Asked Questions about Khao San Road in Bangkok
Here, we answer some frequently asked questions about the Khao San Road in Bangkok.
Here, we show you the most important sights in Bangkok for your first visit.
What exactly is Khao San Road in Bangkok?
Khao San Road is a famous street in the Banglamphu district of Bangkok. It is considered a focal point for backpackers and travelers from all over the world and offers plenty of bars, restaurants, cheap accommodation and shopping.
Where is Khao San Road located exactly?
Khao San Road is located in the historic center of Bangkok, in the Bang Lam Phu district. Not far away, you can find some famous sights like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
What makes Khao San Road so special?
Khao San Road is known for its lively nightlife, affordable accommodations, countless restaurants, street food, street vendors, souvenir stores, and an international atmosphere.
What kind of accommodations are there on Khao San Road?
There is a huge selection of mostly budget accommodations on Khao San Road, including hostels, guesthouses, and hotels.
Is Khao San Road also worthwhile during the day or only at night?
Khao San Road is also busy during the day. But its true face shows especially in the evening and night when the bars and clubs are open.
What kind of food can you try on Khao San Road?
The famous street offers various culinary highlights, from traditional Thai street food to international dishes, such as pizza, pasta, and burgers.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Franzi is a long-term travel blogger, online editor, and content creator specializing in Tourism in Bangkok and Thailand.
