Khao San Road (Khaosan Road) is a short and compact street in the heart of Bangkok's historic quarter of Rattanakosin. Over the years, the street has earned a reputation among budget travelers including backpackers for offering some of the cheapest lodgings in the city, not to mention a pulsating nightlife.
Khao San is a staple for many backpackers in Bangkok. Though the road has a history, there are no historical or cultural sites to mention here. The area is undeniably touristy, catering to budget travelers. It's packed, chaotic, lively, and loud. It may not be the place for everyone. You either love it or hate it.
If you plan to stay or visit this famous backpacker street in Bangkok, here's what you need to know. It's a lively street, and though there are no tourist attractions on this stretch, it's within walking distance of several major sights in Bangkok. Besides, it has good transport links to get you around the city.
Table of Contents
- Short History of Khao San Road
- Khao San Road in Bangkok
- Dining on Khao San Road
- Attractions Near Khao San Road
- Deciding Where to Stay
- How to Get Here From the Airports
- How to Get Here When in Bangkok
- How Safe is Khao San Road?
Short History of Khao San Road
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Khao San Road goes back to the 19th century. Long before the short stretch became popular with backpackers, it was a major street for the rice trade. The shophouses lining Khao San Road back then were where the traders conducted their businesses, and "Khao San" literally means "milled rice."
The influx of international visitors to Thailand in the 1980s began to shape the street's character. The availability of cheap guesthouses and street food, not to mention the lively atmosphere, made it an appealing destination with budget travelers in Bangkok, especially young backpackers exploring Thailand.
Khao San Road's popularity as a backpacker's haven spread mainly by word of mouth. Its appearances in several popular films bolstered its status. Among them was "The Beach" (2000), starring a young Leonardo DiCaprio. Often portrayed as a dodgy place, this is far from the reality.
Besides the cheap accommodation, the street was where backpackers could easily connect and exchange travel tips. It was also the starting point for exploring Thailand and Southeast Asia. While it has evolved, developed, and more mainstream in recent years, the backpacker spirit remains intact.
Khao San Road in Bangkok
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According to the Khao San Business Association, the road welcomes 20,000 tourists daily during the low season and peaks at 40,000–50,000 in the high season. That's a lot of tourists for a narrow stretch that spans only 410 meters (1,345 feet). While most are backpackers, you'll also encounter travelers from diverse backgrounds.
Khao San has everything that a backpacker needs. You'll find cheap lodgings, budget-friendly dining, currency exchanges, travel agents, and various shops. With two airports serving Bangkok and affordable flights, Khao San Road is also a backpacker launch pad for exploring Thailand and Southeast Asia.
Travel agencies here can assist you with your enquiries and arrange transportation to various destinations in Thailand, such as Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, and Krabi. Additionally, they can help with your visa applications and arrange trips to neighboring countries, namely Cambodia and Laos.
With everything that backpackers need, some don't explore beyond Khao San. It's only a stopover to put up a few nights and enjoy the nightlife before heading to the islands of Thailand. There are several famous sights within walking distance from Khao San. Besides, there are good transport links to explore the rest of Bangkok.
The local government has put a lot of effort into giving this famous street a makeover. The road and footpaths have been upgraded, and there are now designated spaces for street vendors. Vehicles are no longer allowed in the area from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. That said, the lively and chaotic vibe that the street is famous for, remains intact.
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You'll find all sorts of items from the street stalls here. Popular purchases include T-shirts, tied pants, and shorts. You can buy cheap accessories for your electronic devices, such as cables, plug adapters, and chargers. You'll also find fakes such as Gucci belts, Puma shoes, and Rolex watches.
There's a 7-Eleven convenience store and British pharmacy chain Boots. You can get a Thai or foot massage for about 250 THB (7 USD) for an hour. There are tailor shops for fitted clothes, including suits, pants, shirts, and jackets. There's a trust issue, but Buddy Tailor and Master Cut Bespoke Tailor enjoy positive customer reviews.
As the sun sets, the street comes alive with a kaleidoscope of neon lights, music, and entertainment options. Though mostly tourists, you'll also find young locals who come here for a good time. Though evenings may be fun and loud, it's not sleazy. There's a lack of sex workers and go-go girls that you'd often see in Bangkok's Patpong.
Nightlife here is specifically for the budget-conscious traveler, so you don't have to break the bank. Many nightclubs keep the party going late into the night. Live music is a common feature at some of the venues. There are also street performers that further add to the energetic vibe of Khao San Road.
Partying is not the only thing to do for nightlife, especially if you're not the partying type. It's a lively night market with different vendors but almost the same items found during the day. Nightlife also extends to restaurants and street food stalls, which adds to the lively nighttime hours, and many remain open until the early hours.
Dining on Khao San Road
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There are no high-end restaurants in this area of Bangkok. Khao San, at its core, emphasizes affordability. The street is renowned for the plethora of small restaurants and street stalls serving inexpensive meals. With loads of dining options, you can eat your way here without breaking the bank.
You'll find a wide selection of Thai dishes and snacks. Some stalls have folding tables and chairs on the sidewalk. A local snack typically ranges from 10 to 50 THB (0.30-1.40 USD). A Thai meal with a non-alcoholic drink would cost you no more than 140 THB (4 USD) and could be less than 100 THB (3 USD).
Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodle dish) and Roti (a Thai pancake) are excellent choices that will not disappoint. Other favorites include Thai green curry, mango sticky rice, and Som Tum (papaya salad). If you dare, try the edible fried insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and even scorpions!
In addition to Thai food, you'll also find restaurants serving a selection of international dishes. Whether in the mood for burgers and fries, Italian pasta dishes, Indian curry, Middle Eastern kebabs, or bakery foods, they are affordably priced. McDonald’s is everywhere in Bangkok, and Khao San is no exception, opening 24/7.
Khao San Road isn't the only place to dine. Take a short walk to the neighboring streets of Chakrabongse Road, Soi Ram Buttri, and adjoining Ram Buttri Aly. Mainly restaurants and without the party crowd at night. Soi Ram Buttri and Ram Buttri Aly are slightly upscale but affordable, with a laid-back and peaceful ambiance.
Attractions Near Khao San Road
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Without a doubt, Khao San is a popular destination for many budget travelers. That said, there are no top attractions to mention here. Luckily, Khao San is in the historic center of Bangkok and within walking distance of several major city attractions, many offering a glimpse into Thai history and culture.
Chao Phraya River: Staying on Khao San Road, you're within a few minutes walk from the Chao Phraya River. Head to Phra Arthit and you'll find a walkway along the bank where you can take a pleasant stroll and enjoy views across the river.
Phra Sumen Fort: Constructed in 1783, the fort was once part of the historic walls surrounding and protecting Rattanakosin Island. The fort is in Santi Chai Prakan Park, a small charming park on the bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Wat Bowonniwet: Constructed in 1829, this is one of Bangkok's most important Buddhist temples. The architectural style blends elements of both Thai and Chinese design. The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej once resided here during his monkhood.
The Grand Palace: This sprawling complex has been the official residence of the Thai monarchs since 1782. It's an impressive collection of Thai architecture, which includes buildings used as state rooms and halls for royal ceremonies.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha: Within the Grand Palace is the Temple of Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). This huge royal chapel is one of the most sacred temples in Thailand and built according to the traditions of the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom.
Wat Saket: This magnificent Buddhist temple dates back to the Ayutthaya era. The temple sits at the top of a hill, and getting here requires climbing 300 or so steps. The most striking feature of this architectural marvel is the tall golden chedi.
National Museum Bangkok: The museum is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Opened in 1874, it's home to a rich collection of Thai art and history that goes back centuries, including gold treasures, ceramics, costumes, carvings, and weapons.
National Gallery: The art gallery is home to an impressive collection of masterpieces by Thai artists. You'll discover a rich collection of traditional Thai art, Western-influenced art of the 19th century, and modern and contemporary works.
Deciding Where to Stay
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Staying on Khao San Road
Khao San Road is famous for its abundance of budget-friendly accommodations. While it remains a backpacker destination for cheap accommodations, it has not been immune to changes. In recent years, many of the once drab places have been upgraded and renovated for a more comfortable stay.
The street's reputation for its lively nightlife is undeniable, and the noise can run well into the night, especially on weekends. The noise is even louder for rooms directly facing the street. For night owls who love the energetic vibe, the noise may not concern you. If it does, consider staying in the nearby areas.
You'll find hostels offering dormitory-style rooms and shared facilities. Many also offer private rooms if you're willing to pay extra or traveling as a duo. Besides providing an affordable place to stay, hostels are an opportunity to meet other like-minded travelers and share experiences.
The street is also lined with guesthouses offering simple, no-frills rooms at affordable rates. These guesthouses are often family-run and provide a basic but comfortable place to stay. On the higher end are the budget hotels, providing private rooms with more amenities at reasonable rates
Many budget accommodations in the area feature shared bathrooms, so be prepared if you opt for a cheaper room. It's possible to walk in and ask for an available room. That said, during the high season (November-April) it's best to book online in advance to secure the best deal and avoid disappointment.
Staying Near Khao San Road
Khao San Road is certainly a fun place, but the noise can travel into the rooms. If you want to enjoy the excitement but prioritize a peaceful night's sleep, consider exploring quieter accommodations nearby. And there is no shortage of options within a few minutes walk from the fun.
Nearby streets include Soi Ram Buttri, Chakrabongse Road, and Thanon Thani. Though close to the action, these streets are a reprieve from the noise and nightlife of Khao San. You'll find a range of affordable options for a peaceful night's rest, including hostels, guesthouses, and budget-friendly hotels.
Another is Phra Athit Road, a charming street parallel to the Chao Phraya River. The area is slightly upscale and home to mainly 3-star and a few 2-star hotels. If you're not a budget traveler, the 4-star Riva Surya Bangkok directly faces the river. The Riva Surya Bangkok has all the amenities of a modern hotel, including an outdoor pool.
How to Get Here From the Airports
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Bangkok has two international airports. Suvarnabhumi is the main airport and primarily serves full-service airlines and long-haul flights flying from Europe, Australia, and distant locations in Asia. Don Muang is the second airport, primarily serving budget airlines flying from other regions in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
The quickest way to Khao San Road from Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang is by taxi. By law, taxis are supposed to use the meter. The fare costs 300-400 THB (9-11 USD) from Suvarnabhumi and 200-300 THB (6-8 USD) from Don Muang. On top of the metered fares, there are other charges.
- Surcharge for taxis from the airport - 50 THB (1.50 USD)
- Surcharge for slow traffic - 3.0 THB (0.08 USD) per minute
- Road tolls - 70-100 THB (3-4 USD)
The cheapest option from both airports is the shuttle buses that stop outside Wat Chanasongkram (a Buddhist temple). It's about a 10-minute walk to Khao San Road from the temple. The buses depart every half hour from the airports, and the journeys take around an hour, depending on traffic.
- Suvarnabhumi Airport - Take bus S1 located near Gate 7 on Level 2 of the arrivals terminal. Fare cost 60 THB (1.70 USD).
- Don Muaang Airport - Take bus A4 located near Gate 6 at Terminal 1 or Gate 12 near Terminal 2. Fare cost 50 THB (1.40 USD).
How to Get Here When in Bangkok
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Taxis are the easiest way to reach Khao San Road. Make sure the driver uses the meter since some might try to overcharge you a flat rate. If they refuse, take another taxi. The street is well-known with the city's taxi drivers, and they'll understand your request when you mention "Khao San," even if there's a language barrier.
Tuk-tuks are motorized three-wheeled rickshaws that can carry two to three passengers. They operate as taxis but don't have meters. So you have to negotiate the fare and cost the same or a little more than the metered taxis. They are a fun way to get around Bangkok as they skillfully weave through the streets.
The Chao Phraya Express Boat service operates four lines sailing on the Chao Phraya River. The Orange Line stops at Phra Arthit, and from here, it's a few minutes walk to Khao San Road. The flat fare costs 16 THB (0.50 USD). Besides the cheap fare, it's an enjoyable trip offering scenic views of Bangkok from the river.
No public buses stop on or immediately near Khao San Road. That said, several bus routes stop on Democracy Monument Avenue, and from here, it's a 10-minute walk to Khao San Road. Buses that stop on the avenue include numbers 19, 39, 59, 79, 159, 174, 183, 201, 503, 511, and 556.
How Safe is Khao San Road?
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Thousands of tourists flock to Khao San daily, and the street turns into a party town at night. The area is not inherently risky, and there's a police station at one end of the street. You're unlikely to encounter any problems if you use common sense and stay alert. To be on the safe side, here are some tips.
Violent crimes are rare in the Khao San area, but petty theft can occur. So, keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Use a money belt or secure pouch for keeping valuable items. This is not specifically about Khao San but anywhere in the world when you travel.
Taxis and tuk-tuks can be found waiting on the streets near Khao San Road. When taking a taxi, make sure the driver uses the meter. Taking the tuk-tuk, negotiate the price. Avoid drivers proposing to take you somewhere else for whatever reason. You can always walk a little further and flag a taxi or tuk-tuk that comes your way.
With its loud and lively character, Khao San attracts a diverse crowd, including some with shady intentions. So watch out with whom you're with. Not everyone you meet has the best intentions. It could be another traveler with plans to steal from you or something more serious.
Thais value politeness and frown on arrogance and aggressive behavior. It could turn into an unpleasant response. If you bump into someone, say "khaaw-thoot," saying you're sorry. If someone bumps into you, remain composed and say "mai pen rai" to say it's okay. Also, refrain from belittling someone.
