absolutelyBangkok archive · Nightlife & Entertainment
Originally published June 20, 2011
Backpackers from all around the world congregate at Khao San Road, making it their base for exploring the rest of Thailand and other parts of SE Asia. As one of Bangkok’s most touristy and popular areas, there’s plenty to do: shop for clothing and souvenirs, bar-hop with a “bucket” drink, or even relax your tired feet in a fish spa. Khao San Road is also a great place to find affordable hostels and cheap travel agents before venturing out from Bangkok.
Even if you’re not a backpacker or budget traveler, a visit to Khao San Road is recommended. There is definitely a positive buzz in the air with countless globe-trotters planning for their next destination. As night falls, the street becomes even more alive with loud music, lively street stalls, pushy salesman and distant sounds of drunken karaoke singers.
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Things to Do on Khao San Road
Party
Khao San Road is packed with cafes, restaurants, bars, and pubs for you to discover. You find live bands playing covers of everything from Johnny Cash to REM at places like The Shamrock, a fun Irish pub above The Khao Sarn Center on Khaosan Road. If you’re more in the mood for hip-hop or house music, visit Club Culture, located behind Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, close to the Democracy Monument.
Meet Fellow Travelers
Cheaper than most hotels in Bangkok, the dense concentration of hostels and guesthouses found on Khao San Road makes it easy to meet new friends and travel companions. If you are traveling solo, you’ll find yourself actually turning down invitations to join other groups of travelers, so be patient and wait for the right fit.
Shop
Khao San Road is overflowing with flower children, old hippies, new agers, artists, and nomads; so, if you are looking for earthy skirts, buddha t-shirts, or bohemian jewelry you will find it on Khao San. Remember to bring your bargaining skills, as everyone has a “special price” just for you.
Get a Tattoo
Want a lifetime souvenir of your trip to Thailand and Bangkok? If so, stop and talk with one of the many talented tattoo artists that have set up shop along Khao San Road. Most tattoo shops also offer body piercing and sell hand-made jewlery pieces. Check out Bangkok Tattoo Thailand, which prides itself on its exceptionally clean studios and unique designs. You’ll find Bangkok Tattoo Thailand on the third floor of Amarin Plaza, next to the Chidlom Skytrain (
BTS) station.
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