A History of Khao San Road
History
In the last couple of decades, Khao San Road has become synonymous with backpackers, cheap accommodations and excess. It’s probably the most recognized street of hostels in the world, lined with deeply discounted ‘designer’ fashions, delicious streetside food, hordes of tourists and beer, beer and more beer.
What few don’t realize is that just thirty years ago this madhouse of roadside bargaining was once a quiet residential street. A twenty minute walk from the Grand Palace, this section of Bangkok, known as Rattanakosin, is actually one of the oldest neighborhoods of Bangkok.
But that all changed during the massive 1982 Thai celebration of the lucky year 2525 when tourists flooded into the city by the millions. Unable to accommodate the wave of guests, budget travelers asked families on Khao San Road to open their doors to them, for a small fee.
When the celebration ended, it became clear that these backpackers had helped the road gain a far larger profit than initially expected. Hostels began springing up everywhere there was freespace, transforming the once sleepy street into a bustling microcosm that is one of the most heavily visited sights in South East Asia.
photo: The Khao San Road
What to see
If you are not one for crowds, Khao San may be a bit overwhelming. People across every race, ethnicity, religion and background all seem to be packed into the same block.
But on the plus side, this makes for wonderful people watching. Arguably one of the most fascinating pastimes on Khao Road is to grab a beer at one of the numerous roadside bars and watch the flow of tourists and locals wash by.
Another great way to while away the day is to indulge in a foot massage - usually only 150 baht for a half hour or so, small spas are plentiful and after walking the fascinating Khao San road and the surrounding neighbourhood all day, you will appreciate them even more.
Photo: Tuk Tuks in the Bangkok market
Shopping
It’s hard to walk down Khao San Road and not shop. The whole area seems to have designed to accommodate the whims of budget travelers. You can buy anything from flowing dresses, touristy t-shirts, leather bags, handwoven bracelets, ‘designer’ clothes, pad-thai to go and just about any nick-nack you can imagine. Quality can be questionable at times, so make sure to inspect your good carefully before purchasing. Sellers can be aggressive, but in most cases a polite, but firm no will be enough. As with all of South East Asia, bargaining is expected so don’t be shy about nudging a couple baht off the initial price.
Nearby Attractions
Khao San is also a great base for exploring some of Bangkok’s biggest attractions. Just a fifteen minute walk away is the famed Wat Pra Keo or the Grand Palace where you can see some of the best preserved Siamese architecture in the world. Just five minutes away is the riverside, where you can take a cruise to another part of the city or as part of an overnight cruise to Ayuthaya, the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767.
Photo: The Grand Palace is an attraction near Khao San Road
Where to stay
There’s no shortage of budget accommodation and backpacker hostels on Khao San Road. Be warned about noise though, as clubs can play loud music well into the morning. Always check a hostel online in the summer months to make sure air conditioning is offered.
There’s plenty of accommodation in the nearby streets that don’t get as much ambient street noise and don't charge the premium that boutique hotels directly on Khao San can charge, but if you’ve got to have the authentic Khao San experience, try to get a room near the back.
The tourist boom has sprouted a wealth of hotels in Khao San Road. Check out a map of Khao San Road and the surrounding area to find the best location for you.
