Khao San Road Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat & stay, and more in Khao San Road with our ultimate travel guide.
- Introduction to Khao San Road
- List of Places to Visit in Khao San Road
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Khao San Road
- Bangkok Green Bikes
- Best Things to Do in Khao San Road: Activities and Tours
- Thai Cooking Class
- Bangkok Food Tour
- Week-Long Itinerary for Khao San Road
- Food and Drink Scene of Khao San Road
- Where to Stay in Khao San Road: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- D&D Inn
- Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza
- What to Buy in Khao San Road: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Handicrafts
- Street Food
- Local Culture and Customs of Khao San Road
- Best Time to Visit Khao San Road
- Do’s and Don’ts of Khao San Road
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Khao San Road: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Khao San Road
- Where to Go Next from Khao San Road: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Khao San Road
Khao San Road is a popular destination for backpackers traveling to Thailand, known for its bustling atmosphere with a wide range of activities.
List of Places to Visit in Khao San Road
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
National Museum Bangkok
National Museum Bangkok is the largest museum in Southeast Asia, showcasing Thai art and artifacts from prehistoric times to the present day.
Wat Chana Songkhram
Wat Chana Songkhram is a temple built during the Ayutthaya period, well-known for its beautiful murals and architecture.
Natural Attractions of Khao San Road: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Phra Sumen Fort
Phra Sumen Fort is a historic fort surrounded by lush greenery, making it a great spot for a peaceful picnic with friends and family.
Sanam Luang
Sanam Luang is a large open field that hosts various events such as kite flying, picnics, and cultural shows. Visitors can experience the local culture and interact with the locals.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Khao San Road
Bangkok Green Bikes
Bangkok Green Bikes offers guided tours of the city, exploring the hidden gems and introducing travelers to the local life through biking in the streets of Bangkok.
Best Things to Do in Khao San Road: Activities and Tours
Thai Cooking Class
Take a Thai cooking class and learn how to cook Thai food like a local. Classes usually include a market tour, cooking lessons, and a meal to enjoy afterward.
Bangkok Food Tour
A food tour is an excellent opportunity to discover the local street food culture. You can explore different food markets, try various dishes, and learn more about the popular Thai cuisine.
Week-Long Itinerary for Khao San Road
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit Wat Chana Songkhram, Sanam Luang, and Phra Sumen Fort |
| Day 2 | Take a Thai cooking class |
| Day 3 | Explore the National Museum of Bangkok |
| Day 4 | Join a bike tour with Bangkok Green Bikes |
| Day 5 | Go on a food tour through the city |
| Day 6 | Take a day trip to the nearby Ayutthaya Historical Park |
| Day 7 | Relax and enjoy a massage or spend the day shopping in Khao San Road |
Food and Drink Scene of Khao San Road
Must-Try Dishes
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of the most popular Thai dishes, made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and usually served with a choice of meat.
Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is a classic and spicy Thai soup, made with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili.
Local Beverages
Thai Iced Tea
Thai Iced Tea is a sweet and creamy beverage made with black tea and milk, often served with ice.
Chang Beer
Chang Beer is a popular Thai beer known for its crisp, refreshing taste and is available in many local bars and restaurants.
Where to Stay in Khao San Road: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
D&D Inn
D&D Inn is a popular hostel located in the heart of the Khao San Road district, offering a range of accommodation options and facilities such as rooftop pool and bar.
Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza
Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza is a budget-friendly hotel located within walking distance of Khao San Road and offering comfortable rooms and amenities.
What to Buy in Khao San Road: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Handicrafts
Local handicrafts such as lacquer ware, batik clothing, and hand-woven textiles are some popular souvenirs available in Khao San Road markets.
Street Food
Packaged food items such as spices, tea, and dried fruits are also great souvenirs for foodies to take home.
Local Culture and Customs of Khao San Road
Visitors should be aware of and respect Thai culture, including dressing conservatively when visiting temples, removing one’s shoes before entering homes and temples, and avoiding public displays of affection.
Best Time to Visit Khao San Road
The best time to visit Khao San Road is between November and February when the weather is cool and dry, making it easier to explore the city’s attractions and enjoy various outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of Khao San Road
Do:
- Respect Thai customs and traditions.
- Try local street food dishes for authentic Thai cuisine experience
- Bargain politely when purchasing at local markets
Don’t:
- Swim in the Chao Phraya River or other bodies of water
- Disrespect the monarchy or show any disrespect to the national flag
- Litter or damage historic sites and cultural heritage.
Safety and Health
Safety in Khao San Road
Visitors should take precautions such as keeping an eye on belongings that might attract theft, avoiding unregistered taxis or vehicles, and staying alert when exploring crowded areas.
Health in Khao San Road
Travelers to Thailand should take the necessary vaccinations and make sure they are up to date with routine immunizations. Visitors should also avoid consuming uncooked or undercooked food, be wary of street food hygiene and carry necessary medications when traveling.
Getting to Khao San Road: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Khao San Road
The nearest airport to Khao San Road is the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and visitors can use taxis or public transportation such as airport express buses, which connect with the city center.
Bus Stations Near Khao San Road
The bus station is located close to Khao San Road, and several bus routes operate to and from the city’s main bus terminal.
Other Options
Visitors can also opt to hire a private car or book a transfer directly to their accommodation.
How to Get Around in Khao San Road
Khao San Road is small enough to explore on foot, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the city on their terms or catch a taxi or tuk-tuk for longer journeys.
Where to Go Next from Khao San Road: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside Bangkok, featuring ruins of temples and palaces from the Ayutthaya era.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets in the world, with over 8000 stalls selling everything from clothing to food to souvenirs.
Conclusion
Khao San Road is a quintessential destination for travelers looking for an authentic Thai cultural experience characterized by a vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and delicious food. Visitors will find plenty of exciting things to do, see, eat, and explore in Khao San Road and its surrounding areas.
Khao San Road Image Gallery
Location of the Khao San Road area in Bangkok
Democracy Monument
Wat Bowonniwet
Phra Sumen Fort
Khao San Road
Cooking up a storm on Khao San Road
Drinking cart on Khao San Road
Typical upper budget room for the area
Never enter a tuk-tuk if someone else is trying to convince you