Khao San Road in Bangkok is, by far, on the short list of places you must see while in the city of Bangkok. Described as the Gateway to Southeast Asia, Khao San Road is the backpacker/hippie Mecca for “budget minded” travelers from around the world. The street is packed with 20-somethings carrying more for a backpacking trip than I brought with me to move over here. The cultural diversity is astounding, I know Bangkok is an international city, but you will hear 15 languages in a three minute walk down the street. Packed with street vendors peddling everything from freshly roasted bugs, useless trinkets and fake ID's from other countries around the world to silk suits and quality silver jewelery, Khao San has something for everybody.
More challenging to get to than some of the must-see attractions because it is not located close to any of the major public transportation services, but it is worth the cab fare or extra five minute walk from stop N13 on the water ferry system up the Chao Phraya River. We got to hit all 13 stops, so it took us about 35 minutes, but the Buddhist Wats and the Grand Palace, in addition to many other sights that line the banks of the Chao Phraya, make this unique form of public transportation a really very pleasant and opportune way to reach Khao San Road.
Once at Khao San the options are endless. Grab yourself a bag of freshly roasted grass hoppers from a cart-pushing street vendor or a gourmet meal. Literally, it’s all here; internet cafes, an open-air McDonalds, tailors, trinket and silver vendors, street bars, gourmet eateries, night clubs, tattoo and massage parlours, market stalls and some of the best people watching you will find anywhere in the world. This is the corner of the world where the East has graciously welcomed and tamed the West.
The party, which is pretty much what the 1km long stretch of Khao San Road is, has become so globally renowned that it has spilled out on to nearby streets and alley ways. Because it is so diverse and touristy it has the potential to be a slight bit more seedy or should I say risky than most of your other tourist sites, but this is still Bangkok, keep track of your valuables; don’t carry your documents in your back pocket; keep your wits about you and you will have a great time.
No matter what you are looking for, day or night, Khao San Road will not let you down as far as urban sightseeing, shopping and dining are concerned. The electrically social and jovial energy of Khao San road is the result of the Western nostalgia and Thai tradition coexisting in a balance that embraces both in an energetic party atmosphere that welcomes the seasoned travel and Asian newbie alike. I would recommend spending at least an hour or two if not a day exploring Khao San and the long list of other sights, like Democracy Monument that are within walking distance of this must have experience. Hope to see you soon.
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