Travel Happy

  • Bangkok
  • Thailand
  • Myanmar
  • Vietnam
  • Cambodia
  • Indonesia
  • Laos
  • Travel Tips

Khao San Road

Bangkok’s backpacker central, Khao San Road is crowded, noisy and a lot of fun. It’s somewhere every visitor to Bangkok should visit at least once, even if just for a fun night out.

Khao San RoadKhao San Road © Robert Brands

Why Visit Khao San Road?

Khao San Road itself is a short street located near Ratchadamnoen Avenue, a major avenue linking the area with Bangkok’s historical temples and palaces. Although Khao San Road itself is small, its backpacker culture of cheap guesthouses, bars and restaurants has spilled over into almost all of the surrounding streets.

Check for the cheapest flights to Bangkok on Skyscanner – compare airline prices instantly

Throughout the day (and most of the night) Khao San Road is a noisy circus of activity. Some of its surrounding streets, such as the relaxed Soi Rambuttri and hip, arty neighbourhood of Phra Athit Road, are a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Khao San.

If you’ve just touched down in Thailand and you’re travelling on a backpacker’s budget, Khao San Road will likely serve as a travel hub during your trip.

Bangkok Holiday Essentials

  • Where To Stay In Bangkok: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Bangkok.
  • Things To Do In Bangkok: Check this huge list of Bangkok activities that you can book online.
  • Flights To Bangkok: Find the cheapest flights to Bangkok and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner.
  • Bangkok Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Thailand.
  • Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.

Things to See and Do in and Around Khao San Road

Phra Sumen Fort near Khao San RoadPhra Sumen Fort near Khao San Road © shankar s.

  • Khao San Road
    Street market and party hotspot, Khao San Road is Bangkok’s backpacking capital. Home to some of the city’s cheapest guesthouses and bars, it’s a fun place to spend the afternoon or evening, provided you can handle the hawkers.
  • Soi Rambuttri
    If the noise and activity of Khao San Road isn’t your scene, Soi Rambuttri — which is about a minute’s walk from Khao San itself — is a quieter, cleaner and more relaxed street that’s home to a range of bars, restaurants, cafés, bookstores and other shops.
  • Banglamphu Market
    While the market on Khao San Road is a great place to pick up t-shirts, flip flops and other backpacker essentials, the nearby Banglamphu Market offers a more authentic experience, as well as better prices.
  • Democracy Monument
    Built in 1939 to celebrate Thailand’s sudden transition to democracy in 1932, the Democracy Monument sits in the centre of Ratchadamnoen — a large avenue that’s a short distance from Khao San Road.
  • Phra Sumen Fort
    Located on Phra Athit Road, Phra Sumen Fort is one of 14 historical forts built to protect the political centre of Thailand against attack. Today, just two of the forts are left. Phra Sumen is a short distance from Khao San Road and offers great views of the Chao Phraya River.
  • Wat Chana Songkram
    Conveniently located a short walk from Khao San Road, Wat Chana Songkram is a modest but impressive 18th century temple. The temple is home to a beautiful Buddha statue and a shrine to Taksin — the only King of the Thonburi Kingdom.

Check Hotel Availability And Pricing

Destination

Check-in date

Wed 28 May 2025

Check-out date

Thu 29 May 2025
Booking.com

  • Wat Bowonniwet Vihara
    Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is an impressive Thai Buddhist temple built during the reign of King Rama III. Built using a Thai-Chinese style, the temple contains a 14th century Buddha image and is closely associated with Thailand’s Royal Family.
  • Thai Massage
    Feeling tired and sore? Although Khao San Road isn’t home to many of the luxury day spas you’ll find elsewhere in Bangkok, it’s a great place to stop for a Thai massage. Try one of the numerous inexpensive spas located along Khao San Rd or Soi Rambuttri.
  • Used Book Stores
    Khao San Road is home to a huge selection of used book stores, with everything from travel guidebooks to classics in stock. Try Shaman Bookstore, which has two locations on Khao San Road, for the area’s biggest selection of used paperbacks.
  • Sor Vorapin Muay Thai Gym
    Established in 1979, Sor Vorapin Muay Thai Gym is the closest Muay Thai gym to Khao San Road. Far from being a tourist trap, the gym has trained several Thai champions and offers a selection of group and private classes aimed at fighters of all skill levels.
  • Phra Athit Road
    A short distance from Khao San Road is Phra Athit Road, a picturesque street that’s easy to access via the Chao Phraya River. Home to a selection of cafés, restaurants and bars, it’s a popular daytime and evening hangout for locals and backpackers alike.
Bangkok Things To Do
The Wat Arun template seen from the river in Bangkok, Thailand, illumated in yellow and set against a dramatic purple skyWat Arun Temple
Of The Dawn
One of Bangkok’s
most important and
beautiful temples
More Info
A lone man paddles a low canoe past a waterside house in one of Bangkok’s canal klongsLongtail Boat
Canal Klong Tour
See why Bangkok
was called “the
Venice of the East”
More Info
Two women wearing traditional hats sit in boats full of fresh fruit in one of Bangkok’s floating marketsBangkok
Floating Markets
A must-do on
any classic
Bangkok itinerary
More Info
The wooden and furnished interior of Jim Thompson’s house in BangkokMore Things To
Do In Bangkok
Not sure where
to start?
See our guide!
More Info

Places to Eat in and Around Khao San Road

DSC_0197Tasty Treats © Eric Molina

  • CHOMP Comfort Café
    Chomp Comfort Café serves burgers, sandwiches and other Western comfort foods, as well as a great selection of strong and inexpensive cocktails. Located on the corner of Samsen Soi 1, it’s a short walk from Khao San Road.
  • Hemlock
    Located on Phra Athit Road, Hemlock’s stylish interior, jazz soundtrack and great selection of local artwork makes it a nice place to relax and enjoy dinner with friends. Hemlock’s kitchen is open until midnight, making it a good choice for late-night dining in the area.
  • May Kaidee Samsen
    Finding good vegetarian food on Khao San Road can be tough. May Kaidee Samsen is only a few minute’s walk from Khao San, and its extensive Thai vegetarian menu makes it a fantastic choice for visitors seeking something a little more interesting than streetside Pad Thai.
  • Ranee’s Restaurant
    Ranee’s Restaurant serves authentic Italian pizzas, pastas and excellent desserts on Trok Mayon — a small side street that’s connected to Khao San Road. Prices are higher than the average Khao San restaurant, but the relaxing atmosphere and great food makes it worth it.
  • Bombay Blues
    Located on Soi Rambuttri — Khao San Road’s quieter, more relaxing counterpart — Bombay Blues serves a variety of authentic Indian dishes. Shisha and party games like Jenga make it a fun choice for a night out with friends.
  • Tom Yum Kung
    Tom Yung Kung is a popular Thai restaurant on Khao San Road that offers a nice break from the street’s hustle and bustle. Great seafood dishes and a charming Thai cultural performance make Tom Yung Kung a great place to get acquainted with real Thai cuisine.
  • Shoshana
    Open since 1982, Shoshana is one of Bangkok’s few Israeli restaurants. It attracts a mixed crowd of locals and tourists visiting for one thing — the freshly prepared, inexpensive dishes on offer.
  • Cozy House Restaurant
    The majority of guesthouse restaurants serve tasty but unremarkable food. Cozy House on Samsen Soi 2 is the exception. This guesthouse/restaurant serves a mix of Thai and Western dishes and attracts diners late into the night.
  • Snack Bar Bkk
    Another Samsen Soi 2 restaurant, Snack Bar Bkk serves great burgers, schnitzel, poutine and a good selection of other Western comfort dishes. Salads and a range of Thai dishes are also available.
  • Krua Apsorn
    Located on Samsen Road, Krua Apsorn serves a selection of great Thai dishes. Best known for its crab curry, Krua Apsorn is a favourite of local foodies. Make sure you arrive early, as the kitchen shuts down at 8 pm.
  • In Love Bar and Restaurant
    Accessible via Thewet Pier, In Love Bar and Restaurant offers a decent selection of Thai food and an excellent view of the Chao Phraya River. More romantic than gourmet, In Love is ideal for couples seeking a quiet, picturesque night out in Bangkok.
Khao San Road Luxury and Mid Range Hotels
Chillax Resort, Khao San Road, BangkokChillax ResortMid RangeMore Info
SSIP Boutique Dhevej, Khao San Road, BangkokSSIP Dhevej HotelLuxuryMore Info
Casa Nithra, Khao San Road, BangkokCasa Nithra HotelMid RangeMore Info
Baan Chart Hotel, Khao San Road, BangkokBaan Chart HotelMid RangeMore Info

Best Luxury Hotels in and Around Khao San Road

  • SSIP Boutique Dhevej Bangkok
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    The Khao San Road area isn’t known for its luxurious accommodation, and SSIP Boutique Dhevej Bangkok is a decent walk from Khao San Road itself. This luxurious four-star hotel offers comfortable accommodation a short distance from Phra Athit and Samsen.
Check Bangkok hotel availability and pricing on Booking.com – book now, pay later

Best Mid Range Hotels in and Around Khao San Road

  • Baan Chart Hotel
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    Baan Chart Hotel is located on Chakrapong Road, about one minute from Khao San itself. A comfortable three star hotel with a rooftop swimming pool, it offers a relaxing experience in an area better known for backpacker accommodation.
  • Nouvo City Hotel
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    Located on Samsen Soi 2, Nouvo City Hotel is a short walk from Khao San Road, Phra Athit Road and Banglamphu’s other popular hangouts. A selection of comfortable rooms and suites make this four-star hotel a great choice for staying in the area.
  • Tara Place
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    Tara Place is located on Samsen Road, about five minute’s walk from Khao San Rd. Basic but comfortable rooms and a convenient location away from the noise make it a good choice for travellers wanting to visit Khao San Road but not deal with thumping bass all night.
  • Chillax Resort
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    Chillax Resort is designed for one thing: chillaxing. This stylish four-star hotel has a selection of huge rooms, all of which include a luxurious jacuzzi. It also has a rooftop swimming pool, making it a great place to relax that’s also within walking distance of nearby attractions.
  • Casa Nithra Bangkok
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    A modern boutique hotel on Samsen Road, Casa Nithra Bangkok offers a selection of rooms and suites located less than five minutes away from Khao San Road. A relaxing rooftop pool makes this modern hotel a great place to chill out and unwind after a day in Bangkok.
Khao San Road Budget Hotels
Laksameenarai Guesthouse, Khao San Road, BangkokLaksameenarai GHBudgetMore Info
Viman Guesthouse, Khao San Road, BangkokViman GueshouseBudgetMore Info
D & D Inn, Khao San Road, BangkokD & D InnBudgetMore Info
Korbua House, Khao San Road, BangkokKorbua HouseBudgetMore Info

Best Budget Hotels in and Around Khao San Road

  • Laksameenarai Guesthouse
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    Located on Trokmayom, Laksameenarai Guesthouse is set back from Khao San Road, giving it a more quiet and relaxing atmosphere than other hostels on the road itself. Dorms and small but comfortable private rooms are available inside a beautiful vintage home.
  • Khaosan Immjai Hostel
    (View on Agoda.com)
    Khaosan Immjai Hostel is located on Samsen Road, a short walk from Khao San and the top attractions in Banglamphu. Dorm beds are available from just 300 baht per night, making it an affordable accommodation option within easy walking distance of Khao San Road.
  • 3Howw Hostel at Khaosan
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    3Howw Hostel at Khaosan offers a selection of dorm beds, rooms with shared bathrooms and private en suite rooms. The accommodation is minimalistic and simple but clean, comfortable and quiet thanks to its convenient location on Samsen Soi 4.
  • Siamese Views Lodge
    (View on Agoda.com)
    Located about five minutes away from Khao San Road on foot, Siamese Views Lodge offers a range of comfortable rooms. If your budget permits, choose a standard or deluxe room, as the junior rooms don’t have any exterior windows.
  • Korbua House
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    Korbua house is located on Phrasumen Road, less than five minutes away from Khao San Road on foot. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with the deluxe rooms offering a good view of the nearby canal.
  • Siri Suvan @ Rambuttri Guest House
    (View on Agoda.com)
    Siri Suvan is a classic guesthouse located a short distance from Khao San Road. Its rooms are minimalistic and comfortable, with the restaurant and terrace offering a great place for guests to relax and enjoy the charming atmosphere.
  • Viman Guesthouse
    (View on Agoda.com)
    Viman Guesthouse might not be luxurious, but its simple rooms are a great choice for budget travellers seeking somewhere clean and inexpensive to stay. The hotel courtyard is decorated with beanbags and beach chairs, making it a great place to relax during the day.
  • Roof View Place Hotel
    (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
    Located on Samsen Soi 6, Roof View Place Hotel offers simple, comfortable and affordable accommodation within walking distance of Khao San Road. Rooms are simple but clean and comfortable, ideal for budget travellers seeking a reliable place to stay.

Nightlife In And Around Khao San Road

DSC_0603Cheers! © Eric Molina

  • Khao San Road
    Khao San Road is Bangkok’s backpacker nightlife capital, offering some of the cheapest bars in town. After sunset, the street’s iconic neon lights switch on and it transforms from a daytime market into an all-night party zone. The bars below are some of our favourites:

    • Brick Bar
      located on the first floor of Buddy Lodge, Brick Bar is one of the few bars on Khao San Road that attracts a mix of Thais and travellers. Cheap drinks and great live music make Brick Bar a fun choice for a night out on Khao San Road.
    • Hippie de Bar
      Decorated like a 1960s Americana-style hippie living room, Hippie de Bar offers a nice break from the chaos of Khao San Road. Drinks are strong, the menu is excellent and the music is relaxing, making this a great place to catch up with friends.
    • The Club
      Decidedly upscale compared to Khao San Road’s other bars, The Club is a neon-filled bar and nightclub playing a selection of modern EDM. Drinks are slightly more expensive than Khao San’s budget street side bars, but the great party environment makes up for it.
    • Mulligans Irish Bar
      Upstairs from Brick Bar is Mulligans Irish Bar — a fairly typical Irish pub that attracts a mix of tourists and locals. While the food and drinks are nothing special, the 4 am closing time gives Mulligans a sizable crowd once other bars nearby have shut their doors.
  • Soi Rambuttri
    Khao San Road’s quieter, more relaxing counterpart around the corner is a fun place to spend a night out. Cross Chakrapong Road (turn right from Khao San and pass the police station) to make it to the section of Soi Rambuttri that’s closed off to traffic.
  • Phra Athit
    Just along from Soi Rambuttri, Phra Athit runs along the Chao Phraya river is home to a small park and some pleasant eateries and bars, catering mainly to bohemian and student Thais along with tourists looking for somewhere a bit quieter.
  • Adhere the 13th
    A tiny, hole-in-the-wall blues pub on Samsen Road, Adhere the 13th attracts a mixed crowd of hipster Thais, expats and travellers. Live music starts at 9 pm and continues until shortly after midnight, making Adhere the 13th a fun choice for music lovers seeking somewhere hidden.

Getting to Khao San Road

  • By River Boat
    Khao San Road is close to the Chao Phraya River, making the Chao Phraya Express Boat a great way to travel around the city. Phra Arthit Pier (N13) is about 10 minutes from Khao San Road on foot, as well as conveniently located close to local temples and attractions.
  • By Khlong Boat
    Khlong Saen Saeb — one of Bangkok’s main canals — is a short walk from Khao San Road, making it easy to access Ratchaprasong and Sukhumvit by boat. Walk up Ratchadamnoen towards Wat Saket, then catch the Express Boat from Panfa Leelard Pier.

Bangkok BTS and MRT Map

Bangkok BTS And MRT Map

View Bangkok BTS and MRT Map full size.

Bangkok Area Guide

  • Quick summaries of what's interesting in each major Bangkok area:
  • Ari
  • Khao San Road
  • Rattanakosin
  • Phaya Thai
  • Ratchadaphisek
  • Siam Square
  • Silom Sathorn
  • Nana and Asoke
  • Chatuchak
  • Victory Monument
  • Riverside
  • Sukhumvit
  • Thonglor
Popular Bangkok Districts: (View all Bangkok Districts)
Khao San Road
Rattanakosin
Bangkok Riverside
Lower Sukhumvit
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Start Planning Your Bangkok Trip Now!

:: From May 1 2025, all visitors to Thailand are required to fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival. Do it online before you leave home to avoid the hassle of having to do it on arrival in the airport. Fill in the form at the Thailand Digital Arrival Card official site, and see also the official site instructions on filling in the card if you need help.

:: Find available Bangkok hotels on Booking.com and Agoda.com - usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too.

:: Browse a huge list of Things To Do In Bangkok - there are loads of activities and tours you can quickly book online or simply use as inspiration for your trip.

:: Find the cheapest flight to Bangkok with Skyscanner - one search will show you the prices and times from scores of airlines for your trip. A real timesaver.

:: Book a Bangkok airport transfer to take you hassle-free direct from the airport to your hotel with the driver meeting you in Arrivals.

:: Rent a Pocket Wifi router which can connect several devices so you can have immediate internet access on your phone, laptop and tablet.

:: Make sure you don't forget to bring any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Thailand

:: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

:: Book bus, train and ferry tickets from Bangkok to the rest of Thailand with 12Go - easy to use website that lets you check timetables and buy tickets online.

:: Need inspiration? Check our Bangkok Itineraries for ideas of where to go and what to do.

:: Explore our Bangkok Travel Guide for more Bangkok must-see attractions and helpful tips.


Bangkok Itineraries

  • 1 Day In Bangkok: Must See Itinerary 2025
  • 2 Days in Bangkok Itinerary 2025
  • 3 Days In Bangkok Itinerary 2025
  • One Week in Bangkok Travel Itinerary 2025
  • One Week in Bangkok and on the Beach Itinerary
  • One Week in Bangkok and the Mountains Itinerary

Bangkok Area Guide

  • Bangkok Riverside
  • Rattanakosin
  • Khao San Road
  • Chatuchak
  • Lower Sukhumvit – Nana And Asoke
  • Central Sukhumvit – Thonglor, Ekkamai And Phrom Phong
  • Upper Sukhumvit – On Nut, Phrakanong, And Beyond
  • Siam Square, Ratchaprasong and Ploen Chit
  • Silom And Sathorn
  • Ari
  • Saphan Khwai
  • Victory Monument
  • Phaya Thai
  • Ratchadaphisek

Bangkok Tips

  • Bangkok Guide: 55 Tips To Help You The First Time You Travel To Thailand
  • First Time In Bangkok
  • Where to Stay In Bangkok
  • Best Boutique Hotels In Bangkok
  • Things To Do In Bangkok
  • The Best Map Of Bangkok
  • Bangkok Food Guide
  • Where To Eat In Bangkok
  • Bangkok Temples Guide
  • Bangkok Shopping Malls
  • Bangkok Markets
  • Bangkok Floating Markets
  • Bangkok Airport Guide
  • Getting Around Bangkok
  • Songkran In Bangkok
  • Day Trips from Bangkok
  • How To Get To Angkor Wat From Bangkok
  • Best Cheap Hotels In Bangkok
  • Cheap Long Term Accommodation In Bangkok
  • Where To Change Money In Bangkok
  • How To Get A Myanmar Visa In Bangkok
  • How To Get A Vietnam Visa In Bangkok

Bangkok Travel Routes

  • Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi
  • Bangkok To Koh Phangan
  • Bangkok To Koh Samui
  • Bangkok To Phuket
  • Bangkok To Chiang Mai
  • Bangkok To Pattaya
  • Bangkok To Siem Reap
  • Bangkok To Phnom Penh
  • Bangkok To Ho Chi Minh City
  • Bangkok To Hanoi

Travelhappy Travel Guides

  • Myanmar Travel Guide
  • Singapore Travel Guide
  • Thailand Travel Guide
  • Vietnam Travel Guide
  • Travel Tips

Travelhappy Travel Guides

  • Bangkok Travel Guide
  • Living In Bangkok Guide
  • Cambodia Travel Guide
  • Hong Kong Travel Guide
  • Indonesia Travel Guide
  • Laos Travel Guide

Disclosure

travelhappy.info is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca and amazon.co.uk.

Travelhappy may be compensated for any bookings made through Agoda.com, Booking.com, Skyscanner.com, WorldNomads.com, GAdventures.com and any other commercial travel organisation featured on this website.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

© 2005–2025 travelhappy.info. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy