Khaosan Road, Bangkok

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Kevin Poh

Khaosan Road is one of the top attractions in Bangkok and a name that resonates with travelers around the globe. Once a quiet street lined with rice traders, it has transformed into a buzzing center of budget travel, nightlife, and cultural exchange. The road may be just 410 meters long, but it packs in more color, character, and chaos than entire neighborhoods elsewhere in the city. By day, it's a maze of guesthouses, souvenir stalls, and cafés; by night, it becomes a neon-lit party street alive with music, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of street food.

A highlight of any walking tour of Bangkok, Khaosan Road offers more than just cheap thrills. It's a microcosm of global backpacker culture, where strangers from every continent swap travel stories over Chang beers, where Buddhist temples meet lively bars, and where local life blends seamlessly with the pulse of adventure.

History and Significance of Khaosan Road

Khaosan Road’s name translates to “milled rice,” a nod to its origins as a major rice market during the late 19th century. Established in 1892 under King Rama V, the area remained relatively quiet for nearly a century. Its transformation began in the 1980s when enterprising locals started offering low-cost rooms to budget travelers exploring Southeast Asia’s backpacking circuit.

As word spread, Khaosan became synonymous with adventure and affordability-a global meeting point for free spirits, students, and nomads. Described by travelers as “a short road with the longest dream,” it became a rite of passage for those traversing Thailand and beyond. Today, it’s a blend of old and new-traditional Thai culture on one hand, and modern travel energy on the other.

Despite waves of modernization, Khaosan retains a bohemian spirit. From the makeshift stalls selling second-hand books and sarongs to tattoo parlors and rooftop bars, the street's appeal lies in its unpretentious authenticity. It remains one of the must-see places in Bangkok for those wanting to experience its famous chaos and charm firsthand.

Things to See and Do in Khaosan Road

There's no shortage of things to do on Khaosan Road. During the day, travelers wander through a maze of shops offering handicrafts, clothing, and travel gear. Street vendors serve everything from tropical fruit shakes to fried insects for the more adventurous. Massage parlors line the street, offering foot massages to weary travelers, while second-hand bookstores invite you to linger with a cold drink in hand.

As evening falls, Khaosan transforms into Bangkok’s most famous nightlife strip. Bars spill music into the street, neon lights flash, and food carts fill the air with the scent of grilled skewers and pad thai. It’s not uncommon to find live music, impromptu dance-offs, or a crowd singing along to an acoustic guitarist under a canopy of fairy lights.

Nearby, the Wat Chana Songkram temple offers a moment of serenity just steps away from the revelry, while the small Islamic community to the northwest adds another layer to the area’s cultural fabric. If you visit during Songkran, Thailand’s New Year festival in April, prepare for the biggest water fight of your life-Khaosan is at the heart of the celebration.

How to Get There

Khaosan Road is located in the Banglamphu area, just a 10-minute walk from Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace. The most convenient way to reach it is by taking the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Phra Arthit Pier, followed by a short walk. Alternatively, taxis and tuk-tuks are widely available, though traffic in this area can be heavy in the evening. The road is best explored on foot once you arrive.

Practical Tips on Visiting Khaosan Road

• Best time to visit Khaosan Road: Evening, when the street comes alive with lights, music, and food vendors.
• Entrance fee: None.
• Opening hours: Always open, though nightlife peaks between 7 PM and 2 AM.
• Official website: No official site, but tourism boards and travel blogs list updated event information.
• How long to spend: 2-3 hours for sightseeing or a full evening to enjoy the nightlife.
• Accessibility: Paved street with moderate crowds; accessible but can be congested.
• Facilities: ATMs, convenience stores, exchange counters, and restrooms available.
• Photography tip: Capture the colorful chaos after sunset when neon lights reflect off rain-slicked pavement.
• Guided tours: Often included in Bangkok nightlife or cultural walking tours.
• Nearby food options: Endless-street vendors, cafés, and international restaurants line the road and its side alleys.

Is Khaosan Road Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Khaosan Road is not just a destination-it's an experience. Whether you're seeking nightlife, culture, or a glimpse of Bangkok's backpacker soul, it offers an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world. It's one of the things to do in Bangkok that every traveler should experience at least once.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (9,261)

Khao San Road at 161–163 Thanon Khao San sits in Bangkok’s Talat Yot neighborhood and is a lively, low-rise street popular with budget travelers; by late afternoon and into the night it fills with open-air bars, pubs, street food stalls, massage and nail stations, souvenir and clothing vendors, and numerous small hotels, while nearby Thanon Ram Buttri offers a slightly calmer alternative; visitors praise the relaxed, friendly atmosphere at quieter times but warn it can be noisy after dark, that vendors can be persistent and some fashion items are pricey even after haggling, and recommend coming late for the liveliest vibe and focusing on food, bars and the scene rather than serious shopping.

John T

a week ago

"Had never previously managed to visit Khaosan Road despite several visits to Bangkok. We visited on a Monday and, despite its reputation for being alittle bit tacky and massively crowded, it was actually a very pleasant, open, low-rise street. There are lots of useful shops on that street and nearby selling the predictable items such as luggage, T-shirts, trousers, shirts, etc. ( and many other interesting cafes and shops) , but the overall atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. There was no hassle at all, and it was genuinely pleasant just to be there. Nearby is Rambuttri Road, another area often described as "spoiled" and “touristy.” However this reputation is overplayed — both areas are still pleasant places to visit and just another very individual part of the myriad different zones and areas of this incredible City. This area is very easy to get to if you take the hop-on, hop-off tourist boat and get off at the final stop, Phra Arthit Pier. From there it’s an easy three-minute walk: exit the pier, turn right, walk about 100 metres, then turn left...."

See More See Less

Nam Binh Nguyen

3 months ago

"Khao San Road: Your Must-Go Global Hub in Bangkok! Khao San Road in Bangkok is an absolutely essential stop for anyone traveling to Thailand—it's theworld-famous, vibrant, and bustling backpacker mecca! This street truly comes alive from about 4 PM until the early hours. You'll find a massive array of open-air bars, lively pubs, diverse street food, and countless shops selling everything a traveler could need. The great news is that prices here are very reasonable and generally comparable to what you'd find elsewhere. While many services post clear prices, a friendly negotiation is still often recommended before you commit, just to be sure. If you plan to stay right on the main street, places like D&D I Khaosan offer good value and are often very reasonably priced, but remember to book in advance on major travel websites, as they fill up fast! The quality is perfectly suitable for the typical, adventurous traveler. Explore the Softer Side: Neighboring StreetsnDon't miss the charming, interco ected lanes surrounding Khao San! Areas like Thanon Ram Buttri Night Market and Ram Buttri Alley are stu ing and also packed with great shops, restaurants, and bars. These streets offer a slightly more relaxed and gentle vibe than the main road, making them a perfect alternative if you prefer a less intense experience. Whether you're looking for an all-night party or a chill evening with a beer, Khao San Road and its neighboring streets are definitely a 'Must-Go' destination on your Thai adventure!..."

See More See Less

Sushan Shrestha

a month ago

"A good place to just vibe in. A place filled full witg tourist who want to party and have a good time. There are alot of bars and clubs located alongwith massage parlours. Foot Massages here ramge from 300 bhar per half hour. Beer in bars are around 130 bhar for a large Chang, Singha and Leo. There are many street vendors both to eat and shop. We also saw alot of hotels. Be careful, the street is really noisy for you to get a good sleep if you book it there. There are street vendors selling beers as well. 7/11 sells beers but not on restricted times. Its fun to just bar hop or sit on a bar and enjoy people dancing and just enjoying the vibe. Must experience if you habe time in Bangkok. Tip: Go late after 11 or 12. Its more lively...."

See More See Less

FAQs for Visiting Khaosan Road

Nearby Attractions to Khaosan Road

• Ratchadamnoen Avenue - A grand boulevard lined with colonial-era architecture and cultural landmarks.
• Wat Chana Songkram - A peaceful temple just steps from Khaosan, offering respite from the crowds.
• The Grand Palace - Bangkok's most iconic landmark, only a short walk away.
• Wat Phra Kaew - The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred shrine.
• Phra Arthit Pier - Gateway to scenic Chao Phraya River cruises.

The Khaosan Road appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bangkok!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Nearby Attractions

• National Museum Bangkok (0.5) km
  Museum
• Sanam Luang (0.5) km
  Historic Site and Park
• Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relic) (0.8) km
  Buddhist Temple
• Lak Mueang (0.8) km
  Historic Site
• Wat Ratchanatdaram (Temple of the Royal Niece) (0.9) km
  Buddhist Temple
• Bangkok's Amulet Market (0.9) km
  Market
• Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)  (0.9) km
  Buddhist Temple
• Saranrom Palace (1.0) km
  Palace
• Bangkok Wat Suthat (Giant Swing) (1.0) km
  Historic Site
• Wat Thepthidaram (1.0) km
  Buddhist Temple