Khao San Road is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok. In this detailed guide to Khao San area you will find the essential information about this backpacker neighborhood with the most popular attractions and things to do in Khao San Road, transportation, and selection of hotels according to your budget.
Khao San Road, also known as “backpacker street”, is the most popular location to stay in Bangkok between backpackers and solo travelers who like to connect. If you are looking for a party, this is your place! Khao San Road is located in Banglamphu area, just north of the old city Rattanakosin, the area where many famous temples, majestic Grand Palace, the famed Wat Pho Buddhist temple, and other historical attractions can be found. It is also one of the best areas for night time hangouts with dozens of restaurants and bars, tattoo shops and massage salons.
Khao San Road in general is the cheapest area to stay in Bangkok as there are many budget accommodations available. However, the road itself is busy and bustling with tourists all night long so the noise from the street can make it impossible to sleep. There are streets nearby such as Soi Rambuttri and Sam Sen Road, where you can find a better stay and escape from the noise and chaos.
Attractions in Khao San Road Area
Khao San Road itself is the main tourist street in Bangkok. During the day the atmosphere there is calmer than at night, when bars and discos open. Nearby attractions are the main historical places in Bangkok that are worth seeing.
Wat Phra Kaew: A must-visit tourist spot in Bangkok, commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald, known for its gorgeous gold decorations.
Democracy Monument: Located at the roundabout on Ratchadamnoen road, the monument commemorates the 1932 Siamese coup d'état that led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.
October 14 Memorial: The monument to the victims of the democracy movement in October 1973, located at the intersection of Ratchadamnoen Klang Road and Tanao Road.
Phra Sumen Fort: A fort in Bangkok that overlooks the Chao Phraya River, built during the era of King Rama I.
Santichaiprakarn Park: A famous park in Bangkok that overlooks Phra Sumen Fort and the Chao Phraya River.
Wat Bowonniwet: The first class Royal temple in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district, built in 1824-1832 during the reign of King Rama III with a mixture of Thai and Chinese architecture.
Wat Chana Songkhram: The second-class royal temple, known as the Temple of Victory in War, which is popular temple among local Thai people
The National Gallery: Situated on Chao Fa Road opposite the National Theatre, the museum exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art created by Thai artists.
Transportation in Khao San Road Area
Khao San Road area is easily accessible by public transportation from anywhere in Bangkok and the main historical and cultural attractions are within the walking distance from it.
Khao San Road area is not far from the Chao Phraya River so you can take Chao Phraya Express Boat for sightseeing. Tha Phra Arthit is the nearest pier, which is located less than 10 minutes’ walk away. Other important piers are Tha Chang (for the Grand Palace), Tha Tien (for Wat Pho) and Rachawongse (for Chinatown).
Several Bangkok bus routes pass the area: No. 3, 9, 32, 39, 44, 53, 59, 64, 79, 159, 503, 509 and 511. The bus will drop you close to Khao San Road.
In the area you can also use the sightseeing bus as there’s a stop of Hop-On Hop Off Bus Tour in the area.
Khao San Road is not directly connected to MRT or BTS line. However, you can take MRT Metro from anywhere in the city and get off at Sam Yot MRT Station or Sanam Chai MRT station that are the nearest. From there you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk or walk about 20 minutes. Chao Phraya Express Boats go from the area to Sathorn Pier, where you can transfer to BTS SkyTrain.
Taking Bangkok taxi or tuk-tuk seems to be a practical option for getting around Bangkok from Khao San Road but beware of taxi and tuk-tuk drivers in the area as usually they operate on the flat rate and will hardly miss a chance to rip you off.
How to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Khao San
By Airport Bus: A direct airport bus S1 from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) stops at a few places in Khao San Road area and costs only 60 THB.
By Airport Express bus: Airport Express bus service Red Line from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok downtown (BKK Airport - China Town/ Old Town Route) makes a stop at The Giant Swing, approximately 1 km away from Khao San Road. Price is 180 THB.
By Train: Airport Rail Link train connects BKK Airport with Phaya Thai station in the city center, from where you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Khao San Road.
By Private Transfer: Enjoy a premium and hassle-free experience going from Suvarnabhumi Airport with private transfer service. All-inclusive price includes a ride with comfortable seating and ample luggage space.
By Taxi: Taxi ride to Khao San area takes approximately 1 hour. The price should be approximately 300-400 THB plus an additional 50 THB airport fee.
Explore Bangkok right away by booking Bangkok Airport luggage delivery to send your luggage from the airport to your accommodation within the city.
How to get from Don Mueang Airport to Khao San
By Airport Bus: A direct bus A4 from Don Mueang Airport stops at a few places in Khao San area and costs only 50 THB.
By Limo Bus: There is a limousine bus called Airport Limobus Express between Don Mueang Airport and Khao San area. The air-conditioned bus comes with free WiFi.
By Train: Train from Don Mueang Railway Station stops at Hua Lamphong Railway Station, approximately 4 km away.
By Taxi: Taxi ride from Don Mueang Airport to Khao San Road area takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the traffic. The price should be approximately 300-350 THB plus an additional 50 THB airport fee.
Places to Stay in Khao San Road Area
When it comes to finding a place to stay in Khao San Road area, you will have a wide choice of accommodations, mostly cheap hostels and mid-range hotels with modern conveniences. Some of the best Khao San Road hotels in this area are listed below.
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Khao San Road
Lamphuhouse Bangkok: Affordable hotel in Soi Rambrutri, 5 minutes’ walk away from Khao San Road. The rooms come with air-conditioning or fans, as well as private or shared bathrooms; some have balconies.
Khaosan Art Hotel: Well-rated budget hotel close to the river. There's a funky restaurant with open-air seating and a bar.
New Siam III Guest House: Low-key guesthouse on the corner of Khao San Road, offering an open-air café and plain rooms.
Back Home Backpackers: A very social hostel offering dormitory rooms with free Wi-Fi in public areas. Rooms are fitted with air-conditioning, shared bathrooms and balcony.
Siam Champs Elyseesi Unique Hotel: Unique hotel located in the heart of Bangkok City Old Town. The interior design is inspired by an exquisite blend of Oriental-French influenced architecture and modern contemporary Thai design.
Mid-Range Hotels in Khao San Road
Chillax Heritage: Hip hotel featuring unique accommodations inspired by the story of the ancient epic, Ramayana, just a 5-minute walk to Khao San Road.
Casa Vimaya Riverside: Elegant 3-star hotel on Phra Sumen Road in a historic neighborhood of Bangkok, offering two different types of accommodation, each with its own special charms.
Villa De Khaosan Hotel: Unique and timeless design hotel of the French Era hotel style, which is inspired by the times when French Kingdom began exploring the Kingdom of Siam. Khao San Road is reachable within a 4-minute walk.
Siri Heritage Bangkok Hotel: 3-star hotel highlights classic Siamese historic architectural motifs through a clean, colorful and contemporary design. Located on Rattanakosin Island near Grand Palace and Khao San Road, the hotel has spaces for families and friends picnic at the rooftop with relaxing ambience and great view.
Baan Noppawong: One of the most beautiful traditional Thai houses in Bangkok Old Town. The artist chose to decorate the tea room with white flowers from Pak Klong Talat or so-called Flower Market.
Luxury Hotels in Khao San Road
Riva Surya Bangkok: Luxurious 4-star urban oasis along the bank of the Chao Phraya River, offering a touch of style and charm. This modern boutique hotel in Bangkok provides a lavish experience and true Thai hospitality, along with 68 beautifully designed rooms, elegant dining options, riverside swimming pool and leisure facilities.
Praya Palazzo Hotel: A boutique hotel steeped in history providing tailor-made holiday experiences. The hotel is only accessible by own private barge, taking you from the pier, across the Chao Phraya River.
Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon: 4-star hotel with 180 rooms and suites spread across two low-rise buildings built around an inner courtyard, conveniently providing a peaceful and relaxing sanctuary from the bustling city outside.
Tips for a stay in Khao San Road
Khao San Road area can be a good base for first-time travelers coming to Bangkok as from here you can visit all the main historical attractions of the city on foot.
Khao San Road is perfect for those looking for fun, parties and meeting other travelers. For those looking for a quiet place to stay, it is best to check other areas such as Bangkok old town (Rattanakosin), as Khao San Road can be extremely noisy and chaotic, especially in the evening and night.
For families with kids, staying in Siam, Silom, or Sukhumvit is recommended. These are more modern accommodations with family-friendly atmosphere and definitely a lot more kid-friendly attractions.
Stay connect with your loved ones during a stay in Thailand, Get the Tourist SIM Card, which is offering generous data with affordable packages.
Popular Day Tours in Khao San Road Area
Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Half Day Walking Tour: Discover Bangkok’s history and culture as you explore the world-famous Grand Palace complex and the Wat Phra Kaew with a professional guide. You’ll be able to enjoy more time to take in the beauty and history of the historical landmark with the ticket's skip-the-line access.
Bangkok's Best Eats Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: Immerse yourself in Thailand's unique culinary heritage by joining the four-hour food tour in Bangkok. You will visit famous local food places such as a North Eastern Thai restaurant, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, Pak Klong Talad, and "Secret Bar" on a rooftop via the iconic Tuk Tuk.
Thai Bus Food Tour Experience in Bangkok: Experience a Michelin-starred dining experience on the first food bus in Thailand. You will enjoy 4 exclusive menu choices and see Bangkok city’s iconic landmarks around Rattanakosin area without having to leave your seat.
Other Bangkok Areas
Planning a trip to Thailand and wondering where to stay in Bangkok? To make your visit in the capital city easier, find the guide to the best Bangkok areas and choose accommodation according to your preferences and trip plan.
Detailed guides to other popular Bangkok areas:
