Khao San Road and Banglamphu

Backpacker legend, riverside parks and old shophouses in Bangkok's traveller quarter.

Area

Old town

Start from

Old town

Distance

in the city

Time needed

one evening

Best season

All year

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Boat to Phra Arthit pier, taxi

Tickets & rules

None

Why go

Khao San Road is Bangkok's famous backpacker street, full of bars, street food and music. Nearby Phra Arthit Road and the riverside park are calmer.

Banglamphu also has some of the city's best street food.

Banglamphu is also home to historic temples, old wooden houses and canals. Walk a few streets away from Khao San and you'll find quiet lanes, local markets and some of Bangkok's best street food stalls.

The story

Khao San Road became a backpacker hub in the 1980s and was made famous by books and films.

Phra Sumen Fort is one of the last remaining forts of the old city walls.

The area was once a rice-trading district. The name Khao San means 'milled rice'.

Banglamphu's streets have been home to musicians, artists and travellers for decades.

Getting there

Take the river boat to Phra Arthit pier.

Taxis can get stuck in traffic; walking is often faster.

A suggested plan

1. AfternoonWalk Phra Arthit Road and Phra Sumen Fort.
2. EveningExplore Khao San and Rambuttri roads.
3. LateStreet food at Banglamphu.

Where to stay

Guesthouses and boutique hotels in Banglamphu.

Good to know

• Rambuttri Road is quieter than Khao San.
• Try the riverside park at sunset.
• The area is good for finding cheap massages and travel agencies.