Written by

Khao San Road Bangkok is a famous place among people who want to have a trip to the end of Thailand. Described as the epicentre of Thai nightlife, multicultural food and shopaholics’ paradise, Khao San Road blends the old world Thainess with flashy neoclassical city life. This lively street, with numerous bars, world-renowned eateries, second-hand clothing stores, and other exciting shops, has become a Mecca for backpackers, food lovers, and adventure enthusiasts from all over the globe. You must know the 5 exciting things to do in Khao San Road to make the most of your trip!

5 Things To Do On Khao San Road Bangkok

Khao San Road Bangkok is one of the most famous streets for tourists in Thailand. It is easily identified for its strict nightlife, strange shops, and excellent food joints. This is a busy road, and everyone who is preparing for an authentic Thai adventure should visit it. Thus, SKE or Khao San Road is a two-in-one place for tourists to find cheap hotels, look for exciting bars, and eat delicious restaurants. The top five activities to do in Khao San Road Bangkok mainly include:

1. Indulge In Khao San Road Restaurants

 Street food vendors and outdoor seating at a restaurant on Khao San Road Bangkok

Image Credit: Mr.Peerapong Prasutr for Wikimedia Commons

There are many options for combining gastronomy with visiting Khao San Road Bangkok at its best. Several restaurants, including Thai and international cuisine, are on the street. If your heart desires a classic Pad Thai dish or those in charge of your taste buds want to expand their boundaries further on Thai cuisine, check out the Khao San Road restaurants. These restaurants mainly include:

  • Local Thai Cuisine
    Thai cuisine is widely accepted worldwide because of its perfectly harmonised use of sweet, sour, salty, and hot spices. As with any street food in Bangkok, you can taste Thai staples such as green curry, som tam (papaya salad), and tom yum soup here. Food stalls sell barbecue skewers, fresh spring rolls, and all those fantastic encased meats that can be found throughout the night.
  • International Dishes
    Khao San Road offers a variety of exciting dining options to suit every taste. There are Indian curry restaurants, Western burger joints, Italian pizzerias, and more.
  • Vegetarian And Vegan Dishes
    Like other Bangkok restaurants, restaurants on Khao San Road offer vegetarian and vegan meals. Although Thai cuisines tend to include most meat-related meals, these restaurants also offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives to accommodate customers with different preferences.

Tip: As a parting shot, visit one of the street vendors to enjoy a tasteful mango sticky rice, which is quite famous there.

Must Read: Bangkok In November

2. Experience The Nightlife At Khao San Road Bangkok Bars

A lively bar scene with people enjoying drinks and music.

Image Credit: McKay Savage for Wikimedia Commons

There is a wide range of Khao San Road Bangkok bars that people relish being in. Regarding ambience, drinking places range from quiet pubs to wild dance clubs, making it possible for visitors to find places that suit their moods. Most of them organise live music shows, which makes the place perfect for interacting with locals and tourists. The ambience of any establishment and the cheap drinks offered make the Bangkok bars on Khao San Road a favourite spot for numerous people.

  • Live Music Venues
    A wide array of Khao San Road Bangkok bars hosts live bands, solo singers performing traditional Thai music, and the newest bands. These venues complement the events by offering, besides music, an ideal platform for the fans to interact with many people.
  • Dance Clubs
    Several clubs along Khao San Road have DJs blasting the newest songs if you want to dance. These locations often host special events and themed evenings to ensure there’s always something spectacular going on.
  • Cocktail Bars
    If you want a low-critical experience, many cocktail bars provide top-shelf originality and timeless tastes. You can have a glass of mojito or a margarita on a rooftop bar or a warm lounge while watching people walk by.

Tip: Make sure to visit the terrace area and experience the world’s excitement through the glass floor that looks into the street activity.

3. Shop At The Khao San Road Bangkok Night Market

Colourful stalls and busy crowds at the Khao San Road Bangkok night market

MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

Image Credit: Tnlavie for Wikimedia Commons

A special place to visit is Khao San Road, dedicated to night markets. Open to locals and foreigners, this commercial centre stocks various commodities, ranging from apparel and accessories to miscellaneous items and local Afro-craft finds. It will be interesting to shop at a Khao San Road Bangkok night market because of the fast-paced lifestyle, the social and olfactory ratio of street performances, and the aroma of street food. Never be afraid to ask the seller for a better price because there is always room for negotiation, and nothing is set in stone.

  • Clothing And Accessories
    Fashion accessories are easily sourced at the night market; therefore, it is an excellent place for finding novelties in fashion. They sell everything from T-shirts and dresses, which are popular and fashionable, to jewellery and accessories crafted by hand. Tipping is always anticipated, and the prices that are given usually could be better.
  • Souvenirs And Crafts
    For souvenirs or gifts, Taiwan has a forum net where you can surf all the night markets and sell lots of nice things. Traditional Thai artistic products such as pottery or hand-wrought jewellery, fashion accessories, and toys that anyone will find interesting. Some of the most common products on sale are carved wooden elephants, Thai silk scarves, and paintings, as Thailand is famous for its arts.
  • Street Performers
    Despite being generally associated with the sale of commodities, the market is also a thriving hub for culture. Musicians, clowns, acrobats, and all forms of artists you can imagine perform on the streets as you shop because of the stalls.

Tip: One of the best times to visit the Khao San Road Bangkok night market is in the late evening, when the market is busy.

Suggested Read: Best Hotels In Bangkok

4. Relax With A Khao San Road Bangkok Massage

Cosy massage parlour offering traditional Thai massage

Image Credit: Krzysztof Golik for Wikimedia Commons

Khao San Road Bangkok is one of the top travel destinations, so spend a day exploring. However, in the end, soothe your muscles with a Thai massage. Even though some parlours specialise in this type of massage, they provide anything from a foot to full-body massages. A Khao San Road Bangkok massage is enjoyable and cheap; many travellers embrace the chance to have the massages. Squeezing the sore muscles after a long day of travelling is a perfect way to rejuvenate and try more adventures.

  • Traditional Thai Massage
    This kind of Khao San Road Bangkok massage combines acupressure, deep tissue massage, and a few unique movements called stretches. Yoga is an alternative medicine that aims to enhance the well-being of the body by providing a sense of relief from stress and increased flexibility.
  • Foot Massage
    When you have been moving around all day, whether walking on official business or even running errands, the doctor ordered to have your feet massaged. These particular kinds of massages deal with pressure points in the foot part of the body, and they can cure stress and improve blood circulation.
  • Aromatherapy Massage
    If you’re in for luxury, an aromatherapy massage is just what you need. This kind of massage uses oils that are considered necessary to increase body relaxation.

Tip: Choose a foot massage if you walk a lot throughout the day or feel tired—it is very refreshing!

5. Discover Affordable Hotels In Khao San Road Bangkok

 Modern and cosy hotel room in a hotel on Khao San Road Bangkok

Image Credit: Globe-trotter for Wikimedia Commons

Choosing hotels in Khao San Road Bangkok is quite simple since it hosts foreigners, with amenities that will fit the client’s pocket. The area has numerous options, ranging from cheap guest houses to middle price hotels.

Many hotels in Khao San Road Bangkok offer proper facilities and are close to critical points of interest, making it easy to get around the area. To enjoy the feel of the Khao San Road and utilise the available facilities, it is wise to spend your night here.

  • Budget Hostels
    Khao San Road alone has plenty of hostels ideal for backpackers or those on a shoestring budget. These hostels mainly provide dormitory lodging facilities. These hostels sometimes have canteens where you can get cheap meals. They always have free Wi-Fi, and some of them offer complimentary breakfast.
  • Mid-Range Hotels
    There are many easily accessible mid-price hotels that are a little more spacious for those who want additional comfort. These hotels predominantly provide accommodation in individually yielding rooms with bathrooms, some featuring climate control and other comforts, like swimming pools or fitness gyms.
  • Luxury Stays
    A couple of rather posh hotels nearby are better suited to people who demand more services and amenities. These hotels usually have terraced cocktail lounges, gourmet restaurants, and commercial relaxation facilities.

Tip: It is advisable to make all arrangements for a place to stay, especially during the tourist season, because most hotels will have fully booked rooms at the most appropriate prices.

Further Read: Resorts In Bangkok

Khao San Road Bangkok is a trendy strip with a flair for eating places, shops, bars, fun, and areas to unwind. Now that you know the top things to do on Khao San Road, it’s time to plan your trip to Bangkok today. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and make unforgettable memories in this exciting part of Bangkok.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.

Cover Image credit : By Khaosaming for Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Khao San Road Bangkok

What are the opening hours of Khao San Road Bangkok?

Essential shops and places to eat in Khao San Road Bangkok are generally open from 10 AM and are available all night. Moreover, Khao San Road Bangkok opening hours of bars and clubs are mainly during the night, and they continue their service till the wee hours of the morning.

Are there any hotels in Khao San Road Bangkok suitable for families?

Indeed, several hotels in Khao San Road Bangkok are welcoming to families and provide several features like family rooms, a swimming pool, and grounds close to the tourist areas.

What type of food can I find at Khao San Road restaurants?

These Khao San Road restaurants' food outlets embrace authentic Thai food; tasty foods like pad thai and green curry, Italian, Indian, and other world foods are also sold in these restaurants.

Can you visit Khao San Road Bangkok at night?

Yes and no. The Khao San Road Bangkok is a fun place at night and generally safe, but like any other densely populated area, there are specific measures of safety one has to follow; they include staying aware of your surroundings, being mindful of your belongings and avoiding places that are too crowded in a way that pickpocketing can easily take place.

Can I book a massage on Khao San Road Bangkok without an appointment?

Of course, most massage parlours located at Khao San Road Bangkok allow clients to make their bookings while moving. However, the booking may be optional if you savour your meal while waiting for a bus or after a tiring day at work, especially when travelling during rush hours.

People Also Read:

Category: Bangkok, Places To Visit

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best Places To Visit Outside India By Month