While Bangkok has a vibrant and wild street life no matter where you go, there is no place that’s packed with so much to see and do like Khao San Road. This 1 kilometer stretch of road is packed with hotels, restaurants and bars on both sides, and strewn down the middle of the road are street vendors with any item imaginable. Impassable to cars, Khao San Rd is the perfect place to spend an evening to explore the local lifestyle of Bangkok. Below are some of the best reasons why Khao San Rd is Bangkok’s best place to hang out.

Night Life

For those traveling without kids, Khao San Rd is a perfect place to get drinks and party during the evening. This vibrant road is packed with restaurants, clubs, and “pop-up” bars in VW Vans covered in lights. No matter what your style of beer and alcohol, they have a large assortment of different brews from around the world. Most of the nightlife is situated outdoors, but of course, if you want to see more of the “risky” shows you have to head indoors. The street life is kid friendly, however, if it’s late at night then it is not suggested to bring children.

So. Much. Street. Food

Out of all the Asia countries, Bangkok has the most affordable and delicious street food by far. While foreigners may feel skeptical at first seeing all the food outside, dig right in and live the local life by trying a bite from these food carts. On Khao San Rd. you’ll find everything that’s on your “to eat” list from fruits to coconut juice, noodle soup, grilled pork/chicken, pad Thai, deep-fried scorpions, and so much more.

Perfect Souvenir

If you’re looking for the perfect gift to take back home for yourself or others, Khao San Rd has mobile vendors covered in brightly colored umbrellas up and down the street. While the most common items include the Thai style pants, t-shirts, wooden sculptures, “black market” replica purses and bags; you can also find more unique items like curry spices and dried fruits.

Experience Local Life

The best way to experience local life is to take to the streets. Bangkok is a very safe city to explore by foot so don’t be afraid to steer off Khao San Road into the different side streets to experience the more local lifestyle. Watch as your Thai noodle soup is prepared on the street corner out of a 10-gallon steel pot or pick out your own barbeque sticks and have them freshly grilled. As you explore, you’ll no doubt see children playing ball while cars are passing, or an elder woman washing clothes out of a bucket. 

Street Performances

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Along Khao San Road lined down the middle are an assortment of street performers including magic tricks, live musicians playing instruments or singing, dancers and acrobats, fire performers, human statues, and Thai cultural performers.

Not only are there entertaining performers, but you’ll also find artists to draw or paint your portrait or get a tattoo for some more permanent artwork. You’ll also see more heartfelt acts including free haircuts for the homeless showing how good the city is to its inhabitants.

Proximity to the Grand Palace

While Khao San Road is exciting and wild, the other great part about it is it’s within walking distance to so many great attractions including the Grand Palace. That’s why staying in a hotel near Khao San is a perfect choice as you can eliminate the need for taxis and transportation to most of the well-known buildings including the Grand Palace. Located 2 kilometers away from Khao San, you’re in a prime location to wake up early and head over to the Grand Palace for a tour.

For the best experience, you’ll want to get up and head out to the Grand Palace around 7am as it opens at 8am. Arriving later than opening time will mean you’ll be surrounded by thousands of tourists pushing their way past you to get photos. Arriving at the opening time will mean you get a quiet walk with less people so you can get those Instagrammable photos.

National Museum Bangkok

Khao San Road has its own works of art galleries scattered down the street, but if you want to see ancient works of art from the past Kings of Thailand, a 5-minute walk across the large park nearby the Grand Palace is Bangkok’s National Art Gallery. The building is large with draperies, canvases, and other works of art throughout the building. It was first opened by King Rama V to show off the antiques and gifts given to him by his father.

Temples and Monuments

With Khao San Road being so close to the Grand Palace, it also is within walking distance to many grand and beautiful temples and monuments. Nearby the Grand Palace you’ll find both Wat Po with its giant reclining Buddha and Wat Arun across the river with its towers of white mosaic patterns.

Closer to Khao San Road you’ll find Phra Athit Park, a relaxing park with an ancient military defense post in the middle. A bit further out you’ll encounter the Democracy Monument in the center of Bangkok where traffic circles around it built during the 1932 revolution.

Further out from the Democracy Monument you can explore both the King Rama III Memorial, the Mahakarn Fort, and the Golden Mount all within close proximity and each with golden spires and elaborate designs.

No matter where you go in Bangkok, the streets are filled with food, fun and a flare of excitement as well. While Khao San is one of the most famous streets, you’ll find similar streets all over the city. Start with Khao San and branch out further and further exploring each nook and cranny the city has to offer and while you’re at it, make a few new friends along the way.