Kaosan Road - an overview of Bangkok's main tourist street

Kaosan Road is the "gateway to Asia," a street known far beyond the borders of Thailand. It is located in the center of Bangkok, in the Banglamphu neighborhood.

This is where independent travelers depart for Southeast Asia or travel to Thailand. This is where backpackers from all over the world meet, attracted by inexpensive lodging, late-night entertainment, bargain shopping, and new friendships.

Kaosan means "polished rice" in Thai. Back in the day, there was a market for rice. In the early 1980s, the first inexpensive hotels appeared.

The street begins to gain world fame since 1982, when Bangkok celebrated the 200th anniversary of its founding. The publicized celebrations, attracted many tourists to the country. The main events took place near the Royal Palace.

The problem of accommodating guests in the center of the capital was solved by the residents of Kaosan Road, who rented out their personal lodgings.

The movie "The Beach", released in 2000, also made Kaosan famous. The film was made famous by the film "The Beach" released in 2000, and young people from all over the world flocked to Kaosan Street in Bangkok for adventure and excitement.

Today Kaosan is a street spanning several blocks of Bangkok. All sorts of inexpensive establishments: stores, market stalls, massage parlors, travel agencies and more. Here you'll find everything you might need for a tourist. Today Kaosan Road is called not only the street itself, but also the surrounding neighborhood.

This is the street that never sleeps.

How to get there

Most tourists arrive in Bangkok through the country's main air gateway, Suvarnabhumi Airport. There are several ways to get to the street:

Kaosan Street on a map of Bangkok

Cab. You can catch a car yourself. Or you can order and pay at the airport (at the Public taxi counter on the first floor of the airport). The driver will only need a receipt. The cost of car is 400 baht and 50 baht airport fee. If you are traveling in a small group, it is very advantageous to split the payment.

Bangkok Express - "City Line", a high-speed branch of the elevated subway. The "City Line" runs from 6:00 am to 24:00 pm. To use its services, find the signs "City Link", follow them down to the level B1. Here you need to buy a token worth 45 baht. To do this you can use both the cash register and vending machines (they accept both banknotes and coins).

And in 30 minutes you will arrive at the end station Phaya Thai, which is in the city center. And from there a cab to Bangkok to Kaosan Road, the car will cost you 80-100 baht.

You can also take buses number 2 and number 59. Depending on the comfort, the fare ranges from 6.5 baht to 20 baht. Airport Express bus, route AE #2. The price is 150 baht and travel time is 40 minutes.

Route from Suvarnathumi Airport

Express Line is the fastest option. This is the same Airport Rail Link, but the train goes without stops. Travel time - 15 minutes, the price - 150 baht. And then - a cab or bus.

If you are a fan of boat trips, you can also get to the center by boat on the Chao Phraya River. You need Phra Arthit Marina. The fare ranges from 10 to 40 baht, depending on the type of boat. They run every 15 minutes. You can buy a ticket either at the ticket office at the pier or from the conductor on the river streetcar.

Nightlife

With the first twilight, Bangkok gets busier on Kaosan Road-it's never a quiet night. Mobile bars on the roadside begin their work, offering inexpensive to buy alcohol kits, to make their own cocktails. The neon lights come on, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants open, and the music is loud and blaring everywhere.

The most famous night spots:

Lovers of disco and electronic music are attracted by Lava Bar, The Club and Immortal. Live music in the bars: AV, Brick, Buddy Beer bar-restaurant. Bar-club Gazebo is located on the roof. It welcomes you with soft pillows, dimly lit lamps, hookah and live reggae music. And in the bar The Zed, owned by the club, you can try yourself as a belly dancer.

A comfortable, European-style sports bar, Gullivers. It is located at the end of Kaosan Street. The walls here are covered with TVs, in the hall there are pool tables (a kind of billiards). By 24 hours, the bar transforms into a raucous disco.

Hippie de Bar is one of the few filled with bright personality. It is a cozy two-story building located in a secluded courtyard. The interior of the bar is created by the favorite school things of the "cool kids. It serves good cocktails and excellent national Thai dishes.

Khao San Centre is a popular place for tourist gatherings. It's open 24 hours a day and it's always crowded.

Silk Bar is a typical representative of expensive Kaosan establishments. Elegant interior, trendy design, fusion menu and loud music. You can sit on the outdoor terrace and watch the nightlife of the street.

Among the most popular nightclubs are:

• Club Cafe Democ. During the day it is a small restaurant, and at night it is a disco.

• The Club with a large dance hall, modern laser sets, ultraviolet lights, chic comfortable sofas and good alcohol.

• Club Lava is an extravagant club with half-naked tourists and the same waiters.

After 11 p.m., life starts booming here, and admission is free.

Attractions

On Kaosan Road you will not find any historical, cultural or iconic attractions. The main and only one is the tourists themselves - diverse travelers from all over the world.

But the street is conveniently located to attractions worth visiting:

• The Great Royal Palace;
• The Temple of the Emerald Buddha;
• Lying Buddha Temple;
• National Museum of Bangkok;
• Wat Mahatatat Temple;
• Santichaiprakan Park;
• Wat Chanasongkram Temple;
• Phra Sumen Fort;
• The Democracy Monument and the National Gallery of Bangkok.

Where to eat

It's easy to satisfy your hunger on Kaosan Street, and there are plenty of catering outlets. From street food vendors to expensive restaurants. There are local delicacies as well as international cuisine. The prices are different, but much cheaper than in other areas of Bangkok.

Very popular among tourists - street taverns. There are many of them here, and in the evening there are even more. Makashnishchi offer inexpensive but delicious and high quality food. Popular among tourists Pad Thai, depending on the composition, will cost you from 20 to 60 baht. Shakes - 20-40 baht. Tangerine juice will be squeezed before your eyes.

There are kebabs, omelets, spring rolls, seafood, lots of fried meat, coconut ice cream, banana pancakes. For fans of the exotic - fried insects. And, of course, lots of fruit, both whole and sliced.

If you want to sit and try the famous Thai tom yum soup (from 50 baht), go to numerous small cafes. The small restaurants along the street are popular among the locals.

• Bombay Blues is a restaurant with Indian cuisine. The signature dish is curry, cooked according to exclusive recipes. The restaurant is equipped with a terrace, where it's nice to sit in the evening.

• Sunset Bar & Restaurant is nestled in a cozy courtyard. Here you can enjoy Thai and internationally famous dishes. A good selection of beers will delight gourmands. And live music and the opportunity to play pool will diversify your relaxation.

• Tom Yam Kung is one of the most popular restaurants on Kaosan Road. It specializes exclusively in Thai cuisine. You will enjoy pleasant service and a cozy atmosphere.

• Mayompuri is an outdoor restaurant. Quiet music, waterfalls, mini-gardens give a relaxed atmosphere. Here you can enjoy Thai and Western cuisine.

• Scoozi restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches, ice cream and, of course, pizza with an assortment of ingredients, pasta for every taste.

• Prakorb is a family-run restaurant offering traditional Thai food and a standard set of Western dishes. Quiet music, relaxed atmosphere, the possibility of renting a budget hotel room.

If you are a vegetarian, go to Ethos International Vegetarian Restaurant or May Kaidee Restaurant. You will be delighted with dishes from different countries of the world. Fans of McDonald's, Burger King, Starbucks and Subway will also be satisfied on Kaosan Street.

Where to Settle

It's easy to rent an apartment in the area. There is a huge selection of budget hotels, pensions, hostels and hostels. You can rent a room, a room or a place - all according to your desire and budget. For example, a bed in a hostel will cost you from 100 baht.

And a room for two with air conditioning and basic amenities is 300-350 baht. Even cheaper is a room from the host. You can rent an apartment on arrival, as well as book online.

It is worth bearing in mind that the information on the provision of cheap accommodation, Kaosan Road, in the range of 100-150 baht, on the resources provided.

For lovers of comfortable housing is worth noting:

The Rikka Inn is a three-star hotel with a rooftop pool and free Wi-Fi. Deluxe rooms are equipped with a mini fridge and cable TV. There is a tourist bureau and a currency exchange office on site.

Buddy Lodge Hotel is a 3-star hotel with a rooftop pool. It offers 76 rooms decorated in a retro style. The rooms have balconies and standard amenities.

If you prefer to rest in silence at night, you are better off renting accommodation in the neighboring streets, the prices are not particularly different. For accommodation with children, Kaosan is also not quite the right place: noise, strolling sex minorities, drunken companies.

Shopping

Unlike other neighborhoods in Bangkok, Kaosan has no expensive boutiques, large malls, or branded showrooms. Kaosan Road has a wide range of inexpensive goods and services, but is able to satisfy every need of travelers. Every inch of the shopping area here is stocked with goods and smiling salespeople are willing to give up the price.

Haggle with a smile, and don't make a fuss over a few baht.

Local travel agencies offer tours of Bangkok. The offices of companies specializing in transfers, arrange a trip anywhere in Thailand or in neighboring countries. Prices are also pleasantly surprising. A lot of agencies selling tickets for different modes of transport. Do not buy tickets by hand, there are many scammers.

Kaosan is characterized by street vending, a 24-hour bazaar spreading on both sides of the street. It has everything: clothes, shoes, bags, souvenirs, home appliances, knockoffs of famous brands, handmade goods and much more. Stores and stalls selling beach paraphernalia.

Internet cafes, currency exchange offices, pharmacies, and bank offices are present in large numbers. There are several jewelry stores and custom tailoring shops. A Versace suit will be ready for your return from the neighboring state or island.

The most conspicuous outlets:

• The Four Sons jewelry store sells 95% silver and all sorts of silver jewelry wholesale and retail. It is located at the end of Kaosan, near Burger King.

• The Rainbow Silver jewelry store trades in sterling silver. The master jeweler can make a bespoke replica of any original piece of jewelry. The store also carries out wholesale deliveries of its goods anywhere in the world.

• Amit Fashion makes quality custom clothing at affordable prices. Customer sizes are kept here for 5 years and accept orders and remittances from all over the world.

Here you will also find several stores selling ready-made dresses and suits from Bangkok tailors. Remember, the best shopping is in the evening. First, it's not hot. Secondly, more outlets open in the evening.