Visiting Khao San Road with Autistic Children

Khao San Road in Bangkok is a bustling hub known for its vibrant nightlife, street food, and eclectic mix of travellers. While it might not seem like the first choice for families with autistic children, with the right planning, it can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. This guide will provide detailed information on how to navigate Khao San Road with autistic children, highlighting sensory-friendly activities and tips to ensure a comfortable visit. and just to say – Khao San Road was one of Travis’ favourite places during our 5 month trip to Asia.

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Understanding Khao San Road

Khao San Road is famous for its lively atmosphere, which can be overwhelming for some autistic children due to the high levels of sensory input. However, there are quieter spots and sensory-friendly activities that can make the visit enjoyable.

It is also worth noting that the time of day will make all of the difference if you want to visit Khao San Road – early mornings the street can seem empty, but it will become busier and more places open throughout the day. By night time, there will be a lively street that can be hard to navigate due to a sea of people.

Preparing for the Visit

1. Research and Planning: Before visiting, research the area thoroughly. Understand the peak times and try to visit during off-peak hours to avoid the largest crowds if you think that will be an issue. Travis really enjoyed the lively atmosphere and would dance his way through different parts of the street.
2. Prepare a Visual Schedule: Create a visual schedule for your child, outlining the day’s activities. This helps them know what to expect and reduces anxiety. You can use our free PECS cards or purchase our bigger bumper pack of PECS cards. I will work on a Khao San Road specific set of PECS cards and add it here as soon as I can, in the meantime you can use the Bangkok PECS and Thailand PECS.
3. Pack Essentials: Ensure you have noise-cancelling headphones (or ear defenders), sunglasses, and fidget toys to help manage sensory overload. Bring a comfort item from home to provide reassurance.

These are some fidget toys that are small and easy to pack:

Sensory-Friendly Activities on Khao San Road

Exploring Temples Nearby:

• Wat Bowonniwet Vihara: This beautiful temple is a short walk from Khao San Road. It offers a peaceful environment with less sensory input, ideal for a calming start to the day.
• Wat Chana Songkhram: Another nearby temple that provides a tranquil space for children to relax and explore without the overwhelming stimuli of the busy streets.

Cultural Activities:

• Cooking Classes: Some local establishments offer family-friendly cooking classes that can be a fun, hands-on activity. Look for classes that are designed for children or can accommodate sensory needs. You can book cooking classes on GetYourGuide in advance and all of your booking information will be stored in the handy app.
• Traditional Thai Dance Shows: These shows can be a visual delight without too much auditory stimulus, especially if you sit further from the speakers. You can book the Calypso Cabaret Show online before you go.
• Phra Sumen Fort: This is a personal favourite of ours, just minutes away from Khao San Road on the banks of the Chao Phraya river. This Fort is beautiful and peaceful and a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s Khao San Road.

Green Spaces and Parks:

• Santichaiprakan Park: Located close to Khao San Road, this park offers a break from the hustle and bustle. It’s a good spot for a picnic or a quiet walk.
• Rama VIII Park: Slightly further but worth the visit, this park is ideal for children to run around and burn off energy in a more controlled environment.

Sensory-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants:

• May Kaidee’s Vegetarian Restaurant: Known for its peaceful environment and friendly staff, this restaurant also offers cooking classes.
• Taste of India: This restaurant is upstairs, away from the busy Khao San street. We found it very peaceful and quiet when we visited.

Street Food:

• Explore street food in the less crowded streets parallel to Khao San Road, but keep in mind that Soi Rambuttri is also very popular now and can get extremely busy too . Engage with vendors during quieter times to avoid overwhelming your child. Look for foods that your child is familiar with or willing to try to ensure a positive experience.

It is worth knowing that there is a McDonald’s on Khao San Road! There is also a Starbucks on the corner that swings around to Rambuttri. We also found 7-11 as a safe place to find out autistic son food on Khao San Road and is also a good spot to pick up little toys if you forget some.

Shopping:

• Visit shops and stalls during the daytime when it’s less crowded. Focus on smaller, quieter stores rather than the main street to reduce sensory overload. Our son particularly likes the t-shirts the stalls have – he loved picking some from the designs they had. We still have a banana t-shirt he got way back in around 2019 and his younger brother is now wearing it.

Swimming

• There are a number of hotels with pools on Khao San Road – some are on the roof! We liked D & D and have actually went up to the pool when we weren’t staying there. No one bothered – just walk up.

For a more complete list of things to do at Khao San Road, read here.

Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Experience on Khao San Road

Phra Sumen Fort

Our favourite sensory-friendly experience near Khao San Road was visiting Phra Sumen Fort. This beautiful white fort is a lovely peaceful break from the chaotic streets of Khao San and Rambuttri.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in.
• Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
• Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. Consider using our Thailand PECS and Bangkok PECS to enrich your Thailand trip.
• Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.

For more ideas, check out what I think autism mums should have in their travel backpack.

I think it is helpful for autism parents to know that most places on Khao San Road have internet connection, you just need to ask for the password or check the menus or signs on the walls. They almost always have it and are happy for anyone to use it.

Is Khao San Road Autism-Friendly?

Khao San Road is not typically considered autism-friendly due to its crowded, noisy, and chaotic environment, which can lead to sensory overload for individuals on the autism spectrum. However, with careful planning—such as visiting during quieter times or choosing specific areas with less sensory stimulation—some individuals may still enjoy the unique experience it offers.

Things That Make Khao San Road Stand Out

• Visiting Khao San Road during the day rather than in the evening or at night can provide a much calmer experience. The street is less crowded and quieter in the mornings, making it more manageable for those who prefer a less intense environment.
• If Khao San Road seems too overwhelming, nearby areas like Rambuttri Alley offer a similar experience with a slightly calmer atmosphere. These areas still provide the cultural experience but with less intensity.
• Khao San Road is famous for its street food, which offers a variety of tastes and experiences. While this can be a positive sensory experience for some, others might find the strong smells and unfamiliar foods challenging.
• There are many restaurants in the area, ranging from local Thai cuisine to international options. Some quieter dining spots can be found in side streets or in establishments away from the main hustle, offering a break from the sensory overload.

Making the Most of the Experience

1. Interactive Activities: Engage your child in interactive activities such as buying fruit from a vendor, choosing souvenirs, or taking pictures. This can make the experience more engaging and less overwhelming. Our son liked picking fruit to have a smoothie/shake.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to encourage your child when they handle the sensory stimuli well. Praise and rewards can help build positive associations with the experience.
3. Tailored Experiences: Adapt the experience to your child’s interests and sensory needs. If they enjoy a particular activity, allow them more time to explore it.

Reflecting on the Day

After the visit, spend time with your child reflecting on the day. Discuss what they enjoyed and what was challenging. This can help in planning future outings and making adjustments based on their feedback.

Visiting Khao San Road with autistic children requires careful planning and a focus on sensory-friendly activities. By preparing in advance, using sensory management tools, and choosing appropriate activities, families can enjoy the vibrant culture of this iconic street. The key is to balance exposure to new experiences with the comfort and needs of your child, ensuring a memorable and positive travel experience for the entire family.

Let me know if this made you feel more comfortable with visiting Khao San Road with an autistic child. If you did find this article because you will be visiting the Khao San Road area of Bangkok with autistic children, please consider using some of our destination specific PECS communication cards for the area.

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