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The Best Things to Do on Khao San Road

Things to do on Khao San Road

Khao San Road, often dubbed as “backpacker’s street,” and is one of Bangkok’s most famous streets. Known for its vibrant nightlife, eclectic mix of shops, and bustling atmosphere, it attracts travellers from around the globe. Whether you’re a backpacker, a family, or just someone looking to explore, Khao San Road has something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best things to do on this iconic street.

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1. Indulge in Street Food

Khao San Road is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide variety of Thai street food. From the savoury to the sweet, the options are endless:

  • Pad Thai: This classic Thai dish is a must-try. You’ll find numerous stalls serving this stir-fried noodle dish with options to add shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
  • Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet treat made with ripe mangoes and coconut milk-infused sticky rice.
  • Insects: For the adventurous eaters, try the fried insects. Grasshoppers, scorpions, and silkworms are all available and offer a unique experience.

2. Shop for Souvenirs and Local Goods

Khao San Road is lined with shops and stalls selling a variety of items:

  • Clothing: From hippie-style clothing to traditional Thai outfits, there’s something for everyone. Our son still has a t-shirt he got here in 2019, granted it is too small now and he lets his brother wear it.
  • Accessories: Pick up unique jewellery, bags, and trinkets. We loved the little flags from different countries that you can sew onto your backpack.
  • Handicrafts: Local artisans sell handmade crafts that make for great souvenirs.

3. Experience the Nightlife

Khao San Road comes alive at night, offering an array of nightlife options:

  • Bars and Pubs: With countless bars and pubs lining the street, you can enjoy everything from cheap beers to expertly mixed cocktails. Our favourite bar was always ‘The Hub.’
  • Live Music: Many bars feature live music, ranging from local bands playing Thai music to international hits.
  • Nightclubs: If you’re in the mood to dance, head to one of the many nightclubs where DJs spin tunes into the early hours. There is a club hidden on this street which is simply called ‘The Club.’

4. Get a Thai Massage

After a day of exploring, relax with a traditional Thai massage. Many massage parlours are located along Khao San Road, offering everything from foot massages to full-body treatments at affordable prices.

5. Visit Nearby Temples

Khao San Road is located near some of Bangkok’s most famous temples:

  • Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha): Just a short tuk-tuk ride away, this temple is one of Thailand’s most revered sites.
  • Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): Known for its massive reclining Buddha statue, Wat Pho is also a great place to experience a traditional Thai massage.

6. Enjoy a Fish Spa

For a unique experience, try a fish spa. These spas use tiny fish to nibble away dead skin from your feet, leaving them soft and smooth. It’s a fun and ticklish way to relax.

7. Take a Cooking Class

Learn to cook Thai food with a hands-on cooking class. Many cooking schools near Khao San Road offer classes where you can learn to make dishes like green curry, tom yum soup, and spring rolls. Unfortunately, I never got to do the cooking class I planned to go to with my Mum because I broke my foot in Koh Phangan and spent the rest of my trip on crutches.

The awesome thing is you can book cooking classes, and much more, via GetYourGuide which is one of the most reliable and easy to use tour booking sites in the world.

8. Explore Nearby Attractions

While Khao San Road itself is bustling with activity, there are several nearby attractions worth visiting:

  • The Grand Palace: A stunning complex of buildings that was once the official residence of the Kings of Siam. We did an organised tour and were picked up at Khao San Road and then taken back there after the tour.
  • Bangkok National Museum: Located nearby, this museum offers a fascinating look at Thailand’s history and culture.

9. Relax at a Rooftop Pool

Escape the hustle and bustle of Khao San Road by heading to one of the rooftop pools at Khao San Road’s hotels. The ones I know of are D & D Inn, Khaosan Palace and Rikka Inn (which is now closed down, but I think it was reopened under a different name).

We have gone to the D & D pool when we aren’t booked into the hotel. Just walk into reception and go up in the elevator.

Visiting Khao San Road with an autistic child - swimming pool at D and D inn

10. Participate in a Muay Thai Class

For those looking for a bit of exercise and cultural immersion, join a Muay Thai class. There are gyms near Khao San Road that offer classes for all skill levels, providing a great way to learn Thailand’s national sport. You can find them with a simple Google search. Again, I missed out on doing this after I broke my foot.

11. Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride

No visit to Bangkok is complete without a ride in a tuk-tuk. These three-wheeled vehicles are a fun and fast way to get around. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey. There are plenty of then hanging around at Khao San Road if you want to grab a ride and you can even book a hop on hop off tuk tuk tour on GetYourGuide here.

13. Discover the Art Scene

Khao San Road and its surrounding areas have a thriving art scene. Visit local galleries and street art installations to get a taste of contemporary Thai art. You can also check out the work of local vendors – we were amazed at what they can create out of old juice and beer cans.

14. Attend a Street Party

Khao San Road is famous for its spontaneous street parties. Join in the fun, dance to the music, and mingle with travellers from all over the world. The most popular and easy to predict is during Songkran Festival.

Khao San Road is more than just a street; it’s an experience. From the delicious street food and vibrant nightlife to the cultural attractions and unique activities, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or visiting Bangkok for the first time, Khao San Road offers a memorable adventure that encapsulates the essence of Thailand. I’ve also put together a guide on 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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