Khao San is a tiny stretch of road that you can easily stroll through within 10 minutes. That is if you don't stop at every souvenir shop, tattoo parlor, Captain Jack Sparrow look-a-likes and most importantly the pubs, cheap watering holes and clubs.

Khao San road is located in the Dusit Neighborhood, just bordering Rattanakosin neighborhood where the Grand Palace & Wat Pho and other historic monuments can be found. To the west runs the mighty Chao Phraya River with an Express River Boat making stops at Phra Ahtit pier which is the best way to get to Khao San road.

Just like Rattanakosin to the south Dusit has been spared by towering offices and condos. Many of the buildings in the area are old yet renovated of course. And not too far away are many Thai government offices.

Through the years Khao San road has certainly changed a lot. Especially the faces. Mixed among the young backpacker crowds and foreign Uni students on semester break are the faces of maturer travelers who enjoy the distinct quality and character surrounding Khao San road and the royal district.

But no matter the age or income level of its visitors, Khao San road has plenty of accommodation and restaurant choices that will please almost everyone and not to mention some of the best nightlife and watering holes available in Bangkok.

Getting to Khao San road:
Like most anywhere else in central Bangkok, traffic can get quite nasty when you're heading anywhere by car. To beat street traffic take the Express River boat to Tha Phra Ahtit pier, the fare is just B13. From there it's a 10 minute stroll through a quaint neighborhood to the hectic and moody street of Khao San road.

Or if you just don't like boats than your next best option is to take the underground MRT to Hua Lumphong station. Use exit #1 to exit the station because traffic from that direction will be heading towards Khao San road. From there you can hire a taxi for a short ride to Khao San and get ahead of traffic jams.

Points of interest:

1. Khao San Road - Most of the shops, restaurants and bars here open in the afternoon to meet the lunch crowd after a hearty night of binge drinking. However, when evening time arrives Khao San roads activity levels increases until the 1am - 2am official closing time. A decade ago you can find loads of cheap places to stay but when progress came along with Starbucks and McDonald's and so on; mid-ranged priced hotels started being introduced to Khao San road. But that doesn't mean you won't find plenty of affordable, yet comfortable hotels here.
2. Soi Rambuttri - If you can imagine how Khao San road looked back in the days when it was a designated "backpacker's only" area well that's how Soi Rambuttri looks today. There are many affordable hotels and guest houses that wrap around Wat Chana Songkrahm, thus the area is peaceful and quiet with leaves from large Banyan trees providing welcoming shade from the sun. There are plenty of Western run restaurants here as well worth taking a look at.
3. Wat Chana Songkhram - A lot of tourist on the way to visit Khao San road usually breeze right by this wonderful newly renovated temple. But it's really well worth a visit, especially to see a beautifully gilded Buddha underneath a ceremonial umbrella.
4. Phra Sumen Fort & Santichai Public Park - Pick up a couple of curry chicken rotis at nearby Roti Mataba restaurant and have yourself a scenic picnic with a view of long tail boats and all sorts of vessels crawl through the Chao Phraya River.

Hotels near Khao San road:

Though Khao San roads accommodations have grown a bit more upscale there are still plenty of guesthouses and lodgings perfect for backpackers or anyone who's just looking for place with a clean bed rather than a hotel with a pool. Though there are plenty of places that offer both at attractive rates.

Room rate: $ (includes breakfast)
Address: 18 Chakapong Road
Sawasdee Banglamphu is practically right on Khao San road so the location is great. Yes, the hotel is backpacker quality which means it's no frills but there are many services such as restaurant, recreation and tour planners available nearby.

Room rate: $
Address: 95 Soi Rambuttri
A slightly more upscale backpackers hotel with a small swimming pool. A real luxury since a room here is around B600 per night. (Note: Hotel requires B1000/per room deposit.)

Room rate: $ (includes breakfast)
Address: 111/1-3 Tanee Road
Thai Cozy House is located on a quiet street parallel Khao San road. Though there's still plenty of street side cafes and restaurants around. Rooms here are very bare basic and minimal as reflected in the price. But the location is very good.

Room rate: $ (includes breakfast)
Address: 126/2 Khao San Road
Right in the hectic noise of bars and clubs which may be a bonus for some and others an annoyance. Rooms here are small and very basic. Rates here are around B650 as well and comes with breakfast.

Room rate: $ (includes breakfast*depends on room type)
Address: 4 Samsen Road
A slightly upscale backpackers dig. It's more of a boutique style hotel and the rooms are modern and clean. A really good value for rooms that start at B950. Khao San road is not far from either, just a 10 minute walk.

Room rate: $-$$ (includes breakfast*depends on room type)
Address: 2 Samsen Road
Located right over a river canal the New World City Hotel is still a short walk over to Khao San road, about a 10 minute walk over a small bridge. The distance puts you in much quieter and peaceful area.

Room rate: $$ (includes breakfast)
Address: 55 Phra Sumen Road
Bhiman Inn is a 5 minute walk to Khao San road, close enough for all the activities but just far enough to avoid the noise. It's a decently run hotel with clean rooms and facilitates. Room rates here start at B1000 and well worth the price.

Room rate: $$ (includes breakfast)
Address: 42 Rambuttri Road
Viengtai Hotel is another slightly more upscale hotel in Khao San road. Standard rooms here are spacious at 27sqm. There also a small swimming pool a restaurant and a cool little cafe to unwind and share experiences with people.

Room rate: $$
Address: 36 Tani Road
Villa Cha Cha is certainly designed for travelers who require a little bit more comfort. There is more attention to detail and plush furniture to relax in after a hard day of shopping and sightseeing. This hotel also has a small swimming pool.

Room rate: $$ (includes breakfast)
Address: 211/21-23 Soi. Damneon Klang Nuea
Located just 5 minutes away from Khao San road, Siamese Views Lodge is designed with traditional Thai flair and style. Which many travelers will like since it reflects the old world charm in the neighborhood.

Room rate: $$ (includes breakfast*depends on room type)
Address: 265 Khaosan Road
Perhaps the most expensive hotel by Khao San road standards. A standard room here will cost about B1900 with breakfast. If you want comfort and be in a top location than Buddy Lodge is an excellent choice.

Room rate: $$ (includes breakfast)
Address: 45/1-2 Phra Athit Road
Navalai River Resort is also another upscale hotel near Khao San Road. A room with a river view will cost more but it's worth it if you can afford it. And a room with a river view is very popular here so you have to book at least a month in advance.