Khaosan
Khaosan road might be the very first destination for many people who want to visit Thailand for the first time. Due to the relaxing vibe of staying in the old town of Bangkok among the locals, the street is filled with small hotels, homestays at a super cheap price as well as local street food shops and bars, all are the reasons attracting the travelers from around the World to this place.
Recently, the area has been upscaled and expanded. Visitors will experience more well-designed and well-maintained restaurants, bars as well as nice coffee shops for cafe hoppers who love to capture an instagram moment in a decent place. Such a development can be found on the nearby road as well, therefore in this article we will talk about Khaosan as a whole area which is a little bit beyond the main Khaosan road itself.
Activities in this area
Living in the vibe of Bangkok in 1980s in the cheap price
You can enjoy the retro vibe of Bangkok along the streets of Khaosan, Ram Butri and Tani street which are the main 3 streets in this area where you can easily find street food shops, restaurants, coffee shops, massage places as well as bars and nightclubs.
However, if you have more budget and want some quiet space and more relaxing night, we recommend the hotel on Phra Arthit street which is only a short walk from these main 3 streets. You can also enjoy the mesmerising view of the Chao Phraya river from any hotel on this street as well.
Book a hotel on Phra Arthit street here
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Relaxing in green space and Chao Phraya river view
If you walk from Khaosan street along Ram Buttri street until almost the end of the street, you will see a small alley where you can walk to Phra Arthit street. On Phra Arthit street, there is Santi Chai Prakarn park which is the only green and open space in Khaosan area where you can have a picnic or outdoor exercise and enjoy the view of Chao Phraya river. Tips: the most beautiful moment is during the sun set.
Visiting museums and art galleries around the area
Many Khaosan visitors might not know that there are many museums and art galleries in this area. Many of them have been renovated recently, bringing the world class experience to all their guests. We would highly recommend visiting one of those places, especially for anyone who prefers to have some intellectual activities along the journey as well.
Take a look at the list of art galleries and museums in the “Must visit place” below.
Transiting to another destinations outside of Bangkok
If you have a plan to travel to other provinces outside of Bangkok but did not make any bookings or have no idea how to be there yet, there are many local travel agencies around Khaosan area who can help. You can go and ask for information, buying bus or flight tickets, or tour packages to destinations outside of Bangkok such as Ayutthaya, Pattaya, Koh Chang, Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Phuket and Krabi. Many of them can arrange a bus right from Khaosan area to the destination you want to go.
Must visit place
1. The National Gallery
2. Coin Museum
3. Baan Chao Phraya Art Gallery
4. Phra Sumen Fort and Santi Chai Prakarn Park
5. Wat Chana Songkhram
Nearby hotel recommendation
As we mentioned earlier, the hotel right on the street of Khaosan might be noisy and not so relaxed at night. Therefore, we recommend staying at a hotel on Phra Arthit street. Here is our list. (Contains affiliate link)
1. Riva Surya Bangkok – Riverside hotel with exceptional service offering premium experience of staying in the area.
2. The StandardX Bangkok Phra Arthit – A chain hotel of Hilton offering minimalist vibe with roof top pool.
3. Chillax Heritage – Local hotel with great services, offering a local vibe room and river view pool.
4. Casa Vimaya Riverside – Located a little bit outskirts of Khaosan area but highly recommended for those who prefer maximum comfort.
However, if you have a limited budget and prefer to stay right inside Khaosan street, we also recommend the following hotels. (Contains affiliate link)
1. Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan – Local chain hotel with great service, offering a room which can accommodate 3 beds.
2. Dewan Bangkok – Nicely decorated hotel with rooftop pool and spa service.
3. The Gravitique Hotel Khaosan – New and modern hotel with great food.
4. Baan Chart – Classic hotel located at the entrance of Khaosan street, the hotel has Burger King and Starbucks at front. It can be a good choice in case you cannot enjoy the experience of Thai food.
5. Villa de Khaosan – Boutique hotel with great services. Just a few minutes walk to Khaosan street.
How to get there?
From our experience, it is a rare case where you decided not to stay in a hotel around the Khaosan area. But if you just want to hop by and enjoy Khaosan life for few hours, here are the options:
By Boat
You can take the Chaophraya Express Boat to Phra Arthit Pier. Once you exit Phra Arthit Pier, you will be at the front of Baan Chao Phraya Art Gallery and the park area of Phra Sumen Fort. Cross the street, turn right and walk for around 200 meters. On your left, there will be a small alley called Chanasongkram Alley, walk inside the alley and you will be at the Ram Buttri street.
Along the Ram Buttri street, you will begin to feel the vibe of Khaosan but on this side it is much less crowded. Walk along the street for about 300 meters, you will be at the intersection of the Chakrabongse main road where Wat Chana Songkhram is on the right.
From this side, if you turn right and continue walking for about 250 meters, you will arrive at the Coin Museum and for another 100 meters, you will arrive at The National Gallery.
However, if you decide to cross the street, you can choose to go straight to continue exploring Ram Buttri street or turn right to enter Khaosan road or turn left to enter Tani road.
By MRT
If you come from the inner city of Bangkok and prefer to go by subway, MRT Sanam Chai station is the nearest station to get there. From the station, it will be around 2 kilometers before you arrive at Khaosan road. We recommend taking a Taxi or TukTuk to Khaosan road. Of course, always negotiate the price of a Taxi or TukTuk first.
By BTS
Another option if you come from the inner city of Bangkok, you can choose to go to BTS Sala Daeng Station and take an MRT from there.
By Taxi/TukTuk
The driver may offer or charge you an overpriced rate but you can always negotiate for a lower price. It is better to negotiate first before entering the vehicle.
By Car
It is not recommended to go there by car because it is very difficult to find a parking space.
