Image courtesy of bangkok.com
“The center of the backpacking universe.” This was Alex Garland’s description of Khao San Road, in his novel “The Beach,” which was later adapted into a film, starring Leonardo di Caprio.
Khao San Road Bangkok Thailand, Information, where to stay, hostels, hotels, nightlife and bars in Bangkok’s central backpacker area
This world-famous short street in Central Bangkok in the Banglamphu area offers almost everything a budget traveler needs: from cheap accommodation to backpacker items, souvenir and basic items, and a dynamic nightlife.
Traveler-designed shops and cafes, noisy bars, a cacophony of sounds and sights, street carts peddling pad Thai, fried bugs and fake degrees, the endlessly pulsating Khao San Road is where all the action is.
Here, we give you a basic guide on where to stay in Khao San Road and the close by upmarket Rambuttri village area, and where to go for a drink and find the party! :
WHERE TO STAY – Khao San Road’s Best Hotels and Hostels
First an orientation – The area of Khao San Road is the main drag for backpacker central, there are lots of small hostels and guesthouses on this drag, the larger hostels with pools and a party vibe are located in the streets around Khaosan and in Rambuttri village which is 2 minutes walk from Koh San and also comes with its own vibe, stay in Khao San centre if you want to be slap bang centre of the craziness or if you want more upmarket digs to look at the Rambuttri village area where there are a number of larger hostels with pools.
So with no more mucking around our recommendations for the best hostels, hotels, and digs so you can decide on where to stay on Khao San Road.
1. Mad Monkey Hostel @ Rambuttri Village Khao San
55 Phra Sumen Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:+662 282 6171 or 02 282 6171
Of course, self-promotion is a bad thing, but it’s less bad when your product is fricking awesome. The Mad Monkey Hostel Bangkok is the latest in the group of Mad Monkey Hostels you will find throughout South East Asia. Features include a large swimming pool and room and dorm fit-outs that are probably going to be just that little nicer than you will find on Khao San center for the simple reason that they are all shiny and new. It also benefits from being one of the least expensive on our awesome list.
It’s located exactly 2 minutes walk away from the top of Khaosan and within striking distance of everything you need – but it also benefits from all of the peace love and party vibes associated with the Mad Monkey, with a large bar, an international restaurant and of course there is that swimming pool!
Find out more details for the Mad Monkey Hostel Rambuttri Khao San Road here.
1. Rikka Inn
Khaosan Rd, Talat Yot
Phone:+66 2 282 7511
The cozy and hip interior design makes Rikka Inn rise among Khao San accommodations. The interior design is vintage and combines traditional Thai and contemporary art. And each room is fashioned in cool ‘60s, ‘80s retro design, complete with a visually arresting wall art.
Rikka Inn has a rooftop pool with a sundeck and which overlooks the bustling city of Khao San Road. There are free wi-fi and room facilities that include a cable TV, safe deposit box, air-con, and a mini-fridge. Step outside and a lively nightlife awaits you. For daytime adventures, you can trek to the nearby Grand Central, Chinatown, and the National Museum.
[eafl id=7041 name=”Rika Inn” text=”FIND THE BEST RATES FOR THIS HOSTEL”]
2. Buddy Lodge Hotel
265 Khaosan Road, Talad Yot
Phone:+66 2 629 4477
Conveniently situated within Khao San Road’s shopping and entertainment areas, Buddy Lodge is your sanctuary. Cozy, charming with a ‘50s style, with brick walls, slatted wood, and shuttered windows, and all 76 rooms featuring a balcony, satellite TV, a desk, and mini fridge, it will surely provide you with a relaxing, home-away-from-home experience.
Complete with a rooftop pool, a spa where you can enjoy a massage or a body treatment, and a fitness center, no wonder Buddy Lodge has become a favorite among tourists. Within the short distance are cultural and historical sites for your mandatory sight-seeing, which includes the Democracy Museum, Golden Mount, Grand Central, and Wat Pho.
[eafl id=7042 name=”Buddy Lodge” text=”FIND THE BEST RATES FOR THIS HOSTEL”]
3. D&D Inn
68-70 Khaosan Road, Talad Yot
Phone:+66 2 629 0526
Modern Thai permeates the design of the highly popular D&D Inn. The rooms have warm wooden interiors and a tiled floor, complete with a flat-screen TV.
The inn also features a rooftop pool with a breathtaking view of the skyline. They also have a billiards table, a shop, and a tour desk.
D&D Inn, which had expanded in a huge area in Khao San Road due to popular demand, is just a 10-minute walk from the The Prachan Pier and the famous Grand Palace, and 3km from Hua Lamphong MRT Train Station.
[eafl id=7043 name=”D&D” text=”FIND THE BEST RATES FOR THIS HOSTEL”]
4. Khaosan Park Resort
202 Khaosan Road, Talad Yot,
Phone:+66 2 281 5954
Known for their friendly and professional staff, Khaosan Park Resort is another favorite accommodation in the famous backpacker hub. Private, peaceful, very simple décor, and features homey hardwood floors. Their suites have satellite TV and a mini fridge, some with balcony. They also offer complimentary buffet breakfast.
Just 2km from Grand Central, and right smack in the heart of Khao San Road, this budget hotel is a peaceful abode ideal for serious rest and sleep, because once you step out, you will be consumed with the high energy of Khao San Road.
They also have an Internet café and a garden.
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5. Dang Derm Hotel
1 Khaosan Road, Talad Yot
Phone:+66 2 629 2040
Coming from Dang Derm Hotel, you can take a 10-minute leisurely walk and you’ll find yourself on the shores of the Chao Praya River, as well as the Phra Arthit ferry terminal.
Each room is airy and features a mini fridge and a flat-screen TV, a safe, and wi-fi. Room service is available. With some rooms, you can enjoy a balcony.
Dang Derm also boasts of a hip rooftop bar, and they serve complimentary breakfast in their Thai-Italian restaurant where you can enjoy not just your meal, but the view of Khao San and their outdoor pool.
[eafl id=7045 name=”Dangderm” text=”FIND THE BEST RATES FOR THIS HOSTEL”]
WHERE TO DRINK – Khao San Road Nightlife and Bars
1. The Club – Khao San Nightlife Central
Image courtesy of www.globaltravelmate.com
Likened to clubs in Ibiza, New York, and London, The Club rocks among the youth. Entrance is free and a beer costs up to 100 baht a glass and jugs of beer cost around 200. The Club has a huge dance floor for you to dance away to music from homegrown to international DJs.
When midnight strikes, expect The Club to pump with loud music and get crowded with tourists and locals alike. The Club is one spacious room divided into several sections. The DJ is perched on his elevated booth surrounded by narrow dance floor—perfect if you wanna show to the world your moves.
Party all night long to trance, techno, and house music, with Ibiza-like lights and a smoke machine. Just don’t forget to bring your ID or passport—if you look too young, you should need verification from their friendly security at the door.
Opening Hours: 10:00pm to 3:00am.
2. Streetside on Khao San
Yup, roadside bars. Khao San is littered with it—open-air drinking spots that would give any ol’ backpacker nostalgic feelings.
People put out portable tables, chairs, display flashing lights and mix cocktails, and it’s a makeshift bar with excellent value. Sit, chat, people-watch, relax, no doubt you’d have a good time. Your only problem is the toilet—kinda challenging to hit the restos and bars just for their comfortable rooms.
3. Gulliver’s Traveler’s Tavern – Pub and restaurant
Hard to miss with a tuk-tuk perched above the entrance, Gulliver’s Traveler’s Tavern is a favorite among frequent Khao San backpackers. It’s pretty big, air-conditioned, American style complete with a jukebox playing Western music, football games are shown on giant screens, pool tables, and DJs making you dance to the latest music. And it’s one of the original drinking holes in Khao San.
Nostalgic to many Khao San fans, highly popular among locals, travelers, and expats alike, you will no doubt experience a night to remember in the pub’s laid-back vibe.
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 01:00
4. Gazebo Club Khao San Road and AB Bar
Image courtesy of www.globaltravelmate.com
This one has a Moroccan theme, with the guy at the entrance wearing a Fez and Shisha pipes available. If you’re looking for a rooftop bar, then this is it. When it’s the wet season, don’t fret. The rooftop bar has got a shelter so the rain wouldn’t ruin your Arabian night.
Very comfortable and relaxing—large place, soft-glow lamps, with cushioned benches and sofa-style seating, also serving delish Thai cuisine while playing your music with live bands.
Downstairs, you can also check out Gazebo’s sister, AB Bar, which offers live pop and rock music.
Opening Hours: 20:00 – Late
5. Mulligan’s Irish Bar – Pub and restaurant
Image courtesy of bk.asia-city.com
Chill out and give yourself an Irish pub experience in this atmospheric bar any time of the day. Open 24/7, Mulligan’s Irish Bar has a central bar that produces Guinness and Kilkenny and exotic Thai beers. You can also indulge in their excellent Thai dishes, or Western if you prefer.
Cozy wooden interiors, leather chairs, UK newspapers available, pool tables, littered with small TVs showing sports, and live bands coming out at 9:30 in the evening to excellently play covers.
265 Khao San Road. Tel:
+66(2) 629 4477
Helpful articles and blog posts on Bangkok’s Khao San Road.
We only recommend writers and blogs that we read regularly and believe will deliver substantial value to our readers. The following is our top picks of articles we think that are worth reading for more reviews and information on Khao San Road.
- “Khaosan Road in Bangkok swings into Life Again…” by Kee Hua Chee Live!
- “Backpacking Bangkok: Khao San Rd” by Alyssa Jaren of The Jaren Wanders
- “The Unforgettable Khao San Experience” by darbraul of Not Your Average Stranger
- “Khao San Road, The Backpacker’s Paradise” by Diana Diane Teo of Travel and Living jounral of DT
- “Khao San Road at Night | Bangkok Thailand” by Sam of Nomadic Samuel
- “The Travelettes Guide to Surviving Khao San Road” by By Travelettes
And if you’re planning a trip to Bangkok soon, we also recommend our Top 20 essential places to visit in Bangkok.
Do you have an awesome link to a relevant well-written article that should be included here? If so, hit us up on Twitter by following and messaging us the link. Looking for the best budget stays in Bangkok? Check out our guide to Bangkok for further information.
Want to stay somewhere else apart from Khao San Road? Check out our best hostels in Bangkok article for more awesome information.
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