Khao San Road: reviews and practical tips

Visiting Khao San Road

Backpackers from every corner of the globe know this name. It is the mandatory first stop to drop your bags when you arrive in Bangkok. One writer once described the place as a short road that holds the longest dream in the world.

History

This small street, whose name translates to "milled rice road," was once a rice market. Producers from across the country came here to sell their harvests daily. This market dates back to the mid-19th century, at a time when Bangkok had few formal roads. The first official road was paved in 1863. Khao San Road held the advantage of being near several canals heavily used for transporting goods.

The influx of people to the neighborhood, driven by the market, attracted other merchants who opened numerous shops, including jewelry stores, some of which still operate today. The activity on this street eventually brought the entire Bang Lamphu district to life. In fact, one of the first movie theaters in Thailand was located here.

The Transformation of Khao San Road

The 1982 edition of the Lonely Planet guidebook mentioned Khao San Road as an ideally situated spot, close to major sites and notably affordable. As this guide was the go-to resource for backpackers, the transformation began. Over time, the street and its surroundings filled with more than 200 establishments to accommodate travelers arriving from all over the world.

The Other Side of Khao San Road

During the 1990s and early 2000s, the area was also known for high levels of counterfeit goods, illicit trade, and prostitution.

Fortunately, the local merchants' association stepped in to make the neighborhood significantly safer and more welcoming for the 45,000 tourists who pass through each day during the high season.