Khaosan Road - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Khaosan Road
About
A favorite among late-night revelers, Khaosan Road is one of the major backpacking hubs of South East Asia. This short thoroughfare in central Bangkok is jam-packed with raucous bars and restaurants, as well as budget hostels. Try some unusual street food like scorpions on a stick, watch erotic shows, get a foot massage, or even a tattoo as a souvenir for your trip. Khaosan Road is within walking distance from a ferry terminal and from landmarks like the Wat Phra Kaew temple and the Phra Sumen Fort, so set out to explore the area after arriving. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • Shane Tilley
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unique must do experience!
    Very unique experience! Great people watching. Loud music, massage, specialty foods and drinks. I would highly recommend going if you visit Bangkok. I’m sure there are inappropriate storefronts but I did not see any as we walked the street.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 4, 2023
  • GaryandLesleyTravel
    Auckland Central, New Zealand5,301 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loss of an Bangkok Icon
    Shame on you Bangkok for allowing this iconic street to become nothing more than a nightclub. Having been a regular visitor to Khoa San Road since 1990 I was so disappointed to see my happy place replaced with street shops struggling for business, and an evening market a quarter of its previous self. From 9pm it becomes a battle of who has the loudest speakers right through to at least 2am making sleeping in the the hotels on the street all but impossible. In the morning the street is dead. I can only imagine that over the coming months, shops and hotels will close and the street will die entirely during the day time and simply become a destination night spot only. If there was any light in the tunnel it’s that the street parallel to it, (behind away from the main road) has taken up some of the slack and may grow into something. What a loss.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 17, 2023
  • Bhargava Krishna
    Bangalore District, India147 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Backpackers
    If you are a backpacker or solo traveller, Khaosan Road is a good place to stay. At night, you will see young travellers roaming and partying here. You will find plenty of food stalls here, including scorpions.
    Visited August 2022
    Written June 28, 2023
  • Thomas A
    Miami, Florida699 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wasn't impressed....better options in BKK
    Wasn't impressed. One street with some bars playing DJ music, but nothing to write home about. Better off going to Soi Cowboy and staying in that area. At least there is more live music and more options. Price wise did not notice a huge difference in prices, at least not to the point of making this street the "budget" version.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written July 6, 2023
  • lifenadventure
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates1,821 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is what it is. But I loved it
    It is what it is! A pumping, busy, loud, somewhat tacky, tourist street in Bangkok. During the day it’s just a normal street. At night it’s crowded, so busy and loud but fun. You go there knowing what it is. You don’t go there thinking you will have a nice dinner or some culture. At night it’s cheap drinks, laughing gas in balloons, street food, popcorn, many tourists, many Thai’s, pumping music and people trying to get you to go to their bar with their drinks special. Go and experience it. It’s worth a visit and a drink or two
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 18, 2023
  • Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed
    Dhaka City, Bangladesh1,061 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Colorful Street of Old Bangkok
    This short street is popular among the tourists. This colorful street is located in the Old Bangkok area. Many colorful hotels, backpackers' dormitories, restaurants, pubs and shops are situated on this street. Street foods are available here, even the crocodile meat and scorpion fries.
    Visited September 2022
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 31, 2023
  • Megan Kearney
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing street food, and fab shopping!
    Fun and crazy place with amazing street food! No prices on lots of things as they vary between buyers but none the less it’s worth a visit. The street food is amazing and so cheap, fab atmosphere too.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 11, 2023
  • N J
    Woodstock, Canada154 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There can be no other place like this on earth...
    Ok, so I went with zero expectations. I had no idea what I was getting into. I was completely blown away. This has to be the wildest street on earth. I went on a weekend night Food, drinks, MUSIC!, people, ping pong shows, girls, lunacy, snakes, scorpions, alligators... sounds, smells, people drunk, laughing... friendly It all blends into one huge intense scene. It is overwhelming at times. Pictures and videos do not do it justice. Absolutely incredible experience.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 27, 2024
  • Kyle L
    3 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Overrated
    Enjoyable. But only worth it if you’re in the area. Made the treck across town (trains can’t reach here). And wasn’t very impressed. Just tourist trap with people walking around with cold scorpions and bug snacks lol. At least make them look somewhat appetizing 🤣. Not worth traveling far too.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 18, 2024
  • ITravel
    Old Bar, Australia21 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Place you shouldn't missed to visit but isn't the right place to stay at
    The place is too alive and loud, there's a lot of fine dining restaurants and bars, street foods are in the aisle of the street so there's no way you will get hungry while doing your stroll. You will get a little entertained too by the other tourist who is teasing each other to try out the street food and of course by those who are brave enough to eat the street foods such as scorpions, frogs, crickets, worms and many to mentions. It is not recommendable to buy souvenirs in this area because even after bargaining the price is still higher than the other market. There are some good tattoo artists too in the area, My Fiancé and I visited Tattoo Center by Ake Tattoo and we got Inked. Tons of massage center too, we had it late in the evening and I could say the masseurs is without energy already so better do it in the day time otherwise do you message in another place. It is indeed a place to visit cause it is fun to get along with others who are dancing and singing from the loud music of the bars yet with the noise and crowd, it is not recommendable for you to book your stay in this area. Tourist travelling with kids should be extra cautious and might skip this place as part of their itinerary cause this is not a child friendly environment.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles14,135 reviews
Excellent
4,579
Very good
4,600
Average
3,267
Poor
1,022
Terrible
667

Claudetta
39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Dont visit this place in the daytime, you would be disappointed but at night, it's literally like someone has turned the switch on....this place transforms into a buzzing, clubbing, lively packed street and you definitely get that holiday feeling. Don't be too surprised to see many ladyboys on this road It is a tourist attraction so they are there in droves trying to tout for business. They even offer you laughing gas :) ) out in the open! There are 2 parts this street, the other bit being more about live music, acoustic artists performing covers of favourite songs, restaurants back to back, massage places on the street. I did enjoy the atmosphere of this place but I would say a couple of evenings in this environment was more than enough!
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

NINA
London, UK52 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Define must if you are in Bangkok!!! There is a street parallel with Khao San that is equally busy, has more restaurants and shops so look out for it.
Khaosan Road gives you everything from the massage, shopping, barbecued Crocodile, fried scorpions and cockroaches, cocktail bars, restaurants,24 hr pharmacies, Seven Elevens and city tour busses! Travellers hub with an old hippy feeling although there is the worse europop blasting from the bars but you can always find a street performer singing Tracy Chapman classic. ...oh and be careful not to get run over by a scooter ;)
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

maldoror23
St. Petersburg, FL1,400 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
There is something for everyone on Khaosan Road. I was only in Bangkok for 3 days so souvenir shopping, having a delicious meal, I had tempura and a frozen lemonade, and almost NINE hours of tattoo work done by one of the award winning artists at Divine Ink all can be found on Khaosan Road. I am so happy with my new ink, Aully does wonderful portraits. Thanks again for another perfect visit.
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Melly
Manchester, UK51 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Busy road for bars and clubs. Lots of food and hotels too. Very busy with backpackers. Hotels are cheap but no local transport to central Bangkok apart from Thai bus or taxi.
Taxi may ask alot late on to get you back to your hotel if you are only visiting as they know you can't get back otherwise.
Great atmosphere and a must visit place
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ITravel
Old Bar, Australia21 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
The place is too alive and loud, there's a lot of fine dining restaurants and bars, street foods are in the aisle of the street so there's no way you will get hungry while doing your stroll. You will get a little entertained too by the other tourist who is teasing each other to try out the street food and of course by those who are brave enough to eat the street foods such as scorpions, frogs, crickets, worms and many to mentions. It is not recommendable to buy souvenirs in this area because even after bargaining the price is still higher than the other market. There are some good tattoo artists too in the area, My Fiancé and I visited Tattoo Center by Ake Tattoo and we got Inked. Tons of massage center too, we had it late in the evening and I could say the masseurs is without energy already so better do it in the day time otherwise do you message in another place. It is indeed a place to visit cause it is fun to get along with others who are dancing and singing from the loud music of the bars yet with the noise and crowd, it is not recommendable for you to book your stay in this area. Tourist travelling with kids should be extra cautious and might skip this place as part of their itinerary cause this is not a child friendly environment.
Written March 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amy B
New Malden, UK27 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
A road in Bangkok totally designed to get young travelers smashed. Cheap strong booze everywhere, laughing gas too, crap pop music so loud booming from every bar. With people throwing menus in your face when you walk past. Pretty mad and glad we got drunk and went to see it... but probably would have enjoyed it more 10 years ago.
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elvinnyc
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
This is the place where you can throw way all your stress and worries. When night falls, it became lively. It is so happening... live music, bar hopping, tattoos, street food and shopping,. Everything is affordable compare to tourist attractions elsewhere in the entire world. This is where I spend all my nights during my visit to Bangkok.
Written June 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bilge
Prague, Czech Republic134 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
I went there at the beginning of high season and it was already surrounded by tourists everywhere. The street food is very cheap and fruits are amazing., delicious. There are a lot of stuff to do such as, massage, hair salons, tattoo salons etc. For everything you must bargain because they always say higher prices. You can get much cheaper. I would not recooment to buy clothes from this road because even with bargain they are stilll expensive. It is very loud in the evening and hard to walk so be careful to your belongings.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Khay Eng CHAN
Kulaijaya District, Malaysia425 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Family
Khaosan road is widely known to international backpackers. Used to be a low budget rather seedy venue but have changed to a more upmarket cleaner place with touristy retail shops and reasonably priced food retail outlets. Road is also rather clean and still has a lot of backpackers and lots of other day tourists. Generally retailers are friendly but a few look out only for foreigners who look like they can be fleeced which other tourists should just walk away from. The more recommended food outlets are packed due to travellers recommendations. Worth a morning visit just for the experience
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cliff_taylor
Stafford, UK364 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
Gets busier as the day goes on, plenty of street food vendors, selling at reasonable prices compared to hotels and sit down restaurants. Great for people watching, sat in a nice quiet bar down a side alley, like an oasis in among the noisy bar and busy street. worth seeing, but we won't rush back, prefer something more peaceful!!
Written February 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Khaosan Road - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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