If there’s one street in Bangkok that never fails to surprise us, it’s Khao San Road. We’ve visited it on every trip to the city, both during the day and late at night, and honestly, it feels like two completely different worlds.
At night, it turns into pure madness: neon lights, blasting music, bars spilling onto the street, and thousands of people ready to party. During the day, though, it calms down almost completely. The crowds disappear, the noise fades, and it becomes a great spot to shop for souvenirs, clothes, and cheap street food.
We enjoyed both sides of it, and if you’ve got the time, we definitely recommend experiencing Khao San Road in the daytime and nighttime — it’s the only way to understand its full personality.
So if you’re a first-timer in Thailand and looking for the best things to do in Bangkok, this place should be on your list.
Known worldwide as Bangkok’s backpackers’ hub, Khao San is packed with budget hostels, lively bars, endless food stalls, and plenty of quirky experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best things to do on Khao San Road, where to eat and stay, how to get there, the best time to visit, and even a few things to avoid.
9 Best Things to do on Khao San Road
1. Grab a Beer or a Bucket at a Street Bar
Nothing captures the spirit of Khao San Road quite like sitting on a tiny plastic stool with a drink in hand while the chaos unfolds around you. Bars line the street right next to each other, each blasting its music.
The result is a loud, chaotic mix of sound — so be ready for it. We found it a bit too much at times, and after a while, we preferred slipping into one of the side-street bars where the volume wasn’t so intense but the vibe was still fun.
We loved it because it instantly pulls you into the energy of this incredible street. Honestly, even if partying isn’t your thing, just grabbing one drink and people-watching is worth it. If you’ve only got one night in Bangkok, this is where we’d start.
Local beers usually cost around 100–150 THB, while the famous “buckets” — cocktails served in small plastic buckets with straws — range from 200–400 THB depending on what’s inside.
Things start to get lively from about 8 or 9 pm and keep going late into the night. Prices can vary a lot from bar to bar, so if one seems high, keep walking a few meters and you’ll find a better deal.
The whole “bucket culture” actually started back in the 1990s, when backpackers wanted the cheapest way to drink and share with friends. Today, it’s become one of those experiences that travelers from all over the world come here to try.
2. Try the Street Food
One of the best parts of Khao San Road is the sheer variety of food stalls lining the street. You can find everything from classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai and mango sticky rice to late-night snacks, skewers, and even fried insects if you’re feeling adventurous.
Not every stall hits the mark, though. We tried quite a few during our visits, and honestly, only some of them were tasty — others were a bit disappointing. That said, it’s worth exploring and finding the gems.
For us, grabbing a plate of Pad Thai (our favorite food in Thailand) never got old, and finishing it off with mango sticky rice or pancake quickly became a must-do every time we walked down the street.
And then there are the insects. We gave them a try, but honestly, they didn’t taste like much at all. We had to add some spices to feel any flavor. We also watched a guy eat a fried scorpion, and it looked like it was extremely tough to chew — not exactly a snack we’d go back for.
Prices are usually higher here than in other parts of Bangkok since it’s such a tourist hotspot, but they’re still cheap by international standards. Expect to pay around 70–100 THB for Pad Thai and 60–100 THB for mango sticky rice.
Our Tip: Look for stalls that are busy with locals or long queues — they almost always have the best food.
We even saw a stall selling grilled alligator — it looked crazy, we didn’t try it, and honestly, we’ve never seen anyone else try it either.
3. Shop and Try to Bargain
Khao San Road isn’t just about bars and food — it’s also lined with stalls and small shops selling everything from souvenirs and T-shirts to elephant pants, knockoff brands, and accessories. It’s touristy, of course, but browsing the stalls is part of the fun.
We tried shopping here a few times, and while some prices are inflated, bargaining almost always works. The trick is to smile, stay polite, and offer about half the asking price — usually, you’ll meet somewhere in the middle.
Our Tip: If the seller disagrees with your offered price, we often just walked away, and more often than not they called us back and said yes because they didn’t want to lose a customer.
Honestly, we enjoyed bargaining as much as the shopping itself, even if we didn’t always buy something.
Surprisingly, many of the clothes we bought here turned out to be pretty good quality — we’re still wearing some of them now.
Souvenirs like keychains, magnets, or quirky gifts are also easy to find. Just keep in mind that not everything is a bargain — certain items can be found cheaper in Bangkok’s larger markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Read our complete guide for visiting Chatuchak Weekend Market.
4. Get a Thai Massage
One of the most popular things to do on Khao San Road is get a massage, and you’ll see plenty of people lined up on chairs right along the street getting a foot massage in the middle of the action. It’s almost as famous as the buckets of alcohol.
We didn’t try the street massage ourselves, because for us, a massage should be about relaxing — and it’s hard to relax with loud music, people walking by, and strangers watching.
But if you don’t mind the noise and want a fun story to tell, this is the place to give it a try. Honestly, it’s something you won’t find anywhere else.
Instead, we went for a traditional Thai massage at Charlie Khaosan Spa. Since it was a proper massage, we headed inside, where it was quieter and we had more privacy.
The massage was excellent, and we loved the whole experience — it felt like the perfect escape from the chaos just outside.
Prices vary depending on the type of massage and location. Street-side foot massages usually cost around 150–200 THB for 30 minutes, while indoor spas start at 250 THB for 1 hour, but are still extremely affordable compared to Western standards.
If you’re planning a longer trip through the country, check out our full 3-week Thailand itinerary for ideas on where to go after Bangkok.
5. Party Until Late
By midnight, the street is at its busiest, and the party doesn’t slow down until the early morning hours.
Bars spill out onto the street, music from different venues mixes together, and the crowd becomes one big mass of travelers, backpackers, and a few locals all having a good time.
We’ve been here late at night a few times, and honestly, it felt a bit overwhelming at first. The street is completely packed, the music is extremely loud, and everyone is in party mode. But once we let ourselves go with the flow, it turned into a lot of fun.
Even if you don’t want to drink or dance, just people-watching is an experience on its own.
Most bars stay open until at least 2–3 am, and some keep going even later. The later it gets, the wilder it feels, so if you’re looking for energy and chaos, this is the time to come.
If, on the other hand, you prefer something a bit calmer, it’s better to enjoy the street earlier in the evening or head to nearby street Thanon Ram Buttri, which has a much more laid-back vibe.
6. Listen to Live Music
Amid the chaos of Khao San Road, there are still places where you can swap the blasting club beats for something a bit more soulful.
Live music bars are scattered around the area, and they’re perfect if you’d rather enjoy a drink with a band playing than shout over DJs.
One of our favorites is Brick Bar, tucked inside Buddy Plaza. It’s famous for its ska and reggae bands.
It feels a little hidden compared to the main street bars, but that’s part of what makes it special — once the band gets going, the atmosphere is amazing.
Another good spot is Molly Bar, which has more of a casual pub vibe and often features cover bands playing rock and pop classics. It’s great if you’re with friends and want somewhere lively without the chaos of the main street.
We loved these places because they gave us a break from the overwhelming noise outside, but still kept the energy high.
If you’re not in the mood for buckets and blasting speakers, finding a live music bar is one of the best ways to enjoy a night out.
7. Explore Nearby Streets
If the noise and chaos get a little too much, you’ll be glad to know that just a few steps away are streets that feel completely different.
The most famous ones are Rambuttri Alley and Thanon Ram Buttri (Rambuttri Road), which run almost parallel to Khao San Road but offer a much calmer vibe.
Rambuttri Alley is the more charming of the two — a small pedestrian lane with tree-shaded cafes, cozy restaurants, bars, and guesthouses that attract a quieter crowd.
Just next to it, Thanon Ram Buttri still feels much more relaxed than Khao San and has plenty of budget-friendly places to eat, drink, and have fun.
We loved coming back here. Honestly, it felt calmer, easier to talk, and a lot more laid-back. It was the perfect place to grab a coffee, a late-night snack, and shop after the madness next door.
For us, this balance of wild and calm is what made the area fun — you can dive into the chaos when you want, then escape it just as easily.
8. Visit Nearby Temples & Landmarks
One of the best things about Khao San Road is how close it is to some of Bangkok’s most famous cultural sites. After a night of partying, you can switch things up and explore a completely different side of the city within minutes.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are absolute must-sees, and just a short walk away you’ll find Wat Pho, home to the massive Reclining Buddha.
Across the river is Wat Arun, one of the most stunning temples in the city, especially at sunset when its spires light up. A little further out, the Golden Mount (Wat Saket) offers incredible panoramic views over Bangkok after a short climb.
We actually managed to visit all of these in one day, and it was one of the best days we spent in Bangkok. Each temple had something unique, and together they gave us a deeper appreciation of Thai culture and history.
If you’re spending more days in the city, these are must-visit places that honestly blew our minds.
Just remember that most temples have a dress code, so make sure to cover your shoulders and knees before visiting. Entrance fees vary — for example, the Grand Palace costs 500 THB, while Wat Saket is 50 THB and Wat Pho is 200 THB.
Ayutthaya makes a great day trip from Bangkok. Here’s our guide on how to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
What to Avoid on Khao San Road
As much as we enjoyed this place, there are a few things worth skipping or being cautious about.
Overpriced Tuk-Tuks and Taxis
Drivers around Khao San often try to charge way above the normal rate, especially late at night. We had a few moments where the price quoted was double what it should be. The easiest way to avoid this is by using Grab (the local ride-hailing app) or agreeing on a fixed price before hopping in.
Tourist-Only Bars with Weak Drinks
Not every bar on Khao San Road is worth your money. Some places water down their cocktails or serve tiny portions for big prices. We fell into that trap once, and it wasn’t great. The busy bars with big crowds are usually the best bet for value and atmosphere.
Scams & “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Offers
The street has its fair share of scams — everything from pushy touts advertising ping pong shows to fake travel agencies and gem shops. If something feels off, it probably is. A polite but firm “no thanks” is the safest way to move on.
Where to stay in Bangkok
- Khao San Road / Banglamphu – Cheap and lively with nonstop nightlife, but hostels here often feel a bit run-down. We’ve stayed near Khao San a few times, and while it was budget-friendly, the places weren’t very well-maintained.
- Sukhumvit – Modern and comfortable, with malls, rooftop bars, and great BTS connections. Last time we stayed here and it felt much nicer and more convenient.
- Siam – Perfect for shopping and families, with huge malls and easy transport, though a bit commercial.
- Silom – A mix of business district and local vibes, close to Lumphini Park and night markets.
- Riverside – Scenic and relaxed with luxury hotels and boat access, but less connected to BTS/MRT.
👉 Based on our experience, we’d recommend Sukhumvit or Siam if you want comfor
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Where to Eat & Drink
The street is full of food stalls, bars, and restaurants, but the street food is what stands out. We loved grabbing Pad Thai and mango sticky rice right on the street — cheap, tasty, and part of the whole experience.
Not every stall is amazing, but if you stick to the busy ones, you usually won’t go wrong.
For drinks, you’ll find everything from local beers to the famous buckets. They’re fun to try at least once, even if they’re not the best cocktails you’ll ever have.
If you want more atmosphere, check out Chart Bar Khaosan for DJ sets and dancing, Reggae Bar Bangkok for a more chilled vibe, or Brick Bar for great live bands.
If you prefer something calmer, head to Thanon Ram Buttri just around the corner — it’s more relaxed and still has plenty of food and bars.
How to Get to Khao San Road
Khao San Road isn’t directly connected to Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain or MRT subway, which means getting there takes a little more planning.
Grab (Easiest Option)
The easiest way is to use the Grab app. It’s usually cheaper and less stressful than hailing a taxi on the street. We used it a few times, and it worked smoothly. However, be prepared for some delays due to heavy traffic in Bangkok.
Chao Phraya Express Boat
Another great option is the Chao Phraya River Express Boat. If you get off at Phra Arthit Pier, it’s only about a 10-minute walk to Khao San Road. We enjoyed this way of getting there — it’s cheap, avoids traffic, and gives you a bit of sightseeing along the way.
Public Bus
We also tried the public bus, and it worked surprisingly well. The bus stop is super close to Khao San Road, and it’s by far the cheapest way to get there.
It’s not as comfortable as Grab or the boat, and traffic can slow things down, but if you’re on a budget or just want to experience local transport, it’s a solid option.
Tuk-Tuks and Taxis
Tuk-tuks and taxis are everywhere around the street, but you’ll need to be careful with prices. Many drivers will quote inflated fares, especially late at night. If you do hop in, always agree on the price beforehand or insist on the meter. We didn’t try it because we were on a budget, and this was the most expensive option.
For us, the boat plus a short walk was the most fun way to arrive, Grab was the most convenient, and the bus was the cheapest.
Best Time to Visit Khao San Road
Khao San Road is technically busy every day of the year, but the vibe changes depending on season, day of the week, and even time of day.
In terms of weather, the cool season from November to February is the most comfortable, with warm but not overwhelming temperatures. March to May can get extremely hot, while June to October is the rainy season.
That said, we’ve been in both February and October and didn’t experience any rainy days — maybe we were lucky, but it shows you can still have good weather even during the so-called wet season.
For atmosphere, weekends are always busier than weekdays, especially Friday and Saturday nights when the street feels like one big festival.
Day versus night also makes a huge difference. During the daytime, the street is much quieter, with shops and stalls open for browsing souvenirs and clothes. At night, it completely transforms into a noisy, crowded party scene.
Quick Tips & Local Insights
- Bargain politely when shopping: start low, smile, and if they won’t agree, walk away. More often than not, the seller will call you back with a better price.
- Keep an eye on your belongings: the street is generally safe, but with so many people around, it’s smart to be cautious with bags and phones.
- Earplugs can be a lifesaver: If you’re staying right on Khao San, the music can go on until 2–3 am. If you’re a light sleeper, bring a pair or stay on Rambuttri Alley instead.
- Say no with confidence: You’ll be offered everything from ping pong shows to tuk-tuk rides. A firm but polite “no thanks” works best.
Final Thoughts
Khao San Road is loud, chaotic, and touristy — but also full of energy, food, and nightlife you won’t find anywhere else. What we loved most was how different it feels by day and night, almost like two separate streets.
It’s not the most authentic side of Bangkok, but it’s an experience you should have at least once.
If you’re planning more time in the city, make sure also to check out our guide to the best things to do in Bangkok to balance the party with culture.
