Where to Go on Khao San Road Area to Avoid the Crowds

After living in Bangkok for six months and visiting again recently, the vibe has certainly changed in the Khao San Road area. However, there are still a few spots where you can avoid the crowds.

Khao San Road (or Khaosan Road) is a short street in central Bangkok, Thailand located in the Bang Lamphu area of Phra Nakhon District about one mile north of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew.

For years it was known as the place to go for backpackers. You would drink cheap beers and meet new friends at the many bars along the street.

When I lived in Bangkok in 2018, I saw Khao San Road market as a nightlife area. Since I was a solo traveler, it was the perfect place to visit, to meet other travelers and still feel safe. This is also where I spent Songkran.

When I visited again in 2023, the overall vibe was different. More foreigners (not Thai people) were pushing their souvenirs, tailored business suits, and trying to get you to enter their restaurants. It was more aggressive than normal.

This was not the Khaosan Road that I remembered. The businesses seemed to be run by Thai owners, but outside on the main street, it was more of a night market with pushy salespeople.

However, that will not stop me from visiting again! Once inside the restaurants and bars (yes some of them may be loud) the energy is alive and still affordable (my favorite part). Check out my 4-day Bangkok itinerary for your next trip.

Here is where to go on Khao San Road to get away from the crowds.

How to Get to Khao San Road from Suvarnabhumi Airport

There are four ways to get from BKK to Khao San Road. It is 37 km from the airport to the area. Times to arrive range from 35 minutes to 90 minutes. I have found that calling a Grab car (Asia’s version of Lyft/ Uber) is the best option.

• Call a Grab car (300THB-500THB), air conditioning and if there is no traffic it will take about 35 minutes.
• Use a Taxi at the airport (500 THB-1000 THB), air conditioning, use Google Translate to tell the driver where to go.
• Take the Train. This option is the cheapest 45 THB-60 THB), but you will still need to take a car part of the way, as the train does not go all the way to Khao San Road. You can read more here on the entire process.
• Take the Bus. Same as the train, but air conditioning is not guaranteed and you still need to order a car to take you the rest of the way to Khao San Road.

Map of the Venues in the Khao San Road Area

Restaurants to Avoid Crowds in the Khao San Road Area

Ranee’s

This Italian restaurant is on the street that runs parallel to Khaosan Road. The owner and staff are all very friendly and the food was really good.

We tried both the Italian and Thai food. If you require air conditioning, make sure you request a seat in the back room. Otherwise, they have outdoor seating with fans which cooled us down.

Madame Musur’s

This restaurant serves Northern Thai cuisine and the decor is warm and inviting. I have eaten here over a dozen times and every meal is delicious. They have lounge chairs also to make it feel like you are in a resort location!

Ethos Vegetarian

Right around the corner from Khao San Road is this vegetarian restaurant. You can choose between sitting on the floor at a low table, or a table with chairs. Shoes off of course!

Bars to Avoid Crowds in the Khao San Road Area

Brick Bar

This place may not have a website or social media presence, but this venue is so much fun! They have a live cover band playing every night and the band is incredible to listen to. On a Saturday night, it was easy to get a table and enjoy some bar food and beers.

Sheepshank Public House

Located on the Chao Phraya River, this modern American restaurant has an extensive of local and imported craft beers, as well as a food menu.

To find the entrance, walk through the underground parking lot. It looks sketchy but the restaurant is really nice!

Ku Bar/ Decommune

I found these two places by accident when I was looking for a “speakeasy” bar. These bars do get busy late at night, after 10 pm, but I was able to get a fancy cocktail (served in a tea cup) without the crowds around 7 pm.

The two bars are in the same building and about a 10-minute walk from Khao San Road. You will walk past a few Khao San Road hotels on your way.

Where to do Laundry on Khao San Road

Random, I know, but if you are only staying in the area for a few days, laundry may be necessary. This was one of the best laundromats we came across in Thailand.

It is called Tennoi Wash & Dry – Google Map location. It is located on the corner of Khao San Road and Chakrabongse Road.

They take credit cards and can even do your laundry for you. It’s not much more expensive than doing it yourself. You can buy detergent at the location or bring your own.

One option for a Hotel in Bangkok near Khao San Road is the LOL Elephant Hostel. I had friends stay here and they loved it.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, my list helps you to avoid the crowds. Don’t expect to travel for wellness when visiting this part of Bangkok, but if you go in with an open mind and relaxed mindset, and you will have a great time!

If you are heading to the north after your Bangkok adventure, check out my Chiang Mai post.

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