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 the 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.

Is it Khao San Road or Khao Sand Road?

It’s San – no D. I have heard many visitors call it Khao Sand Road but it is pronounced Khao (COW) – San (SON) Road.

Annual Thailand Festivals:

Thailand is known for its festivals however they can get very crowded so make sure you plan your Thailand travel itinerary in advance!

• Chiang Mai Flower Festival – February
• Songkran (Thai New Year) – April
• Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) – May
• Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival) – June/July
• Vegetarian Festival (Tesagan Gin Je) – October
• Mekong Naga Fireballs – October
• Loy Krathong – November
• Yi Peng (Lantern Festival) – November
• Elephant Festival – November
• Surin Elephant Round-Up – November

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, my list helps you to avoid the Kah San Road Bangkok 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, you will have a great time!

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

Traveling Tips for Thailand

Is it safe to travel in Thailand alone?

Yes! I have never felt unsafe in Thailand. You can follow the same rules in many countries, don’t walk alone at night and keep your belongings close to you but overall I have never had an issue.

How many days in Thailand is enough?

This all depends on what you want to see. Do you want to spend your time in a city, in the woods, or on the beach?

What should I pack for my Thailand itinerary?

Some essentials for traveling Thailand include light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes for walking (you know I love my on-cloud sneakers), sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.

What should I wear when visiting Temples?

Comfortable sneakers, long pants or a skirt for women, a scarf to cover your shoulders, and a water bottle are some of the necessary items to pack.

Is it worth going to Thailand for 10 days?

Yes, shorten your time in Bangkok and pick either the North (Chiang Mai) or the South (beaches) to visit.

Can I navigate Bangkok easily on my own?

Yes, Bangkok has efficient public transportation, like the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and river boats.

Is there a Beach in Chiang Mai?

No! Chiang Mai is landlocked. There are lakes and waterfalls to visit, however. You can take a quick, 3-hour flight to most of the islands from Chiang Mai Airport to Krabi.

Are there any cultural etiquette tips I should know?

Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes before entering homes or sacred places, and show respect.

Where can I buy groceries in Thailand?

Everywhere! There are Western-like grocery stores all over the country that sell local and international items. Use this guide to read a nutrition label in Thailand.

Is it safe to explore Thailand at night?

While it’s generally safe, stay in well-lit areas, avoid dark alleys, and be mindful of your belongings.

Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?

No, bring your reusable water bottle to keep the water cold, and stop at 7-11 to get bottled water. You can buy large bottles for under $1 USD each.

Should I ride a motorbike around Bangkok?

I wouldn’t, I doubt anyone will rent one to you also. Save the bikes for Northern Thailand and the islands.

How much money do I need for Thailand?

That all depends on how much you want to spend. You can easily spend less than $50 a day with accommodations and food if you stay in hostels and eat at food stalls. Or you can splurge on a fancy hotel, go to the spa, and dine at fancy restaurants.

Can I take a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

Yes! There are three ways to buy tickets for the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

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