Khao San Road; a backpackers paradise in Bangkok

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There are millions of tourists that flock to Bangkok throughout the year, and many of these are travellers on a budget that want to experience the magic of this amazing city, but have a very limited budget on which to do so.Long time associated with backpackers, Khao San Road is a mecca for budget travellers, and despite it being one of the most famous streets in Bangkok, it is still one of the cheapest.

Khao San Road can be best described as a community; almost everyone you meet there is in the same boat and it’s a great place to meet new people and make new friends over some very cheap food and drink. Large hotel companies have cottoned on to the popularity of the area and have established luxury hotels here, but the essence of road is still that of fun on a budget.

If you wanted to, although not many would with a city such as Bangkok to explore, you need never set foot outside of Khao San Road. I has everything here, from accommodation to clubs, from shops to restaurants, and anything else you can imagine. If you are planning a trip to Bangkok and the cost of travelling there is going to leave you rather short in the money department, check out what is on offer on Khao San Road.

It is worth bearing in mind that if you have stayed on Khao San Road, the chance of being able to stay in the same hotel again is pretty remote. Hotels open and shut in Bangkok overnight, and some of the cheapest seem to just disappear inexplicably. There are, of course, those that buck the trend, and two of the best value establishments on the road are the Sivarin Guest House and NapPark hostel.

NapPark offers the budget traveller a unique accommodation experience at a very reasonable rate. Recently completely renovated, the NapPark is a great place to stay without making a huge dent in your budget. The Sivarin is a warm and welcoming guest house that is both charming and romantic. The hospitality and service is famous here, and the price of the rooms certainly make it worth considering.

As far as food and drink is concerned, you are certainly spoilt for choice on Khao San Road. The Buddy group many of the hotels and restaurants in the area, and their latest member of their group is the Sidewalk Cafe Rajchadamnoen. It’s décor has a clear Irish inspiration and they serve both Thai and international cuisine, at prices that are hard to believe. With a great drinks menu too, this Cafe has success written all over it.

Another great place to eat is Aquatini, which is a combination of Aqua and Martini, as the owners believe that sitting outside overlooking the river and sipping a cocktail is a truly unique and very special experience. With seating for 200 and a vast menu of Thai and European food and drinks, the Aquatini is somewhere you will come back to time after time.

For something a bit spicier, head to Mexican Tartars, the only Mexican restaurant within the Khao San area. Open ’til 4am, you can easily spend all night here, and with Margaritas at only 75 baht, around £1.50, and tacos starting at 39 baht, about 80p, the appeal is evident.