Khao San Road: The Heartbeat of Bangkok's Backpacker Scene

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawatdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [laa kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ยินดี
  [proht/yindi]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [khop khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [khor toht]
• How are you?สบายดีไหม
  [sabai dee mai]
• Fine. And you?สบายดีค่ะ คุณล่ะ
  [sabai dee ka khun la]
• Do you speak English?คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
  [khun poot pha saa angkrit dai mai]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai khao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseขอดูเมนูหน่อยค่ะ
  [khor duu menu noi ka]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai gin neuua]
• Cheers!ชนเท
  [chon teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseขอจ่ายเงินค่ะ
  [khor jai ngern ka]

• Help!ช่วยด้วย
  [chuai duay]
• Go away!ไปค่ะ
  [pai ka]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ
  [thor tamruat]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ
  [thor mor]
• I'm lostฉันหลงทาง
  [chan long tang]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ฉันต้องการซื้อ...
  [chan tong kaan seuu...]
• I'm just lookingฉันเพียงแค่ดูดู
  [chan piang kae duu duu]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่
  [ra ka thao rai]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng gein pai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม
  [lot ra ka dai mai]

• What time is it?กี่โมงแล้ว
  [gee mong laeo]
• It's one o'clockเที่ยงคืนแล้ว
  [thiang keun laeo]
• Half past (10)สามทุ่มครึ่งแล้ว
  [sam thum kreung laeo]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua waan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [proong nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [neung]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [sam]
• 4สี่
  [see]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [jet]
• 8แปด
  [paet]
• 9เก้า
  [kao]
• 10สิบ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน
  [...yoo tee nai]
• What's the address?ที่อยู่อย่างไร
  [tee yoo yang rai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ช่วยแก้บนแผนที่หน่อยได้ไหม
  [chuai gae bon phaen tee noi dai mai]
• When's the next (bus)?รถเมล์ตอนต่อไปเวลาเท่าไหร่
  [rot mel dton dton pai welaa thao rai]
• A ticket (to ....)บัตรโดยสาร (ไป ...)
  [bat doy saan (pai ...)]

Khao San Road's history can be traced back to the 18th century when it was a small community of rice traders. The area was originally used for grain storage and trade, benefiting from its proximity to the Chao Phraya River, which facilitated commerce and transportation. As Bangkok transformed into the capital of the Kingdom of Siam in 1782 under King Rama I, Khao San began to evolve, becoming a vital part of the city's expanding trade network.

Throughout the 20th century, Khao San Road emerged as a cultural melting pot, attracting not only locals but also international travelers. The influx of backpackers in the 1980s marked a significant shift, as guesthouses and budget accommodations began to spring up, fostering a vibrant community. This transformation established Khao San as a focal point for youth culture, with street vendors, bars, and shops catering to a diverse clientele.

The Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 had a profound impact on Khao San Road. Many local businesses struggled to survive the economic downturn, leading to a temporary decline in tourism. However, the resilience of the community shone through, with many establishments adapting to the changing landscape by diversifying their offerings. This period also spurred a renewed sense of local identity and pride, as residents sought to promote the unique character of their neighborhood.

In recent years, Khao San Road has become a symbolic space for youth activism and cultural expression in Thailand. The neighborhood has hosted various protests and gatherings, particularly during political upheavals. Its status as a gathering place for international travelers and locals alike has made it a hub for sharing ideas and fostering dialogue about social and political issues affecting the region.

Today, Khao San Road continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination while attempting to maintain its cultural heritage. The street is a blend of traditional Thai culture and modern influences, with street food vendors coexisting alongside trendy bars and shops. Efforts to preserve the area's historical significance while accommodating the needs of a globalized tourism industry reflect the ongoing evolution of Khao San as a unique neighborhood within Bangkok.

Khao San Road is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Bangkok. From Sukhumvit, you can take the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit station, then transfer to the bus number 29, which will drop you near Khao San. Alternatively, a taxi or Grab ride from central areas like Siam or Silom will take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. If you're coming from the airport, the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai station, followed by a taxi or bus, is a convenient option.

Khao San is a compact neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, consider using local tuk-tuks, which are a fun way to navigate the area. Motorbike taxis are also available and can be a quick option during peak traffic hours. Public buses are limited in Khao San, but the Chao Phraya Express Boat offers a scenic route along the river if you're looking to venture further into the city.

Khao San is generally safe for tourists, but petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone late at night, particularly on darker side streets. Areas like the alleyways leading away from Khao San can be less safe after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious when approached by strangers.

In case of emergency, dial 191 for police assistance or 1669 for medical emergencies. There are several hospitals and clinics around Khao San, including the Bumrungrad International Hospital. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor issues, local pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting nearby temples. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect at religious sites by removing shoes and refraining from taking photos where prohibited. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a slight 'wai' (a slight bow with palms together) to show respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try street food and local dishes. Don’t waste food, as it's considered disrespectful in Thai culture.

To experience Khao San like a local, visit the vibrant street markets in the early morning for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with street vendors and other locals, as they often have valuable insights into hidden gems and the culture of the area. Don't miss the nearby Wat Chana Songkhram, a less touristy temple that offers a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling neighborhood. For nightlife, explore the small bars and live music venues that offer a taste of Bangkok's local entertainment scene.