After 8 incredible days in Thailand, Alhamdulillah, I’ve returned to Bangkok from the beautiful island of Phuket. I’ll be spending my final day in Bangkok before heading back to work, and I can’t help but feel that familiar sadness that comes with the end of a trip. You know the feeling — when you wish it could last a little longer, but reality calls.
I had planned to explore many of Bangkok’s iconic sites on my final day, but things didn’t quite go as expected. I was exhausted, and the notorious Bangkok traffic didn’t help. The gridlock was so intense that even a simple trip to a restaurant felt like a mission. So, my grand plans to see the city were cut short, but that’s how it goes sometimes, right?
Instead, I decided to take it easy, rest for most of the day, and venture out in the evening. After lunch and a much-needed break, I found myself exploring a lively street that’s famous for Bangkok’s nightlife. Here’s a glimpse of my evening:
Exploring Khao San Road: Bangkok’s Nightlife Gem
If you’re in Bangkok and want a taste of the city’s energetic nightlife, Khao San Road is the place to be. Situated just a few kilometers from the Grand Palace, this bustling street transforms as the sun sets. It becomes alive with street food stalls, live music, and people from all over the world. It’s like a melting pot of cultures, and for anyone who loves night adventures, this is where the magic happens.
Location
Khao San Road is in the Phra Nakhon District, right in the heart of Bangkok. It’s just a short drive from major tourist spots like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, which makes it super convenient to visit if you’re exploring the area. A quick 20-minute ride and you’re there! Google map
Best Time to Visit
If you’re like me and prefer to avoid crowds, late afternoon around 4-5 PM is a good time to visit. I went at 7 PM, and while the street was alive, it wasn’t overwhelmingly busy yet. But if you thrive on energy and want to experience the full force of Khao San Road, then after 7 PM is when the real party starts.
Getting There
- By Tuk-Tuk: The classic way to get around Bangkok. A quick 10-minute ride from the Grand Palace or Wat Pho will cost you around 60-100 THB, depending on your haggling skills.
- By Grab or Bolt: Easy to book, and it takes about 20-30 minutes from central Bangkok, costing around 100-150 THB.
- By Bus: Bus numbers 15 or 47 can get you close to Khao San Road, perfect for a more budget-friendly option.
Things to Do on Khao San Road
1. Street Food:
You can’t come to Khao San without diving into the street food. From classic Pad Thai to the famous mango sticky rice, the flavors here are unbeatable. The prices are super affordable too, ranging from 40-70 THB. However, I couldn’t stomach the sight of fried insects, which are quite popular with locals. I almost felt like I’d throw up just looking at them!
2. Shopping:
Whether you’re into clothes, accessories, or quirky souvenirs like scorpions on a stick, Khao San is a shopper’s paradise. While I didn’t buy much (since I had already done most of my shopping in Pattaya and Phuket), I did come across a shop that makes custom passport covers. I loved the designs and ordered a few for myself and my friends. Surprisingly, they were quite affordable!
3. Thai Massage:
After walking around, I treated myself to a traditional Thai massage and let me tell you — it’s a game-changer! Prices range from 250-400 THB for a full hour, and it’s the perfect way to unwind. It’s unlike any massage you’ve probably had before, and I highly recommend it if you’re in Thailand.
Prices on Khao San Road
One thing that surprised me was how affordable everything was compared to other parts of Bangkok. Here’s a quick breakdown of typical costs:
- Thai Massage: 250-400 THB per hour
- Street Food: 40-100 THB per meal
- Drinks: Local beer from 50-80 THB, and cocktails from 100-200 THB
- Shopping: Clothes and accessories start at around 100 THB, but don’t forget to haggle!
Wrapping Up My Thai Adventure
So that was how I spent my last day in Thailand — exploring the vibrant Khao San Road, indulging in street food, shopping, and getting a Thai massage. Though I couldn’t explore the rest of Bangkok as I had hoped, this street gave me the perfect ending to an amazing trip.
Bangkok, and Thailand as a whole, is full of unforgettable experiences. Even on my last day, I felt like I was still discovering new things. As I pack up to head back to work, I’m already thinking about when I can return.
Leave a Reply