Khao San hotel guide. OYO Rooms hotel in Khao San, Bangkok

Among Bangkok’s more intriguing tourist hotspots is the Old Town Khao San district. Situated close to the Grand Palace area, this district is one of the world’s most famous ‘backpacker havens’. Plenty of cheap accommodation, restaurants, and cafés are found along the popular kilometre-long street, Khao San Road. The surrounding Old Town, with its historic shophouses and retro venues, provides a unique side to Bangkok that tourists too often miss.

A large range of attractions and entertaining things to do are offered in and around the Old Town Khao San area.

There is no better way to spend a lazy afternoon or evening than exploring the Khao San and Soi Rambuttri lanes. Visitors will love the laid-back culture and friendly atmosphere, not to mention the inexpensive dining options and bargain shopping on display too. It is not hard to ‘get lost’ in the bustling charm of this place.

Among the area’s most iconic landmarks is the Phra Sumen Fort, which is located beside Santichaiprakan Park. The fort is one of the last true strongholds from the bygone era, and its heritage certainly helps attract visitors. These spots are also popular for escaping the concrete jungle, and getting some shade overhead too.

Tourists should not miss a boat ride on the Chao Phraya. Phra Atit Pier is the most famous ferry landing in the Old Town district. Not only does it provide quick access from downtown Bangkok, it also gives tourists an opportunity to see the Old Town area from the water.

Tourists won’t find many glamorous restaurants in this district. Nevertheless, there is still an incredibly popular culinary culture here. Many Old Town shophouses now share the streets with trendy cafés and restaurants. Of course, traditional-style noodle houses still exist throughout the area. For even more menu variety, tourists can head to Khao San Road, where Western-style cafés, Thai street stalls and food vendors pack the street. The bars and cafés are also popular places to just sit, drink, socialise, and even people watch.

Most of the shopping in this district is cheap and simple. Due to the high number of backpackers, shops generally cater for this market, selling things like clothes, accessories, bags, and souvenir magnet. Some of the shops are located in the local houses, while others are simple vendors spread along the pavements.