Thanon Khaosan, which is commonly known as Khaosan Road, is located in Phra Nakhon District in Bangkok, Thailand; specifically in Banglamphu area. It can be easily found as it is at the northern area of Rattanakosin Island and just a kilometer from The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The place got the name “Khaosan”, which virtually means “milled rice”, as it was simply a plain street with a rice market before all the attractions were constructed. Today, it is already among Bangkok’s main tourists destinations.
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A tourist will find everything he or she needs at Khaosan Road, specifically in terms of accommodation. Several stores are also selling pirated CDs and DVDs, books, handicrafts, paintings and souvenirs. Finding a place to drink, party, and eat will not be an issue as there are many bars, clubs and food stalls open until 2AM. Internet cafes, tattoo shops, massage parlors, and travel agents can also be found here.
Transportation to and Khaosan Road can be a bit difficult. There is no direct connection via BTS Skytrain and the bus system in Bangkok is really complex, so you are better off taking a taxi or going by boat. To get to Khaosan Road by boat, take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Phra Arthit pier. The Chao Phraya Express Boat has many stops on the river, but the easiest way to get to the Chao Phraya River is to take the BTS Skytrain to the Saphan Taksin Station. This will bring you to the Sathorn Peir, exactly where the Chao Phraya Express Boat makes a stop. It'll then travel to the Phra Arthit pier. As soon as the boat docks at Phra Arthit pier, simply go east and you will get to Khaosan Road. Having a taxi to reach Khaosan Road is still the best choice. Even so, you should be watchful of taxi drivers who charge further fees to travelers. If you would like, you can even have the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat, which will take you to the Panfa Leelard pier. Walking towards west of Ratchadamnoen Klang Road from the pier will take you to Thanon Tanao. You'll then locate Khaosan Road on your left.
However, you might encounter a bit of problems when going to Khao San Road Bangkok. Fraudulent tuk-tuk drivers are just one of the things that first-timers in the area should be careful of. The fare costs that they charge to travelers are excessive. A few of them are working with robbers that is why rather than taking vacationer to the correct place, they'll just take them in dark and quiet locations. Aside from that, there are bus companies that drive slowly as they travel. They would extend the drive time to 18 hours when in fact you could have reach your destination in only 10 hours. These bus companies are teaming up with guest houses that is why they drive slowly so that if their passengers get tired, they can easily persuade them to stay in their partner guest house. They will earn high commission from the guest house that’s why these bus companies take part in such activities.
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