Staying in Banglamphu and Khao San Road, Bangkok
Bangkok's old town and backpacker district. What Khao San Road, Rambuttri and Phra Arthit are like, how to get around and who should stay here.
Banglamphu is part of Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin area, close to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the Democracy Monument. Within it, Khao San Road has been the city’s best-known backpacker street for decades. Today the area attracts everyone from budget travellers to visitors looking for boutique hotels in old shophouses.
What the area is like
- Khao San Road itself is loud and busy, with bars, street food, hostels and shops. It is pedestrianised in the evenings and parties late.
- Soi Rambuttri, curving around the nearby temple, is calmer, with guesthouses and restaurants under the trees.
- Phra Arthit Road, along the river, has cafés, Santichaiprakan Park and Phra Sumen Fort.
- The streets around the Democracy Monument and the Giant Swing have traditional shophouses, temples and older restaurants.
Who it suits
Banglamphu is ideal for budget travellers and anyone focused on temples and the old town. Most of the major historic sights are walkable or a short tuk-tuk ride away. If you want quiet, stay a few streets away from Khao San Road.
Getting around
There is no BTS or MRT station in Banglamphu itself; the nearest MRT stations are Sanam Chai and Sam Yot. The Chao Phraya Express Boat at Phra Arthit pier is the most pleasant way to travel along the river. Taxis and ride-hailing apps cover the rest, but traffic can be slow.
Hotel tips
Rooms facing Khao San Road can be noisy until late at night. Boutique hotels in renovated shophouses are a characterful alternative to backpacker hostels and are often found on side streets and along the canals.
Things to do
Grand Palace and Wat Phra KaewHow to visit Bangkok's Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the dress code, when to go and where to stay nearby.
Wat PhoHow to visit Wat Pho, home of Bangkok's giant Reclining Buddha and the birthplace of Thai massage teaching. Tips, timing and getting there.
