Bangkok/Khao San Road

Khao San Road (ถนนข้าวสาร) is a small road about a block from the Chao Phraya River at the northern side of Rattanakosin. Backpackers and budget travellers even from the Middle East and Indonesian are too drawn here by some of the cheapest lodging and travel deals in Thailand.

Introduction to Khao San Road

The word khao san means milled Rice and is an attribution to the historical role of this street in the Rice trade. The first business to open on Khao San Road was a small hotel aimed at serving civil servants from the provinces who came to Bangkok on business.

Today there's a lot more than six small bedrooms on offer. The hippy, laid-back and budget Khao San Road of the past has long given away to its now highly commercial and tourist-centric atmosphere. Thit is the epicentre of the Banana Pancake Trail. In the span of just a couple of blocks and there are food stalls, restaurants, convenience stores, pharmacies, internet cafes, money changing booths, ATMs, shoe stores, private massage parlours, tailors, travel agencies, laundromats, boxing gyms and hotels.

Phra Athit Road with its colonial-style mansions and riverside hotels; and Samsen Road, a quiet neighbourhood with cosy guest houses and Halal and begetarian restaurants and is a Hub for the GenZ.

How to travel to Khao San Road

Khao San Road is fairly easy to get to from anywhere in Bangkok. Express boats, buses and taxis are your main options. While the Skytrain and the metro are convenient ways of getting to many places in Bangkok and there is no connection to Khao San Road (or to anywhere else in Rattanakosin, for that matter). While Khao San Road is easy to get into and out of, it is quite far (30–60 minutes) from most other areas tourists will travel to in Bangkok, such as Sukhumvit or Silom.

Travel by boat to Khao San Road

The Chao Phraya Express Boat is the best and most scenic way of getting to Khao San Road. If you're coming from the downtown, take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station, where you can transfer onto the express boat at Sathorn pier. Then ride the express boat all the way north to Phra Arthit pier, which takes about 35 minutes and costs 13 to 18 Baht. Make sure to get either the orange flag line or the blue flag tourist boat, as the yellow flag line skips Phra Arthit pier completely.

If you're staying in Khao San Road and the express boat is the easiest way to get to Rattanakosin and Silom. It's only a short (but confusing) walk from Khao San Road to Phra Arthit pier. First walk to the police station side of Khao San Road and then take a right onto Chakrabongse Road and instantly a left into Soi Rambuttri. Walk until you have to take a left and then take a right into Soi Chana Songkhram. At the end, take a right into Phra Athit Road, cross the road and look for the small sign to the express boat pier (it is near Navalai River Resort). Bring a good map, have a good sense of direction, or ask help from a local if you get lost. The main idea is to head west until you hit the river.

The most important piers are Tha Chang (for the Grand Palace), Tha Tien (for Wat Pho) and Rachawongse (for Yaowarat). All lines attend Sathorn pier, where you can transfer onto the Skytrain. From here, you can go to Silom, Siam Plaza, Sukhumvit and Phahonyothin. The Chao Phraya Express Boat stops running around 18:00 or 19:00 depending on the day, so you'll have to rely on other forms of transport in the evening.

The quickest (though not the most comfortable) way to get from Khao San Road to Siam Plaza, Sukhumvit and Ramkhamhaeng is by Saen Saep Express Boat. The closest pier to Khao San Road is Panfa Leelard, which is near the Golden Mount and Wat Ratchanadda. There you can get on the Golden Mount Line, which is a direct boat service from Panfa Leelard to Pratunam. At that pier you can switch onto the NIDA Line, that runs from Pratunam all the way northeast to Wat Sriboonreung in Ramkhamhaeng. A single trip from Panfa Leelard to Pratunam takes about 20 minutes and costs 11 Baht. On the trip, you will pass the stops Talat Bobae (for the garment market of the same name), Sapan Charoenpol, Baan Krua Nua (for Jim Thompson's House), Sapan Hua Chang (for Siam Plaza) and Pratunam (for Pratunam and Ratchaprasong).

Travel by Bus to Khao San Road

The bus system in Bangkok is very complex, but as Khao San Road is not connected to the Skytrain, for some destinations you don't have a choice. Some useful bus lines for travel to/from Khao San Road include the following:

Ordinary bus 2 goes from Sukhumvit Road to Sanam Luang and passes Ratchdamnoen Klang Road on the way, which is very close to Khao San Road. The route is handy for connections to the Skytrain and the metro and the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and it passes Pratunam on the way. 6-7 Baht.
Ordinary and air-conditioned bus 3 goes to the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) and passes by Chakrabongse Road (at the Western side of Khao San Road). The trip costs 7 Baht and takes roughly 30 minutes.
Ordinary bus 15 takes you from Ratchadamnoen Klang Road (near Khao San Road) to Siam Plaza.
Ordinary bus 53 goes from Phra Athit Road near the express boat pier to Hualamphong Train Station, taking an interesting and convoluted route through Rattanakosin and Yaowarat. It costs 15 Baht and takes 30 minutes or more depending on traffic.
Air-conditioned bus 511 travels right across the city from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) via Sukhumvit and Ratchadamnoen Klang Road (near Khao San Road) to the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai). Warning: Ordinary (non-express) buses pass by Ratchdamnoen Klang Road, but express buses (with yellow signs) do not!
Air-conditioned bus 509 travels from Mor Chit Bus Terminal, passing through Victory Monument (BTS) and Ratchadamnoen Klang Road (near Khao San Road), terminating at Bang Khae (in Thonburi).
Air-conditioned buses 127 and 516 go to Southern Bus Terminal (for a fare about THB 30) from Bowonniwet Road (in front of the Bononniwet temple).

From airports

Suvarnabhumi Airport The S1 number bus departs from Gate 7 on the first floor of the passenger terminal every half an hour between 06:00 and 20:00 and costs 60 Baht. The final stop is outside Wat Bowonniwet (Temple) the journey takes around one hour (buses depart for the airport from the same location).

Don Muang Airport: The A4 number bus departs from Gate 6 at Terminal 1 and Gate 12 at Terminal 2 every half an hour between 07:00 and 23:00 and costs 50 Baht. The final stop is outside Wat Bowonniwet (Temple) the journey takes just under one hour (buses depart for the airport from the same location).

Another, affordable (although more complicated) option is to use a local bus to get to Khao San Road. From the airport, catch the shuttle bus for free outside door 5 (on both the upper and lower floors) to the Public Transport Interchange. From there, catch bus 551 (a white van) which will drop you off at Victory Monument for 40 Baht. Then take bus 59 and get off about halfway between Khao San Road and the Democracy Monument. To get to the airport, catch bus 59, which departs from Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, about halfway between Khao San Road and the Democracy Monument (look for the half-torn airplane sign on the bus stop sign). It will drop you off at Victory Monument, from where you can catch bus 551 to the Public Transport Interchange. From there, it's just a short ride with the free shuttle bus to the terminals.

Khao San Road is also the stop for the majority of long range buses from Chiang Mai, elsewhere in Northern Thailand and from Siem Reap, Cambodia as it is located on the edge of Bangkok and buses avoid the notorious Bangkok traffic by starting and stopping routes here.

Best way to travel in Khao San Road by a Taxi

Coming to or from the airports, a taxi is by far the easiest and quickest way to Khao San Road. A metered taxi should cost between 400-550 Baht, if using the toll roads (known by Thais as toll way) which cost up to 65 Baht. Traffic during the day can make the toll roads very worthwhile, as they will save time and money. The trip takes around 45 minutes in good traffic, but allow considerable leeway during rush hour as the area around Khao San can get very congested. If you arrive after midnight, expect to pay around 500 Baht. This 500 Baht includes all tolls and the airport fee of 50 Baht and the price stated on the meter. Taxis are your only option at night, as the Airport Rail Link stops running at midnight.

From the Southern Bus Terminal the fare (including 50 Baht for the toll road) is around 160 Baht.

Khao San Road Photo Gallery

What to see in Khao San Road

Although there aren't any famous historical sites to speak of on the road, Khao San is a part of Rattanakosin and actually one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Bangkok. Around the street and there are a number of old shophouses and interesting temples. Aside from the interesting architecture and the area shows a mix of peoples and legacys that is typical for Bangkok. There are Buddhists, Chinese, Muslims, Mons and of course a great number of foreigners in this small part of the city. All of this makes the area an interesting place for a glimpse of (Thai) life.

Democracy Monument - อนุสาวรีย์ประชาธิปไตย | Completely occupying a roundabout on a major thoroughfare is the Democracy Monument. Its distinguishing features are the four 'wings' which are located at four equally spaced points around a smaller central shrine. The wings are decorated with artworks of war and war-related events. Quite impressive when seen from a distance (especially at sunrise and sunset), but maybe not worth the hazard involved in running across five lanes of Bangkok traffic for a closer look. It commemorates the June 1932 military coup d'état that led to the nation's first democratic constitution in place of absolute rule. Demonstrators gathered here in 1973, 1976 and 1992 in their struggle for democracy, signifying the important role this monument has played in recent (Thai) history.

October 14 Memorial - อนุสรณ์สถาน 14 ตุลา | 14 October 1973 is one of the most important dates in modern (Thai) history. Millions of pro-democracy protesters gathered at Ratchadamnoen Klang Road against the military dictatorship of Thanom Kittikachorn. The junta attacked the masses with snipers from rooftops killing dozens of civilians. Eventually the regime was toppled and Thailand became a constitutional monarchy. This memorial commemorates those who died that day, as well as those that died at similar protests in 1976 and 1992. You can read more about this hectic period in (Thai) history in the small museum.

Phra Sumen Fort - ป้อมพระสุเมรุ | Best viewed from Santichaiprakan Park, Phra Sumen Fort is one of two remaining towers of the historic city wall that once surrounded Rattanakosin Island completely (the other being Mahakan Fort). The historic city wall that followed the Chao Phraya River and Khlong Rop Krung used to have fourteen of these watchtowers, but twelve of them have not endured the test of time. Phra Sumen Fort was constructed in 1783 during the reign of King Rama I to protect the city from potential foreign naval invasions. The fort has an observation tower and two levels of battlements with its original canons still in place.

Santichaiprakan Park - พระที่นั่งและสวนสาธารณะสันติชัยปราการ | This small, green park has a great view of the Chao Phraya River and the modern Rama VIII suspension bridge that crosses it. There's an open-air pavilion and the Phra Sumen Fort and (supposedly) the last two lamphu trees of the area (these trees used to be all over Banglamphu, as that's where the neighborhood got its name from). Activities held in the park include (Thai) classical music, juggling and (at 18:00) aerobic exercises. The park has also become a gathering place for breakdancers to exchange their techniques.

Wat Bowonniwet - วัดบวรนิเวศ | Built in 1829, thit is the shrine-hall of Phra Phutthachinnasi, a very beautiful Buddha image that was created around 1357. Thit is one of the most important temples of Bangkok, whose one-time chief abbot was King Rama IV before he ascended the throne. King Rama IV and King Rama VII, as well as HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej resided here during their monkhood. Be careful in the afternoon, you must take your shoes off, but the ground can start to cook from the heat. Wearing socks could be a good idea.

Wat Chana Songkhram - วัดชนะสงคราม | Centuries ago, following a war with the Burmese and the (Thai) government gave land in this area to people from the Monday minority who had fought beside the (Thai). The Monday established a community here, including this temple, that is commonly called the War Victory Temple. Many travellers use the temple grounds as a shortcut between Khao San Road and Phra Athit Road where the ferry pier is located. The temple is worth a visit, though, with nice murals, crisp sounding temple bells hanging from the eves, Bougainvillea vines and beautiful trees. There is no charge for admission and you are welcome to pay respect to the Buddha images or just find a little tranquility away from the throngs of backpackers on Khao San proper.

Top Muslim Travel Tips in Khao San Road

Madame Joe's - Fully qualified staff and a warm and friendly atmosphere. (Thai) massage, foot massage and oil massage offered. Fully air-conditioned. You can also take the 25-hour massage course for 11,000 Baht. It takes five days with five hours each.

Shewa Spa - ชีวา สปา | A bit more expensive than other massage parlours in the area, but feels a lot more professional. Very clean and cute decor. The masseuses are well-trained and friendly. (Thai) massage, oil massage, herbal massage, foot scrub and hair removal offered. You can also follow a 20-hour massage course for 8,000 Baht that takes ten days.

Study in Khao San Road

Muay (Thai) Gyms

Sor. Vorapin Gym - If you dare, you might want to learn muay thai (Thai boxing). Beginners and walk-ins are welcome. Shorts and gloves are provided at the course. The English instruction may not be too detailed, but key phrases like "punch", "kick" and "one-two" are in place. Wear protection though! If all thit is a bit too heavy for you, it's also feasible to sit on a bench outside and watch the trainings take place. A lot of Arabs and Iranians are not to train at this gymn.

Cooking Classes

May Kaidee's Vegetarian Cooking School Branch 2 - A Vegetarian and vegan cooking school in the Samsen area north of Khao San Road. You'll shop at the local market to pick fresh ingredients and learn meat-free traditional (Thai) recipes (as well as unique food such as the delicious pumpkin hummous). The owner has been an experienced vegan cook for many years and has a recipe book available for purchase. Those interested need to give at least a day or so advance notice (if lucky, you can just try to show up at the morning session and they might let you in). The school also has a restaurant with many Vegetarian dishes and as a guest house attached to it.

Shopping in Khao San Road

Obviously the first place to go shopping is Khao San Road itself. Simple stores line up the street selling dresses, shirts, skirts, accessories, shoes and bags, for a bargain. Many of these are vintage, as that's popular among the Khao San crowd. There are also the usual souvenir and handicraft stores.

Hill tribe women dressed in ethnic clothing walk up and down Khao San Road all day, with the croaking sounds that come from their ornamental frogs. They approach tourists all day, trying to sell them accessories, hammocks and ethnic handicrafts.

Always beware of getting ripped off. Never buy anything valuable in this area as there are many scams and tricks being played. Khao San Road is home to many wholesale silver jewellery stores, but don't even think about buying there. A common scam is to ask a lot more for a gem than its real value. Agents for suits approach men walking along Khao San Road, but never go with them — getting tailored clothes in Khao San Road is a complete waste of money as quality is extremely poor. If you really want a suit, head to the downtown for better alternatives.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Khao San Road

As the number of Muslim tourists and expatriates in Bangkok has grown over the years, there's been a noticeable surge in Halal eateries catering to these visitors. For those venturing into the Rattanakosin area and nearby Soi Samsen, here's a list of some recommended Halal restaurants:

Usman (Thai) Muslim Food: Located near Khao San Road, Usman is renowned for its perfect blend of (Thai) and Muslim flavors. Their spicy beef soup and biryanis are worth every bite. The ambiance is casual, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals.

Aisa Rot Dee: Situated close to the Chao Phraya River, this restaurant specializes in traditional Thai-Muslim dishes. The signature dish, ‘Khao Mok Gai’ (Chicken Biryani), is a must-try. The yellow Rice, cooked with spices and Chicken, is aromatic and flavorful.

Home Cuisine Islamic Restaurant: This place is known for its diverse range of (Thai) and Indian dishes. From murtabak to massaman Curries, the eatery's extensive menu ensures that there’s something for every palate.

Al-Hussain Restaurant: Located on Soi Samsen, this restaurant is famed for its Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The fragrant biryanis, rich curries, and the array of Kebab are sure to satiate any craving for authentic Halal food.

Zaika Streetfood: A delightful spot on Soi Samsen, Zaika offers a fresh take on (Thai) halal street food. Their satays, grilled to perfection and paired with peanut Sauces, are particularly popular.

Mosques in Bangkok

While the majority of Thais are Buddhists, the city is a melting pot of cultures and religions, as evident by its Hindu temples, Christian churches, and, importantly, mosques. The presence of mosques in Bangkok is a testament to its Muslim community, which has been an integral part of the city's diverse tapestry for centuries. In this article, we will explore some of the prominent mosques in Bangkok and delve into their history, architecture, and significance.

1. Darul Aman Mosque (Masjid Darul Aman)

Situated in the Klong San district, the Darul Aman Mosque is one of the most prominent mosques in Bangkok. It was built in the early 20th century and serves as a significant religious hub for Muslims living in this part of the city. The mosque's architecture is a blend of (Thai) and Islamic styles, which makes it a unique structure.

2. Haroon Mosque

Located in the historic Bang Rak district, Haroon Mosque is one of the city's oldest mosques. It is believed to be over a century old. The mosque stands amidst a cluster of old buildings, offering a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the area. Haroon Mosque is not just a place of worship but also a center of the Muslim community in this region of Bangkok.

3. Ton Son Mosque (Masjid Ton Son)

Thit is another notable mosque situated in the Dusit district. Ton Son Mosque boasts an architectural style distinct from many other mosques in the city. Its green and white hues, coupled with its beautifully crafted dome, make it a sight to behold.

4. Bangkok Mosque (Masjid Bangkok)

Nestled in the heart of the city, the Bangkok Mosque is a contemporary architectural marvel. Built in the late 20th century, the mosque stands out with its modern design while still encapsulating Islamic architectural principles.

History and Significance

The existence of mosques in Bangkok traces back to the times when traders from the (Malay) Peninsula, Sumatra, and the Middle East settled in the city. Over time, their communities grew, leading to the establishment of mosques across Bangkok. The Muslim community, although a minority, has played a pivotal role in Bangkok's trade, business, and cultural amalgamation.

The mosques not only serve as places of worship but also as centers of learning, with many housing religious schools or 'madrasas.' These institutions play a significant role in imparting Islamic teachings to the younger generation, ensuring that the faith's tenets are passed down through generations.

Cultural Significance

One of the remarkable aspects of Bangkok's culture is its inclusivity. Despite being a predominantly Buddhist nation, Thailand has always welcomed people of various faiths with open arms. The mosques in Bangkok stand as symbols of this inclusivity, showcasing how people of diverse beliefs can coexist harmoniously.

The mosques in Bangkok are not just religious structures; they are emblems of the city's rich cultural tapestry. Their presence, amidst the backdrop of Buddhist temples and other religious sites, exemplifies the spirit of Bangkok – a city that embraces diversity in every sense of the word. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or someone simply keen on understanding the multifaceted nature of Bangkok, a visit to these mosques promises a deep dive into a lesser-known facet of this vibrant city.

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Khao San Road

eHalal Group Khao San Road is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Khao San Road. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Khao San Road.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Khao San Road ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Khao San Road. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Khao San Road, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Khao San Road are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan 2025 Celebrations in Khao San Road

Ramadan 2025 in Bangkok/Khao San Road

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Khao San Road

Khao San Road is Bangkok's main backpacker drag. Cheap new guest houses spring up and disappear on a monthly basis and therefore lodging is hard to recommend, but there is always something available for a small budget. As hipsters and upper class folks have been starting to discover the road, it is more and more becoming an area that has lodgings for every price class.

News & References Khao San Road

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Khao San Road

Famous sites within walking distance from Khao San Road include the Grand Palace (with Wat Phra Kaeo), Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Sanam Luang, Wat Ratchanaddaram the Golden Mount. See Rattanakosin for details. There are also some more adventurous options:

If you're up for a fun walk, hike to the Royal Barges National Museum at the other side of the river in Thonburi. The walking tour goes over the Pinklao Bridge, through a typical folk neighbourhood (follow the signs) and ends with the royal barges.
Only on weekends and the Taling Chan Floating Market in Thonburi can be visited by bus 79 from Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. Ask a local where to get off or you might get lost.