InsideOut Travel—Avoiding Khao San Road

by Laurie Weed

I’ve never been to Bangkok and I’d like to stay in a good area to explore the city. But, from what I’ve heard, I’m afraid Khao San Road is too hectic for me, any suggestions?

—Sent via e-mail by Jessyca Tretola, Atlanta, Georgia.

Many budget travelers to Thailand’s infamous capital blindly follow their guidebooks to the cheap and often overcrowded Khao San Road. The backpacker ghetto is not without its gritty charm; however, if you prefer a higher comfort and lower decibel level, but still want a convenient base from which to explore the city, you may want to consider staying in a different part of town.

Anyone you ask will suggest staying in different parts of the city and honestly, I don’t think that one district is better than another. It’s just a question of finding what you’re comfortable and uncomfortable with.

	JUST THE FACTS
	One Night in Bangkok? Avoiding Khao San Road
	by Laurie Weed I’ve never been to Bangkok and I’d like to stay in a good area to explore the city. But, from what I’ve heard, I’m afraid Khao San Road is too hectic for me, any suggestions? —Sent via e-mail by Jessyca Tretola, Atlanta, Georgia. Many budget travelers to Thailand’s infamous capital blindly follow their guidebooks to the cheap and often overcrowded Khao San Road. The backpacker ghetto is not without its gritty charm; however, if you prefer a higher comfort and lower decibel level, but still want a convenient base from which to explore the city, you may want to consider staying in a different part of town. Anyone you ask will suggest staying in different parts of the city and honestly, I don’t think that one district is better than another. It’s just a question of finding what you’re comfortable and uncomfortable with.				My favorite area to stay in Bangkok is the Thewet area north of Banglamphu. Off the neon path but still accessible to major attractions and the busy traveler district, this middle-class neighborhood offers a lively mix of travelers and a glimpse of real Thai life—not to mention excellent value and no touts. *“However leisurely your visit may be, you certainly don’t want to spend it developing lung cancer and rigor mortis while trapped in the back of a taxi or tuk-tuk.”* In particular, the section of Soi 14, off of Sri Ayutaya behind the National Library, is a small traveler’s enclave, with a cluster of clean, budget-priced guesthouses, a travel agency and a couple of Internet cafes. Getting There You can get to the National Library by bus Number 10 from the airport or Number 53 from the train station, and walk about five minutes up Soi 14 to the guesthouses, or go by taxi. If you don’t speak Thai, learn how to pronounce Sisao Thewet (“See-Sow Too-Wet”), which is the name of the large intersection nearest to Soi 14. The National Library makes a great landmark, but it isn’t an easy phrase to translate. more>> << home << discuss article >>
	July 2004 Copyright 2003-2004 InsideOut Travel Magazine << disclaimer

JUST THE FACTS

by Laurie Weed