Khao San
ข้าวสาร
The backpacker crossroads, open long past midnight.
Khao San is the backpacker strip of Bangkok, a short street near the old town that runs on hostels, bars, street food and late nights. It suits short stays and budget travellers who want everything within a few steps; for anything longer, most people end up renting in the quieter lanes around it.
Khao San at a glance
Living in Khao San
The road itself is loud from late afternoon until the early hours, with bars, music, street carts and tour sellers. Soi Rambuttri, which curves around the temple behind it, is calmer and leafier, with guesthouses, massage shops and restaurants. Weekday mornings are surprisingly quiet as the area sleeps off the night before; weekends and holidays are busier still, and Songkran turns the street into one of the city's biggest water fights. For a more residential feel, Banglamphu begins just a few lanes away, and the temples and palace of Rattanakosin are within walking distance.
Renting in Khao San
Most accommodation is hostels, guesthouses and small hotels, some offering monthly rates, plus a handful of serviced apartments in the surrounding lanes. Studios typically cost 12,000–20,000 THB a month, one-bedrooms 15,000–25,000 THB a month and two-bedrooms 25,000–45,000 THB a month. Those prices reflect the tourist location rather than quality, so units can be dated. Ask about noise and late-night music before committing. Compare with quieter districts in Bangkok rent prices by area.
- Studio
- ฿12k–฿20kTHB / mo
- 1 bedroom
- ฿15k–฿25kTHB / mo
- 2 bedroom
- ฿25k–฿45kTHB / mo
Typical furnished condo listings in Khao San and neighbouring blocks, compiled by BKK Oracle editors from DDProperty, Hipflat and agent listings. Utilities are extra.
Getting around Khao San
There is no rail station on Khao San Road. The nearest are Sam Yot on the MRT Blue Line, about 1.45 kilometres away, and Sanam Chai, also on the Blue Line, about 1.65 kilometres away; both are roughly a 20-minute walk or a quick tuk-tuk ride. The Chao Phraya Express boat from Phra Arthit pier is often faster for riverside trips, and taxis, Grab and buses cover the rest.
- Sam Yot · Blue Line1450 m
- Sanam Chai · Blue Line1650 m
Who Khao San suits
- Short stays with nightlife and street food on the doorstep
- Backpackers who want to meet other travellers easily
- Walking to the Grand Palace and old-town temples
- Late-night noise most days of the week
- No BTS or MRT station within easy walking distance
- Rents are high for the quality of the rooms
Areas near Khao San
Compare Khao San
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Read guideKhao San FAQs
Is Khao San a good area to live in Bangkok?
Khao San is a good fit for backpackers, short stays and budget. It sits in Bangkok's budget rent tier, with one-bedroom condos typically at 15,000–25,000 THB a month. The nearest rail station is Sam Yot on the Blue Line, about 1450 m from the centre of the area.
How much is rent in Khao San?
Typical furnished condo rents in Khao San are studios 12,000–20,000 THB, one-bedrooms 15,000–25,000 THB and two-bedrooms 25,000–45,000 THB a month. Electricity, water and internet usually add 2,500–5,000 THB a month, and most landlords ask for a two-month deposit plus the first month upfront.
What is the nearest BTS or MRT station to Khao San?
Sam Yot (Blue Line, about 1450 m) and Sanam Chai (Blue Line, about 1650 m) are the closest rail stations to central Khao San. Walking times depend on the soi you live on, so time the walk in the midday heat before signing a lease.
Where should long-stay visitors live near Khao San Road?
Most people who stay longer move a few lanes away, to Soi Rambuttri, Phra Arthit Road or the residential sois of Banglamphu to the north. You keep the food, the river and old-town access but lose most of the late-night noise, and monthly rates at guesthouses there are often easier to negotiate.
What is Khao San Road like during Songkran?
During Thai New Year in mid-April, Khao San becomes one of Bangkok's best-known water-fight zones, packed from morning to night. The road is closed to traffic, everything gets soaked and the noise is constant. If you live nearby, expect several days of crowds and keep phones and electronics in waterproof bags.
How do you get from Khao San Road to the airports?
Taxis and Grab are the simplest options for both airports, though traffic can be heavy. For Suvarnabhumi, you can also take the MRT from Sam Yot and change to the Airport Rail Link at Phetchaburi. Airport buses also serve the area, but check current routes and times before travelling.