Khaosan Road in Bangkok
Popular with backpackers and the young and trendy Thais. I hear theycome here to party on weekday nights or weekends. Multicultural, fantastic for people-watching; this is another must-go shopping belt in Bangkok.
Recently, this road went through a face lift. Now, there is a walking street that is closed to traffic after 5 pm.
Some of the great stuffs you’ll find on Khaosan Road:
- Street vendors selling sunglasses, cheap CD, T-shirts, wooden beaded accessories, backpacks and other Bohemian chic.
- Young Thais coming here to sell their paintings or other art pieces
- Travel agencies
- Restaurants selling Thai, Italian, Indian and even Israeli food
- Tailors
- Internet cafes (overseas call service available)
Try to scout around. Usually, many shops sell the same thing. One tip is to tell the vendor you saw the same thing elsewhere at a cheaper price. They’ll usually bring the price down when you say that.
Buddy Village
Another mall worth visiting on this same road is Buddy Village. Nearly everything on Khaosan Road can be found here. Visit the basement to shop for silver and other precious metal at the Silver Trade Center.
(One note though. Round the corner on Thanao Street, there are also a few silver shos that sell rings, necklaces and other assorted jewelry in bulk. Prices here may be lower and the quality just as good.)
Tattoos
I already have a tattoo but if you want to get one while in Bangkok, you can pop into any of the tattoo shops along here. There is one behind the Chart Guesthouse. Popular designs could be butterflies, dragons, and even Thai designs are getting more popular … Hmm, should I get another one?
Soi Rambutri and Oc2K
Make sure you don’t leave without visiting Soi Rambutri, which runs parallel to Khaosan Road. This is a flanked by cool bars and al fresco eateries. Another tip: most of the ladies’ wear on Khaosan road can be found here at a lower price.
On Soi Rambutri, do drop by Oc2K on 106/4 for funky jelwery, suede handbags and branded clothings. T&K Collections over heresells retro clothes and bags in psychedelic colours …like shocking pink!
Shops here mostly open in the morning and close around midnight.
Hotels Around Khaosan Road:
Buddy Lodge
The D&S Inn
The Sawadee Group
New Sia
Vieng Tai
Four Sons Inn
