| Khaosan Road was a quiet residential district until the early
1980’s. In 1982, Bangkok launched a massive international campaign
to attract tourists the world over for the city’s bicentennial
celebration. The 1980s had a spillover of the free-spirited hippies
of the 60s and youngest generation of baby boomers of the 70s who
were more than willing to lug their backpacks in order to “see” the
world. When the first wave of “backpackers” arrived in Bangkok,
the hotel accommodations were just a bit too pricey for them. As
Khaosan Road was in close proximity to the Grand Palace (where the
action was), the backpackers soon found their way into negotiating
with the homeowners at Khaosan Road. Viral marketing happened and
soon the once quiet residential street sprouted guest houses.
The guest houses in Khaosan Road became budget accommodations for
the glob-trotting backpackers. Soon commercial establishments sprung
left and right and before long, the 1 kilometer street became the
bargain and budget center of Bangkok. The street has become iconic
especially after the movie “The Beach”. Though the representation of
Khaosan Road was a little over the top in the said movie, that
stretch of road was indeed a bit seedy and quite “full”.
East meet West in Khaosan Road. The road is teeming with street
stalls selling all kinds of stuff: sleazy and sleek night clubs;
cafes; restaurants; lodges; road-side food stalls and more. You can
have your palate initiated with the true Thai version of hot and
spicy food or you can settle for a tamer version. A trip to Khaosan
will not be complete without sampling street food. Pad Thai is
stir-fried rice noodles with egg, shrimp, shallots, bean sprouts,
garlic, tamarind and more cooked in a wok. The dish is delicious and
you might want try some fried spring rolls to go with Pad Thai.
Watermelon shake is refreshing prepared on the spot by juice carts
on wheels.
Khaosan Road has been invaded by an influx of upgraded hotels and
American fast-food joints. The stretch of road is no longer
exclusive to what is essentially Thai. However, beneath the veneer
of superficiality, one can still see the true essence of Khaosan
Road with its cheap lodging homes, local food stalls and
fast-talking street vendors trying to sell their wares.
Night life is exhilarating as Khaosan Road never sleeps. Night
entertainment can be tame or wild - it’s your choice.
Shopping is an experience. Before you buy anything, haggle! If
the vendor says 20 baht, make your offer at 10 baht. More often than
not, you will reach a compromise price to make both you and the
vendor happy.
This is the place to be when you want to bargain shop. This is
the place to be carefree and hang loose. The road has come full
circle of some sort as classier bars, restaurants and hotels now
grace Khaosan Road. However, if you look closer, the pulse of the
old bohemian Khaosan Road is still present. |
