Khao San, the beginning of most Southeast Asia traveler’s journeys. It is a backpacker ghetto home to countless bars, clubs, cheap accommodation and spas, street food, tour agencies, and a whole lot of hedonism and debauchery. You’ll see lots of backpackers connecting with each other on Khao San while knocking back the buckets.
After an 11 hour flight from London, we landed in Bangkok and made our way to our hostel, which was nicely situated off of Khao San. After checking in, ditching our packs, and making friends with our roommates, we walked to Khao San for our first night out in Asia. I had to keep pinching myself this night as I partied and danced the night away with new friends. I couldn’t believe that I was FINALLY in Asia, living life on my own terms with several more months to look forward to.
Our time in Bangkok coincided with Songkran, a water festival to celebrate the Thai New Year. It takes places April 13-15 and is basically a huge water fight throughout all of Bangkok, as well as the rest of Thailand. We woke up bright and early, bought our weapons from a street cart, and headed to Khao San where things were already pretty wild: dancing in the street, seemingly more plastic buckets of alcohol than people, and some serious AK-47 looking plastic water guns. I had a fantastic time celebrating Songkran, but I should mention that you should literally not go outside if you don’t want to get wet. After showering and getting dry, I ventured out for some pad thai and was promptly doused again.
Where to stay in Bangkok:
NapPark Hostel
$11 USD/night
Very clean, perfect location, great security, and social!
Have you experienced Khao San Road? Celebrated Songkran? Let me know in the comments!
I am loving reading through all your tips. I’m pinning all of your hostel recommendations so thanks so much! I’m about to quit my job to travel for a while too, so I appreciate the inspiration (though, I’m a lawyer so finding a job when I get back might not be that easy!). Seriously, I’ve read about 10 of your posts already. Looks like it was a fantastic trip!
Thank you Rachel! Ive been reading your blog for the past few months so it’s so fun that you read mine too! Yes the job search once you return might be stressful but I think it’s so worth it for all of the experiences you will have. I can’t wait to follow along with your trip!