'''Khao San Road''' (??? ??????? ''Thanon Khao Saan''; also spelled ''Khaosan'', ''Kao Sarn'', ''Koh Sarn'' and many other variations) is, technically speaking, a small street about three blocks long located about a block from the Chao Phraya River in the '''Banglamphu''' district northwest of downtown Bangkok. Backpackers and budget tourists are drawn by some of the cheapest accommodation and travel deals in Thailand.
Understand
The word ''khao san'' itself means milled rice and is an attribution to the historical role of this street in the rice trade. The first business to open on Khao San Road was a small hotel aimed at serving civil servants from the provinces who came to Bangkok on business. The hotel was followed by Sor Thambhakdi, a shop selling monks' accessories. It was followed by four similar businesses, and Khao San became known as a "religious road".
Word soon spread about the easy lifestyle and friendliness of the locals. Friends told friends, and before long, the owner of the house started to charge 20 baht for food and lodging. The first commercial guesthouse, called Bonny, opened with six small bedrooms.
Today, there's a lot more than six small bedrooms on offer. In the span of just a couple of blocks, there are bars, food stalls, restaurants, convenience stores, pharmacies, Internet cafes, money changing booths, ATMs, shoe stores, massage parlors, tailors, travel agencies, laundry, boxing gyms, optometrists, endless warrens of suspiciously discounted designer clothes and, oh, rooms for the night.
Get in
Khao San Road is fairly easy to get to from anywhere in Bangkok. '''Taxis''', '''buses''', and '''river ferry''' are your main options. While the metro and the skytrain are convenient ways of getting to many places in Bangkok, there is unfortunately no train (yet) that will take you near Khao San Road (or anywhere else on Rattanakosin Island, for that matter).
By plane
The half hourly '''airport bus''', A2, arrives and departs from the corner of Khao San Road, and now serves the new Suvarnabhumi Airport. Buy a ticket (150 baht) from the booth at the airport or on the bus. A meter taxi should cost no less than 300 baht, if using the toll roads (known to Thais as ''Toll way'') which cost up to 65 baht. Traffic during the day can make the toll roads very worthwhile, as it will save time and money. The trip takes around an hour in good traffic, but allow considerable leeway during rush hour as the area around Khao San can get very congested.
See the Bangkok section for info on arriving in town.
By taxi
Even the metered taxis will try to charge you a flat rate of about 200-300 baht to take you to Khao San Road, rather than use the meter (which would mean no more than an 80 baht fare from the Silom district, or 100-150 from Sukhumvit road). The drivers will claim that Khao San Road is "too far away" for the meter, but that's not true; the fact is, they can get away with overcharging tourists, and if you don't take it, the next schmuck down the street will. You can refuse to pay that amount and try to find an honest taxi, or try to haggle (which may be just as difficult). There is certainly no shortage of taxi drivers anywhere in Bangkok. As a general rule, older drivers tend to be more amenable to the meters, while the younger ones tend to gun for big fares from tourists.
If for some reason there aren't many taxis around, one trick that appears to work is telling the driver to take you to a location near Khao San Road, such as Tanao Road. If you don't mind a short walk, memorize a few landmarks in the Banglamphu area and see if the driver will take you there using the meter and then hike the rest of the way to the road.
The majority of taxi drivers are reasonably honest. If they seek to 'quote' a fare, just smile and point at the meter. If they still don't want to use the meter, just hail another taxi. As a general rule, avoid the parked taxis (dishonest drivers prefer to wait for gullible tourists) and hail a moving taxi (red light on dash board indicates available). The majority of taxis are new (less than two years old), and its best to avoid the older taxis as their air-conditioners function poorly, and these drivers tend to be less reliable.
By ferry
Boats on the Chao Phraya River are the cheapest and most scenic way of getting to Rattanakosin Island from the rest of the city. The '''Central Pier''' is just outside the BTS '''Saphan Taksin''' station; you can take a '''Chao Phraya Tourist Boat''' for 13 baht or the '''Chao Phraya River Express''' for 18 baht to '''Phra Arthit''' (pier number N.13). From there, it's a short but confusing walk to Khao San Road. A map, a good sense of direction, or help from a local is usually required.
The ferries stop running at around 5pm, or will run but stop at fewer locations (and Phra Arthit is not one of them).
By Khlong Ferry
There is one canal left in this area called the Khlong Saen Saeb. The final stop is Tha Phan Fah (next to Wat Saket) and is about 10 minutes walk from Khao San Road. The ferries travel along the canal and stop close to the Siam Centre and Pratunam (Tha Ratchathewi). A ticket will cost you about 12 baht.
By bus
Useful bus lines for travel to/from Khao San Road include the following:
'''Red Bus 2''' goes from Sukhumvit Rd to Sanam Luang (Ratchdamnoen Klang Rd), very close to Khao San Road. The route is handy for connections to the Skytrain, the MRT and the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai), and it passes Pantip Plaza(computer hardware and software center) on the way. 7 baht.
'''Red Bus 3''', from Moh Chit (the Northern Bus Terminal) directly to Khao San Road. 7 baht, approx. 30 minutes.
'''Red Bus 15''' will take you from Khao San Road to Siam Square.
'''Aircon Bus 511''' travels right across the city from the Eastern Bus Terminal via Sukhumvit and the Democracy Monument to the Southern Bus Terminal. Warning: ''Regular'' (non-express) buses pass by Ratchdamnoen Klang Rd near Khao San, but express buses (with yellow signs) do not!
See
Although there aren't any famous historical sites to speak of on the road itself, Khao San is on the Rattanakosin island. Around the street, there are a number of old buildings and temples, some of which have been transformed into restaurants and even tattoo parlours, although you will still find quiet family homes if you look deep enough. Aside from some interesting architecture, Banglampoo shows the mix of peoples and heritages that is the character of Bangkok. There are Muslims, Buddhists, Mons, and of course a great number of foreigners in this small area. All of this makes the area an interesting place for a glimpse of Thai life. Thais also appreciate the area for the many types of traditional ''kanom'' or Thai snacks and desserts available and the cheap clothing available in the Banglampoo Market (see below).
At the bottom of Khao San is '''Wat Chana Songkram''', which translates as "War Victory Temple". This area was formally given to the Mon peoples who helped the Thai fight off the Burmese centuries ago. The Mon set up a community here and built this temple as well. Many travelers use the temple grounds to connect between Khao San and Phra Athit Rd where the ferry pier is located. The temple is worth a visit, though, with nice murals, crisp sounding temple bells hanging from the eves, Bougainvillea vines and beautiful trees. There is no charge for admission and you are welcome to pay respect to the Buddha images or just find a little tranquility away from the throngs of backpackers on Khao San proper.
Famous sites within walking distance from Khao San Road include The Grand Palace (''Wat Phra Kaew''), Wat Pho, Sanam Luang Park, Chao Phraya river, Democracy Monument and The Golden Mount (''Phu Khao Thong''). See Rattanakosin for details.
Do
'''Sor. Vorapin Gym''' (13 Trok Kasap, Jakapong Rd., Panakorn, Bangkok 10200; tel. 662 282-3551) [http://www.thaiboxings.com]. Offers morning (7:30am-9:30am) and afternoon (3:00-5:00pm) training in '''Muay Thai''' (Thai boxing) for 400 baht. Beginners and walk-ins are welcome. Shorts and gloves are provided. The English instruction may not be detailed, but key phrases like "punch", "kick", and "one-two" are in place. It's at the end of a dusty alley off Soi Rambuttri.
'''Suan Santichaiprakarn Park''', just beyond Khao San Road, has a great view of the Chao Phraya river and the ultra-modern Rama VIII suspension bridge. In the evening, there are many activities going on in the park such as free aerobic exercise, the performing of Thai classical music, juggling, etc. The park has become a gathering place for new breakdancers to exchange their techniques. The park has one of the towers of the historical city wall of Rattanakosin. The canal on the otherside was part of the city moat. The park is on Pra Athit Rd, which has many old town houses that are now restaurants and cafes and near the river are a number of old smaller palaces now used by the likes of the FAO and Unicef.
Buy
The '''Banglamphu market''' is a good place to pick up cheap Thai knock-offs of everything from jeans to Italian sneakers, as well as a few posh Thai silk stores. (Not on Khao San but nearby, you can go to the bottom of Khao San, turn right and walk about 50 meters.)
Food stalls also abound in this area. Khao San road is also home to many wholesale silver jewelry stores.
'''Aporia Books''', 131 Tanao Road (road that runs at 'T' junction with Kao San Road - opposite end to the road with the stop for airport bus). Tel:+66-3-6292919. Has a good selection of both new and second-hand English titles, and offers a much more pleasant and organized environment for browsing than the other second-hand book shops on Khao San Road.
Eat
Khao San Road offers one of the most diverse food selections anywhere in Bangkok. Since the street sees such a varied nationality of travelers, several ethnic foods can be found here. Street carts that line Khao San Road sell decent ''phat thai'' (fried noodles), quail eggs, roti (like a pancake), falafel, hummus, various bugs and some sell just cocktails.
However, it's worth noting that much of it is specifically geared for backpackers — even the local ''phat thai'', especially the 10 baht variety, economizes on the ingredients and uses soy instead of the traditional tamarind sauce. Those looking for truly good food would be advised to head elsewhere, such as to Sukhumvit.
As Khao San leaves its backpacker roots, standards (and prices) are rising. International outlets Burger King and Starbucks moved in during 2004.
'''[http://www.sunset-street.com/ Sunset Street]'''. Located in the middle of the Khaosan Road, have few restaurants. Sunset Bar & Restaurant offer authentic Thai and International cuisine with live music performance on Thursday to Sunday. The most beautiful Starbuck Coffee also house in the Palace with more 100 year old history. Scoozi italian Pizza also provide home delivery to your comfort hotel room. Sabai Bar offers best Khaosan view while you are dining here.
'''[http://www.tomyumkungkhaosan.com/ Tom Yum Kung]''', The Best Thai restaurant in the area, is highly rated and great place to try some tom yum gung (spicy shrimp soup), and other authentic Thai dishes.
'''Gulliver_fs''', on the west end of the road, is a decent sports bar with mid range pricing a good offering of Western food.
'''Silk Bar Pub & Restaurant''', located in the middle of the khaosan road provide the BEST Khaosan view. Every day after 6pm, this place is packed with customers till very very late at night.
'''Sidewalk Cafe 1''', a great outdoor people watching spot with a large menu.
'''May Kaidee's 1''' [http://maykaidee.com], on the road ''behind'' Aporia Books on Tanao Road (There are two 'T' junction roads at either end of Khao San Road; Tanao Road is the one at the other end to the road where the stop for the airport bus is located). This is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the area and has been serving foreigners and hippie-types since 1988. May also runs a cooking class for 1200 baht/day; those interested need to give at least a day or so advance notice.
'''May Kaidee's 2''', Samsen Road near Soi 1 [http://maykaidee.com]. An indoor air conditioned vegetarian restaurant with attached guesthouse - cheaper and cooler than May Kaidee's 1.
'''Number One'''. Located ''behind'' Aporia Books on Tanao Road. The restaurant offers a wide selection of vegetarian dishes.
'''Ethos International Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant''', on road behind Aporia Books on Tanao Road. [http://www.ethosnet.biz]. A unique place with an attitude! No MSG, preservatives or artificial colours and flavours. Some organic dishes. Menu consists of Thai, Indian, Italian and Middle Eastern dishes. Excellent coffee and deserts. A comfortable place that attracts the spiritualist - yoga - conservation crowd. The restaurant also offers a public notice board for travelers use, Thai massage, Internet cafe and free Wi-Fi hotspot.
'''Popiang House'''. A "classic Khao San Road" Restaurant, which isn't really on Khao San Road, but on Soi Rambuttri, which is on the northern side of the Chana Songhkram Temple. You will find it by looking for the red plastic chairs and the yellow cheap tables. Its a great place to sip cheap beer too. Can be very busy in the night time. Good place to meet other backpackers. Offering a good selection of Thai food, and wonderful staff.
'''Wild Orchid''' is a good option that offers great green and red curries and delicious tom yum soups at low prices.
'''Oh My Cod!'''- An ultra clean & modern Brit owned British Cafe cum fish & chips shop situated in an oasis of peace off Soi Rambuttri, inside the bricked courtyard at the entrance to the Rambuttri Village Inn. Food is fresh and excellent (burgers, steak, fish, chips, eggs & more), prices low, plasma screen TVs at every table, staff friendly & helpful. The owner is knowledgeable and can direct you anywhere or obtain anything, special orders are accepted.
'''Prakorb's House''', 52 Khao San Road (right side when walking from airport bus stop). Excellent food in this very friendly, family run hotel and restaurant - especially recommended are the vegetarian noodles.
'''Mr Yim's''' 2 Soi Chanasongkram. A small restaurant up a flight of stairs overlooking the wat. A wide selection of good quality food at good prices, including veggie options. The big baguettes are excellent value at 30B-70B ($1-$2 US).
'''147''', 147 Tanao Road (next to the Burger King). Is an old standby serving excellent, cheap Thai dishes including vegetarian options.
'''Chabad Kosher Restaurant''' Ideal for Jewish travelers that keep kosher. The Chabad house is located on 96 Ram Buttri Street. There is a large meat menu with the opportunity to taste some great Kosher Thai cuisine (not the squashed fried squid on every street corner) or get a little schnitzel and hummous. The Chabad house also has a small store where you can purchase packet soups, matza, and other kosher items.
Drink
Khao San Road has some of the cheapest bars in town, and these days even some Thais head down to knock back a few. A can of Beer Chang is 25 baht at 7-11. Worth a look are a few street side VW vans converted to mobile bars, serving cocktails made from cheap liquor.
'''Bangkok Bar'''. Well liked pub round the corner from Khao San Road on Soi Rambuttri. Is attached to the "Sawasdee House" guest house.
'''Gullivers''' - A sports pub with billiards. Gradually turns into a rather wild dance party as the night wears on.
'''Lava''', in the middle of Khao San. Go down the steps to one of the more modern and Western owned bars on the Road. Sunday nights are good.
'''Silk Bar''', [http://www.silkbars.com]. - One of the must-stop dining places on Khao San, with a view of the action on the street. Usually packed around 7-12 midnight.
'''Susies Pub''' - The pub that started it all. Owners of the pub have branched out to owning Austin Pub, Tom Yung Gung, and The Club. Usually packed and playing top 40s tunes.
'''[http://www.theclubkhaosan.com/ The Club]''' - The Best Club on Khaosan road, With a huge neon sign, you can't miss it. Interesting open design.
'''Mulligans Irish Bar''' - Opened in 2009 located upstairs in the Buddy Plaza with the classic motobikes on display. Mulligans servers the only cold pints on the Khao San Road. Mulligans have drinks deals nightly, live music and suprisingly is open 24 hours a day.
Aquatini Riverside Bar&Restaurant. avalai River Resort 45/1 Phra Athit Road. ight on Phra Athit Pier (No. N13) on Phra Athit Road. 22809955. ttp://www.navalai.com/restaurant.html. .30AM - 1.00AM. 0-450Baht($3-$15). 13__45'48.30N. 00__29'38.83E. New boutique hotel, Navalai has their own kitchen cooking up Thai and Western dishes with a river view to boot. Right by the Phra Athit pier, the alfresco area is all about the river. An indoor bar and restaurant with random post-modern touches. Stick to the outdoor deck right on the river. With a breeze, some trees and light music, the ambience is super chill. Serve Thai and faux Italian. Even though this is a tourist spot, the kitchen sure keeps their dishes true to the Thai tongue.
Coffee
Most restaurants on Khao San serve freshly brewed coffee.
There is a branch of the chain '''Coffee World''' (great brownies!) across from the McDonald's in Buddy's shopping center.
There is a very nice '''Starbucks''' in a converted house around the middle of the street.
'''Prakorb's House''', 52 Khao San Road (see eat section) has good coffee, a selection of herbal drinks and a peaceful atmosphere in which to enjoy them.
Iced drinks
Coconut milk, iced and drunk directly from a fresh coconut is a cheap and good way to cool the body. Coconuts are available at all the restaurants on Khao San Road.
Sleep
Khao San Road is Bangkok's main backpacker guesthouse centre. Since places spring up and disappear on a monthly basis, accommodation and restaurants are hard to recommend. Before checking into an unfamiliar place, always ask to see a room first, and don't be afraid to test the fan or the air-con if you think you'll need it.
Note that some Khao San Road guesthouses don't accept Thai guests - or any "extra" guests at all, in some cases.
Budget
Keep in mind that anything on the main drag will be loud, and anything with exterior windows will get hot. Try walking a block or two off Khao San proper to find something a little quieter. The street past the police station end of the block (Soi Rambuttri) has reasonable little bars and restaurants that are starting to spill out onto the sidewalk. The road gets darker and quieter as it wraps around the wat (temple) grounds. The post office end also has a few original spots - including a great veggie restaurant and cooking school; the area just beyond the park has a number of small river-front guesthouses which can be an escape from the noise and chaos.
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Bella Bella. ive minute walk from K.S. Guest House and ten from Khao San, near the river.. rom 200 baht. Very clean and new, if somewhat spartan rooms. Internet access, food and beer.
Central Guest House. oi Bowanlungsri. ff Khao San Road. 66-2-282-0667. rom 100 baht (Single, no window). Basic rooms, free Internet access.
Green Guesthouse. ight next to Merry V Guesthouse. rom 150 baht. Some rooms are cleaner than others - inspect before checking in.
K.S. House Guest House. 33 Phrasumen Road. minutes walk from Khao San Road.. 66-2-629-1763. ttp://www.travelconnecxion.com/guesthouse/kshouse/. rom 200 baht. <!--official link-->Restaurant/cafe with great food set on the roof top. Free Wi-Fi does not reach all rooms though (calculate 300 baht for good connection in-room). Breakfast not included even though the website says so. Very friendly staff.
My House Guest House. rom 180 baht. Clean rooms and good food.
New Joe Guest House. 1 Trokmayom Charakpongse Rd. 66-2-281-2948. ttp://www.newjoeguesthouse.com. rom 300 baht. Has a restaurant/cafe with great food set in the garden. Also offers internet, and a bar at good value for money.
New Merry V. rom 140 baht (Single, no window). A good low budget option. Offers luggage storage service for 10 baht per bag per day.
New Siam Guest House. 1 Soi Chanasongkram. 66-2-281-7461. ttp://www.newsiam.net. 20-570 baht. Just enough off the main drag to be quiet. They advertise having the largest rooms for the price, and they do seem that way. Clean and well maintained with friendly staff and safe boxes in some rooms and lockers downstairs. The restaurant menu is basic and the food none too exciting but the sofas are good to meet people.
Pen Park Place. 2 Samsen Soi 3, Samsen Road. 0 minutes walk from Khoa San Rd in the direction of the Rama VIII Bridge. 66) 02-281-4733. eservation@penparkplace.com. 66) 02-281-8114. ttp://www.penparkplace.com/. 80-700 baht. Clean and quite place on a short walk from Khoa San Rd. They charge a good price and the staff is always friendly.
Prakorb's House. 2 Khao San Road. 66-2-281-1345. An old guest house with simple but clean rooms.
Rambuttri Village Inn. 5 Soi Ram Buttri, Chakkra Phong Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok. 66-2-282-9162. ttp://www.khaosan-hotels.com. 90-590 baht. Quiet series of buildings with squeaky-clean rooms (yes, it's true that they clean between the tiles with a toothbrush) and relaxing rooftop swimming pools. Rooms range from basic fan rooms (few and seldom available) to deluxe fan/air-con rooms (more common). 1000 baht refundable key deposit. Luggage storage for 20 baht per day. Two cafe's are situated in the entry courtyard providing good Thai or British/American pub food, from breakfast through dinner. Not a scruffy backpacker hostelry, a nice motel/hotel with good 24 hour desk security.
Sawasdee Bangkok Inn. ocated in the middle of Khao San Road. ttp://www.sawasdeebangkokinn.com/. This budget hotel give you a old Thai-Style hotel in quiet and friendly atmosphere. With private bathroom with hot water and a cable TV, accompanied with 24 hours security and room service.
Sawasdee Banglampu Inn. ttp://www.hotelsawasdee.com/. Modern Thai-Style hotel in quiet and friendly atmosphere. With private bathroom with hot water and a cable TV, accompanied with 24 hours security and room service.
Sawasdee Krunthep Inn. oi Rambutri. ttp://www.sawasdeekrungthepinn.com/. 20-1200 baht. Small & Cozy. Quiet, clean and good service.
Sawasdee Khaosan Inn. hakrapong Rd. ext to Airport Bus Station. ttp://www.sawasdeekhaosaninn.com. Features private bathroom with hot water and a cable TV, accompanied with 24 hours security and room service.
Sawasdee Smile Inn. ttp://www.sawasdeesmileinn.com/. rom 350 baht. Unique colonial architecture, more than 100 rooms available.
Siam Oriental Inn. 66-2-629-0312. ttp://www.siamorientalgroup.com. rom 280 baht. Nice, clean and quiet rooms (both fan and air-con), all with private bathroom, plus a lively restaurant and a quiet internet cafe and photo-processing facilities.
Star Dome Inn. ambuttri Rd. hree minute walk from Khaosan Road. ttp://www.stardomegroup.com.
Wally's House. rom 180 baht (Twin room). Very basic with little facilities that are shared, but for the traveler on a very tight budget, it's ideal. Internet access for 30 baht/hour.
Welcome Sawasdee Inn. oi Rong Mai. ff Soi Rambutri. ttp://www.welcomesawasdeeinn.com/. 80-700 baht. 5 minutes walk to the National Museum and Ferry. Clean, quiet, and comfortable.
Mid-range
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There are several better class hotels in the area, with swimming pools, mini bars, etc. In addition to the large hotels the Royal Hotel and the Vieng Tai, there are a number of smaller, high-quality guest houses available.
[http://www.amarininn.com '''Amarin Inn'''], tel ''+66''-2282 2444, Quality guest house located away from the noise of the main street but only a few minutes walk away from the action. Clean and spacious rooms, all with air-con and en-suite bathrooms, with very friendly staff. A unique attribute is that guests are allowed onto the roof to look at the Bangkok skyline, a rarity in the area. Prices from 650-1400 baht.
'''Buddy Lodge''', tel ''+66''-26294477, [http://www.buddylodge.com]. Right on the main road, prices from 1600-2500 baht.
'''The Four Inn''', tel ''+66''-22800601, [http://www.thefourinn.com].
'''D&D Inn''', tel''+66''-62905268 [http://www.khaosanby.com]. A huge (by KSR standards) hotel with a roof-top swimming pool, massage facilities, and a very clean and efficient 24 hour internet cafe. All rooms have attached bathrooms, air-con and TV; rates include breakfast and use of the pool. Singles 550/450 baht (with/without window), doubles and twins 750 baht, triples (one double and one single) 1000 baht, family/VIP 1,350 baht. NB: This hotel is not convienient for travelers arriving early in the morning as they do not allow check-in until after 1PM.
'''Khao San Palace''' - A large new guest house, be aware that rooms overlooking Khao San are noisy at night. Single rooms at about 550baht (as of June 2008)
'''Banglumpoo Place''' - A friendly place located at the main road in the center of the capital of Bangkok. The apartment-style rooms are situated a walking distance from Khao San Road (only 5 minutes). Banglumpoo Place is a great alternative to the hustle and bustle on the strip. A great guest house near Khao San Road, well worth checking out. Double standarad room 500 - 750 Baht/ night. All are private bathroom with bath tub, hot shower. Place is not the best to have, lots of mould in room (2008)
[http://www.banglumpooplace.net]
'''Rikka Inn''' - New hotel on Khao San with basic modern-style rooms, 800 baht gets a double room with A/C and en-suite but not much more. 1000 baht deposit. Swimming pool on roof is an attraction, but only open from 10am. Small and large safe deposit boxes available at 20/40 baht per day.
'''Thai cozy house''' ''+66''-26295870-4 [http://www.Thaicozyhouse.com]. Family run guesthouse with restaurant which also provides a travel agent, tailor shop, Internet, massage & spa services.
'''Diamond House'''[http://www.thaidiamondhouse.com/]. The Diamond House is an outstanding hotel in a prime position
with main commercial and shopping area from 1200-2000 baht.
Contact
Internet cafes are rivaled only by tuk-tuks for sheer ubiquity on Khao San Road. The standard rate is 10 baht / 15 minutes. Virtually all are set up for Skype and plain old international phone calls. Be aware that some cafes have applied limitations on their terminals to prevent users from uploading digital files (photos, etc.) - ensure that you check whether this is the case before paying for a service which may be useless for your purposes.
Stay safe
As everywhere else in Bangkok, if someone offers you a great one-day-only sale on gems, smile faintly and keep on walking.
Get out
Cheap '''tourist bus''', '''mini-van''', and airline tickets are available at any of the dozens of travel agents in the area.
For the airport, bus no. 556 departs from halfway between Khao San Rd and Democracy monument (look for the half-torn airplane sign on the bus stop sign), costs 33 baht and is as fast as the "tourist" bus.
Popular '''day-trip''' destinations include Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi. The cost of the tour - usually 450-600 baht - will include transportation to and from the destinations and one meal. Shop around, because prices do vary, and are not necessarily connected to the quality of the service you'll receive. The travel agents are simply passing you on to another company that will conduct the tour, so you may be in a van with five other people who booked through five different travel agents at five different prices. Although these trips are cheap and require no planning on your part, they offer plenty of frustration as well. The other people in your van may all have booked slightly different itineraries, so you may find yourself spending the morning somewhere that's not of interest to you, only to be rushed along with half an hour in the afternoon at the one place you really wanted to see. Although the travel agent will show you a meticulously planned minute-by-minute itinerary, the day will inevitably feature at least one (long) stop at a commission-paying handicrafts shop, and the schedule will never recover. The day-trips are a decent way to pass some time, but if the destination is somewhere you've been looking forward to seeing, you're much, much better off doing it independently.
Visas for other Southeast Asian countries can also be obtained on your behalf from the Khao San travel agencies. Popular destinations include Chiang Mai in the north, Phuket in the south, Angkor Wat in the east (in Cambodia), and various islands off the coast. See also the One month in Southeast Asia itinerary.