Checking Out Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand
Khao San Road was a short five block walk from the Best Western Swana Hotel. We did look into booking a hotel in this area but not all the hotels are online. Decided to investigate a few hotel/guesthouses for the next time. Khao San is the place to stay if you are on a serious budget. The D & D Inn, for example, runs about $20 U.S./night including breakfast and all taxes! How low can you go? If you think that's rockbottom, a new guesthouse had just opened and was advertising rooms for $10 U.S./night. It's no wonder Thailand is backpacker's heaven.
Internet your heart out for less than $1/hour...free WI-FI at most cafes....travel agencies and massage parlors - both ordinary and "happy endings/extras" kind...inexpensive restaurants...View image...bars...clothes...along the main pedestrian street. This is the place to come and stay in these difficult financial times if you are serious about saving lots and lots of money.
Oh...let's not forget body piercing, tattoos, hair extensions and hair pieces...
The convenient public bus Number 551 runs 24 hours a day (35 Bahts) between the Suvarnabhumi Airport Transportation Center to the Victory Monument area (it "may" stop on Khao San Road - not sure). A free shuttle bus takes you to the Transportation Center. Another option is the Airport Express, a small bus that takes you into the city for a fixed fee of 150 baht per person. Good deal if you are by yourself. Otherwise, take a taxi.
There is always something happening and it goes without saying that this is another area that the "world's oldest profession" is boldly practiced. Great sign!
