Khaosan Road

[ChinaTeacher]

Khousan Road is a very popular place to stay for foreigners, but that's how you know it's lame.

All I want from a neighborhood is the same restaurants the locals eat at, at the same prices. The same shops etc...

And for the love of god not a million tuk tuk drivers and travel agents trying to get you to spend money every moment of the day.

All I've found from traveling China is that where the tourists go, the vultures follow. BKK is even more so.

Most tourists would like to go where they don't have to see other tourists (at least of the same creed and culture). We want a fresh, exotic, REAL experience rather than a well beaten path with replicated culture along the route.

What I've found in Asia is that the real culture is in the poor neighborhoods and the common homes. Most ancient symbols and rituals have little more to do with the local people than the pagan symbols of western ancestors.

Westerners are so interested in ancient practices. We may be clinging to the idea so hard that we're creating it. Do you really think they'd make so much cultural art if we wouldn't come and buy it? No. They'd be in PC cafes, bars, and at home watching TV like they really are when they're not being paid to be interesting.

Touring the world must have been really great before tourism became an industry.

I'll hand this to BKK though, lots of the people here are sporting tatoos and beards, which I appreciate. There is obviously a lot of non conformity. A beard grown out of laziness is non conformity. A tatoo that is on your forearm is non conformity.

I personally don't have a tatoo or normally a beard, but I do respect them.

To all people who don't think it's a problem to fit the mold. Ask yourself where the mold took our world?

[Oneman]

.

Thanks, "ChinaTeacher," for good motivation to mention my favorite feature of this forum: the "Ignore User" function.

With that function, all posts from specific users are blanked out, everywhere on the forum.

Using it frequently has changed my experience of reading the Thai Visa forum from a pain to a pleasure.

For those not familiar with this function here is the procedure:

1) In the upper, left, corner of the post, click once on the user name. Just as an example, in the post above, click on "China Teacher".

2) You will then see a drop down menu. Click on "View Member Profile".

3) The page will change to "Viewing Profile". On the left side, you will see, "Personal Photo" at the top, then, "Rating" below that, and then "Options" "Options". Click on the second "Options".

4) You will then see a drop down menu. Click on "Ignore User".

5) The page will change to "Welcome to your control panel / Manage your ignored users." Scroll down to the bottom.

6) At bottom center you will see, "Add a new user to your list". The name of the member will already be filled in for you. Click once on "Update Ignored Users".

And from then on, all posts from that user will be empty, everywhere on Thai Visa forum.

It is the feature I use most often on this forum.

-- Oneman

Edited May 30, 2009 by Oneman

[bungy007]

Tatoo's on the forearm is now conformity! Sorry to break up your little dream, but you talk of individualism yet you are actually promoting the latest elements of conformity.

As for Kao San Rd, for many its a starting point rather than the end of their journey. don't knock it! For those of us who live here and have for over a decade have fond memories of good nights out down there. Furthermore, until recently (now we have swanky shopping malls with au bon pan/Fuji/starbucks et al) it was one of the only places we could get a good western feed at reasonable prices.

Good luck on finding yourself but don't knock the path taken by others...

[maichai40]

Khousan Road is a very popular place to stay for foreigners, but that's how you know it's lame.

All I want from a neighborhood is the same restaurants the locals eat at, at the same prices. The same shops etc...

And for the love of god not a million tuk tuk drivers and travel agents trying to get you to spend money every moment of the day.

All I've found from traveling China is that where the tourists go, the vultures follow. BKK is even more so.

Most tourists would like to go where they don't have to see other tourists (at least of the same creed and culture). We want a fresh, exotic, REAL experience rather than a well beaten path with replicated culture along the route.

What I've found in Asia is that the real culture is in the poor neighborhoods and the common homes. Most ancient symbols and rituals have little more to do with the local people than the pagan symbols of western ancestors.

Westerners are so interested in ancient practices. We may be clinging to the idea so hard that we're creating it. Do you really think they'd make so much cultural art if we wouldn't come and buy it? No. They'd be in PC cafes, bars, and at home watching TV like they really are when they're not being paid to be interesting.

Touring the world must have been really great before tourism became an industry.

I'll hand this to BKK though, lots of the people here are sporting tatoos and beards, which I appreciate. There is obviously a lot of non conformity. A beard grown out of laziness is non conformity. A tatoo that is on your forearm is non conformity.

I personally don't have a tatoo or normally a beard, but I do respect them.

To all people who don't think it's a problem to fit the mold. Ask yourself where the mold took our world?

Always avoided Khaosan rd. when in BKK. Only the not well informed tourist, drug addicts and generally first time visitors go there.

Furthermore is away from best public transport and you have to rely with taxi and tuktuk (specially the second to be avoided as well).

Years ago at least was much cheaper to sleep there than other places, now same price.

And don't mention all the scams, rip off and robberies going on there. Now i know tourist (many but not all) are getting clever and use other areas, so businesses are closing down. Good, i never saw and i don't see a single reason to use that place for a room when in BKK.

[Geekfreaklover]

Khousan Road is a very popular place to stay for foreigners, but that's how you know it's lame.

All I want from a neighborhood is the same restaurants the locals eat at, at the same prices. The same shops etc...

And for the love of god not a million tuk tuk drivers and travel agents trying to get you to spend money every moment of the day.

All I've found from traveling China is that where the tourists go, the vultures follow. BKK is even more so.

Most tourists would like to go where they don't have to see other tourists (at least of the same creed and culture). We want a fresh, exotic, REAL experience rather than a well beaten path with replicated culture along the route.

What I've found in Asia is that the real culture is in the poor neighborhoods and the common homes. Most ancient symbols and rituals have little more to do with the local people than the pagan symbols of western ancestors.

Westerners are so interested in ancient practices. We may be clinging to the idea so hard that we're creating it. Do you really think they'd make so much cultural art if we wouldn't come and buy it? No. They'd be in PC cafes, bars, and at home watching TV like they really are when they're not being paid to be interesting.

Touring the world must have been really great before tourism became an industry.

I'll hand this to BKK though, lots of the people here are sporting tatoos and beards, which I appreciate. There is obviously a lot of non conformity. A beard grown out of laziness is non conformity. A tatoo that is on your forearm is non conformity.

I personally don't have a tatoo or normally a beard, but I do respect them.

To all people who don't think it's a problem to fit the mold. Ask yourself where the mold took our world?

Always avoided Khaosan rd. when in BKK. Only the not well informed tourist, drug addicts and generally first time visitors go there.

Furthermore is away from best public transport and you have to rely with taxi and tuktuk (specially the second to be avoided as well).

Years ago at least was much cheaper to sleep there than other places, now same price.

And don't mention all the scams, rip off and robberies going on there. Now i know tourist (many but not all) are getting clever and use other areas, so businesses are closing down. Good, i never saw and i don't see a single reason to use that place for a room when in BKK.

For me, theres 3 reasons I might visit KSR..

a) it's a good place to go for songkran (once a year)

Cheap competitive prices for airline tickets (don't whatever you do buy bus tickets at KSR)

c) Good second hand book shop. Shaman.

[MJo]

Always avoided Khaosan rd. when in BKK. Only the not well informed tourist, drug addicts and generally first time visitors go there.

Furthermore is away from best public transport and you have to rely with taxi and tuktuk (specially the second to be avoided as well).

Years ago at least was much cheaper to sleep there than other places, now same price.

And don't mention all the scams, rip off and robberies going on there. Now i know tourist (many but not all) are getting clever and use other areas, so businesses are closing down. Good, i never saw and i don't see a single reason to use that place for a room when in BKK.

Well said. Maybe it was the place for travelers to stay during the war just like patpong was the place to drink for GI's.

However for a decade or more it is just another tourist spot catering for backbag tourists. I often have a good laugh in swampy taxi que as i can pick up the destination of most of the farangs. Backback, greasy hair and lonely planet guide for SE Asia it will always be Khao San Rd. Bald, tattoos, drunken red face wearing wife beaters heading to patters and few average joes going to Sukhumvit in bangkok and then the families heading to Sheraton at the riverside.

IMHO it is about the time to admid that backbagging around asia is just another form of mass tourism. Only difference is the form of your luggage and hotel prices.

[Monokuro]

I dont think it's so bad. I dont stay there anymore, but do still make trips there every so often. The "Oh My Cod" english cafe is the best place I have ever eaten breakfast IN THE WHOLE OF ASIA!

Plus if you want some foreign company, it's a good place to make new friends

And for the record, you dont need taxis or tuk tuks, YOu have the choice of the riverboat to the Skytrain (though it does take about 30 minutes) or the bus (number 10?) which takes you all the way to MBK.

[DP25]

There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants in the Khao San Road area where 99% of the customers are Thai, mostly university students, and if you go you will be the only non Thai. You obviously didn't look hard enough.

[maichai40]

There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants in the Khao San Road area where 99% of the customers are Thai, mostly university students, and if you go you will be the only non Thai. You obviously didn't look hard enough.

I mean the Khaosan road in BKK, probably you talk about another city...

[phetaroi]

Khousan Road is a very popular place to stay for foreigners, but that's how you know it's lame.

Keep in mind that's it's popular for a certain class of foreigner. Many of us wouldn't be caught dead staying there.

All I want from a neighborhood is the same restaurants the locals eat at, at the same prices. The same shops etc...

But what does that mean? What class of Thai. I just got back from shopping at Mah Boon Krong (including Tokyu Department Store and one of the little stands for cell phones). Full of Thais. Yesterday I explored Siam Center, Emporium, and Central World. All full of Thais.

And for the love of god not a million tuk tuk drivers and travel agents trying to get you to spend money every moment of the day.

This dates back to before metered taxis when the Khao San Road type of tourists focused on tuk tuk travel to save money.

All I've found from traveling China is that where the tourists go, the vultures follow. BKK is even more so.

Don't jumpt to conclusions. I've met as many very nice everyday people around Sanam Luang (for example) as I've met touts.

Most tourists would like to go where they don't have to see other tourists (at least of the same creed and culture). We want a fresh, exotic, REAL experience rather than a well beaten path with replicated culture along the route.

Agreed.

What I've found in Asia is that the real culture is in the poor neighborhoods and the common homes. Most ancient symbols and rituals have little more to do with the local people than the pagan symbols of western ancestors.

No. You're missing the point. Yes, there is the poor class. What about the rising middle class? Are they not Thais? Sort of sounds like you want Thailand (or whatever country you're visiting) to be your own cultural museum.

Westerners are so interested in ancient practices. We may be clinging to the idea so hard that we're creating it. Do you really think they'd make so much cultural art if we wouldn't come and buy it? No. They'd be in PC cafes, bars, and at home watching TV like they really are when they're not being paid to be interesting.

Touring the world must have been really great before tourism became an industry.

I'll hand this to BKK though, lots of the people here are sporting tatoos and beards, which I appreciate. There is obviously a lot of non conformity. A beard grown out of laziness is non conformity. A tatoo that is on your forearm is non conformity.

That's funny. Just yesterday I was lamenting that. It wasn't many years ago that Thais looked more like Thais than like American teenagers. And, actually, in some cultural groups in Thailand, a tatoo is rather stereotypical.

I personally don't have a tatoo or normally a beard, but I do respect them.

To all people who don't think it's a problem to fit the mold. Ask yourself where the mold took our world?

[richard_smith237]

There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants in the Khao San Road area where 99% of the customers are Thai, mostly university students, and if you go you will be the only non Thai. You obviously didn't look hard enough.

I mean the Khaosan road in BKK, probably you talk about another city...

No he doesn't. There are indeed many bars in the KS rd area where westerners are present in limited numbers. A short detour off the main strip will take you to many of them.

KS rd area is a trendy and hip place to be for many young modern Thai’s. Bangkok bar is just one of those places which is always popular, particularly at weekends.

[stiggy]

I hear the tribal belt in Pakistan is quite exiting and real at the moment particularly the Swat valley...............Not so may tourists and what you get to see is less of a beaten path.

Plenty of beards there to respect also ............

[meom]

If beards are your thing there's plenty on Suk Soi-3 or alternatively head down to Saphan Kwai and visit some of the gogo's there such as Harlem, RCA-1, RCA-2 etc

[apple69]

Khousan is not sooooo bad in my option. I rarely go down there but occasionally for a change of scenery I see nothing wrong with it. Even sitting outside at Gullivers or a late night in Gazibo... I've had good times at both.

[TheLaughingMan]

There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants in the Khao San Road area where 99% of the customers are Thai, mostly university students, and if you go you will be the only non Thai. You obviously didn't look hard enough.

I mean the Khaosan road in BKK, probably you talk about another city...

I know how you feel because KSR used to be like that, but the past few years it has attracted a trendy Thai crowd that goes to all Thai discos right on KSR, they dont seem to walk around outside much, they get to KSR and go right in the Thai discos. I was shocked when I first discovered this, it was like a little hidden world right under my nose.

[jontom]

Growing beards and having tatoos is non conformist?Isn't it just conforming to another group of people who all have tatoos and beards? Also I dont understand why anyone would write to say a place is bad. If you dont like it dont go. Kosan is good fun at times

its very easy to knock Thailand but if you dont like it go away, Ive been here for 5 years and love it more all the time.

[bearhunt]

not sure why, i havent been to ksr for over a year, but your post makes me want to go back there! i remember i went into a bar with some thai friends and i was the only farang there, im tired of the touristy places so maybe i deserve a break tonight in ksr!

[lazygourmet]

I hear the tribal belt in Pakistan is quite exiting and real at the moment particularly the Swat valley...............Not so may tourists and what you get to see is less of a beaten path.

Plenty of beards there to respect also ............

... one-way ticket at any travel agent, Jalan Jaksa, Menteng, JKT.

Aceh stopover & training camp available upon request...

[surface]

Blogger.com is ----> way

[greenwood01]

OP thinks hes special because he has a pre-printed shirt that says "Im different" Very clever pun!

[tranquillize]

I head down to KSR every now and again for a change of scenery, i usually have a good time. Tourists looking to stay off the beaten track should avoid KSR like the plague. For those looking for something comfortable and familiar, KSR is a good place to go.

Personally, i am not fond of overly touristy places when i travel. It's not too difficult to find the authentic local spots though, just veer off any main road and you will discover all sorts of neat spots.

[connel707]

I hear the tribal belt in Pakistan is quite exiting and real at the moment particularly the Swat valley...............Not so may tourists and what you get to see is less of a beaten path.

Plenty of beards there to respect also ............

Yes, well said Stiggy, I also hear that there are some real good Sports Bars now open in The Gazza Strip.. plenty of Beards and Tattoos there, also a few shrapnel scars.. here and there, absolutely no Tuk Tuks and very few taxis. KSR is what it is and same said for tourists......God Bless them all...

[Birdman]

A strange contradictory op. No need to complain about a place. Why did the op go to KSR in the first place? - expecting the Long Neck Tribes? Just avoid it. No need to complain about commercialised tourism. Just avoid it. Never come to the big islands in the South. You will be shocked.

[sabaijai]

Khousan Road is a very popular place to stay for foreigners, but that's how you know it's lame.

All I want from a neighborhood is the same restaurants the locals eat at, at the same prices. The same shops etc...

And for the love of god not a million tuk tuk drivers and travel agents trying to get you to spend money every moment of the day.

All I've found from traveling China is that where the tourists go, the vultures follow. BKK is even more so.

Most tourists would like to go where they don't have to see other tourists (at least of the same creed and culture). We want a fresh, exotic, REAL experience rather than a well beaten path with replicated culture along the route.

What I've found in Asia is that the real culture is in the poor neighborhoods and the common homes. Most ancient symbols and rituals have little more to do with the local people than the pagan symbols of western ancestors.

Westerners are so interested in ancient practices. We may be clinging to the idea so hard that we're creating it. Do you really think they'd make so much cultural art if we wouldn't come and buy it? No. They'd be in PC cafes, bars, and at home watching TV like they really are when they're not being paid to be interesting.

Touring the world must have been really great before tourism became an industry.

I'll hand this to BKK though, lots of the people here are sporting tatoos and beards, which I appreciate. There is obviously a lot of non conformity. A beard grown out of laziness is non conformity. A tatoo that is on your forearm is non conformity.

I personally don't have a tatoo or normally a beard, but I do respect them.

To all people who don't think it's a problem to fit the mold. Ask yourself where the mold took our world?

"What a Spaniard takes to the Indies, he finds in the Indies."

[MrHammer]

There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants in the Khao San Road area where 99% of the customers are Thai, mostly university students, and if you go you will be the only non Thai. You obviously didn't look hard enough.

I mean the Khaosan road in BKK, probably you talk about another city...

No he doesn't. There are indeed many bars in the KS rd area where westerners are present in limited numbers. A short detour off the main strip will take you to many of them.

KS rd area is a trendy and hip place to be for many young modern Thai's. Bangkok bar is just one of those places which is always popular, particularly at weekends.

The bars seem to be popular with the 'artsy' liberal crowd, they have the art university, I forgot the name, close by. There's also some underage (Under 20) Thammasat Students hanging out there as they are too young to go to RCA etc.

Anyway, I dont particualrly like that scene in any country and would rather party at RCA or similar.

[bonobo]

This a fairly typical post for people who like to show that they are somehow different than the typical run-of-the-mill tourist.  And there is nothign wrong about not liking KSR.  There is much not to like about it, after all.  But I don't understand the need to infer how superior one is by not going to a tourist favorite like KSR.

KSR has an allure for young people, both Thai and foreign, has more westernized Thai food and many selections of foreign food, inexpensive rooms which are easy for non-Thai speaking people to rent, good exchange rates, and relaxed nightlife.  It is a place for meeting prospective companions for a night or two or three without resorting to the typical sex-oriented bars.  It offers low-end travel options.  

I personally go there because my gym is close and I can get a good massage (same masseuse for 6 years running now) and because the exchange rate is good.  I can also get shawarma and orange juice there when I am in the mood without driving to Sukhumvhit.  I am way too old for the young disco crowd, but I can certainly see the attraction of going there.  So I am not sure why the hate.  If someone doesn't like it, just don't go.

Thailand offers many options for tourists.  A tourist can trek into the jungle and meet locals, stay at secluded, high-end beaches, study Buddhism, learn to cook Thai food, sleep late and party late at the bars in BKK, Pattaya, Patong, go fishing or diving, or do the spa thing.  Each option is not for everyone. So I would suggest to people to just do what interests you and ignore the rest.

 

[janejira]

When I lived in Thailand I went to Khao Sarn Road about once or twice a month as a "celebration" after exams or presentations with my Thai and non-Thai classmates (we were master's students).

Granted we went to the same restaurants and pubs everytime and avoided certain establishments, we found it quite enjoyable and the waitstaff was very friendly.

I think that people can choose what they make of it.

[JR Texas]

When I lived in Thailand I went to Khao Sarn Road about once or twice a month as a "celebration" after exams or presentations with my Thai and non-Thai classmates (we were master's students).

Granted we went to the same restaurants and pubs everytime and avoided certain establishments, we found it quite enjoyable and the waitstaff was very friendly.

I think that people can choose what they make of it.

Khaosan Road is an interesting place..........it is one of the few places I have been that still reminds me (at least a little bit) of the 60s in America.....but an international type of 60s.

Interesting people.........lots of places to eat Western food........lots of people watching areas where you can just sit and have a beer and watch the world unravel in front of you.

The temple near it is also interesting........also the park by the river where people exercise and do all sorts of odd things......juggling is odd to me.

On a less upbeat note, I was there one week ago......there were not that many people but it is low season. Unfortunately, I saw a lot of pain and frustration in the eyes of the vendors there.

It was like, "what the hel_l are we doing here." I think many people are genuinely hurting economically down on KhaoSan Road. The rents must be astronomical........so when their is a reduction in tourists, it must really hurt them.

[sanook2me]

It was like, "what the hel_l are we doing here." I think many people are genuinely hurting economically down on KhaoSan Road. The rents must be astronomical........so when their is a reduction in tourists, it must really hurt them.

You can see the pain in the vendors eyes but i always thought that was just from the same cr@p everyday from drunk haggling tourists and selling the same junk trinkets all day every day....

i like going there as its a great place for people watching and its a nice escape from my normal life in Bkk.

Don't go there if you want to find "real bkk/Thailand".

[PatinBKk]

If you dont like it...DONT GO THERE...plenty of places you can stay in BKK that you can get noodles etc for 20 Baht and drink whisky with the locals then go home to sleep on the floor in your fan room with a hole in the floor for a toilet......if thats what you think the local culture is about do it.............however a lot of locals live in condos, have interent and UBC...bath tubs etc and will eat at Sizzler, Burger King Macdonalds etc.....good luck with whatever you are searching for.....