Khao San Road in the Daytime 2022 @ Bangkok [Thailand]

My first trip to Bangkok was 15 years ago in 2007 and since then, I have visited Thailand's capital numerous times and while I have been to many iconic places; one continued to elude me until 2022.

The world famous Khao San road. Known internationally as the backpackers' area, the 400-meter road is said to be the center of dancing and partying before the pandemic; not exactly activities I am particularly fond of. 

And with travel restrictions just being eased in recent months, I presume the activities would take some time to recover. Hence, I decided to drop by in the day time whereby visibility is better for photo-taking and if it were interesting enough, I could go again at night in my next visit to Bangkok. 

Since this would be my virgin visit to Khao San, there's nothing for me to compare about. Even though it was said to be more vibrant at night, I presume there would still be some stuff to look out for given its status among backpackers. 

One thing I realized after strolling a while; there appeared to be quite a number of jewelry stores offering sterling silver as the material. To be honest, I have never known Thailand to be a country famed for their silver.

Just wondering - closed for good or would only open at night? For the street stall, I presume it's the former. Can't really know for the physical brick and mortar stores though. The signboard for the second photo appeared new.

Windows or doors?

One thing about Bangkok in general; you seriously don't need to bring along any attire as it's so easy to buy from the streets! And best of all, they don't cost you a hand or leg; bargaining is strongly recommended though.

Pose from Ronald McDonald that's unique to Thailand! 

Called 'wai', it's a traditional Thai greeting. 

Looked like a old clock tower but from what I searched on google, it's s shopping plaza with a 3-star hotel by the name of Buddy Lodge. Should I consider a stay at Khao San next time?

The Mulberry Hotel seemed nicer though? It has a nice rooftop pool but lacked a gym which I required nowadays in my trips. Given how much I love to eat, having a gym would at least help burn off some of the excessive calorie intake.

Interesting but seemed to have closed down.

Souvenirs to buy and bring home. I have reached the age whereby I would concentrate more on bringing home food souvenirs rather than knickknacks. 

Buddhism teaches compassion towards all living things; as Singaporeans, we have been taught not to feed pigeons as it would result in them relying on humans' handouts when they should be foraging in the wild. 

Thai massages; of course it's a must to have them along Khaosan road.

Pricing across three different parlors. My favorite had always been traditional Thai massage but with age, I am now more inclined to go for back, neck, shoulder massage. 

I am so keen to braid my hair but I can't stand not washing my hair for days! The longest I could make do without a wash is one day even though that's limited to where I am. In Singapore and Thailand, where humidity is high, daily wash is essential.

Khao San was said to be a mess in the past and according to Wikipedia, the road was transformed into a walking street in February 2020. From what I see, there's still a one-way road in the middle for motor vehicles.  

More jewelry.

Shuttered stores. Guess it would take a few months for things to improve. Even at Chatuchak Weekend Market, those stores not facing the main streets were shuttered and with China providing the most number of tourists, it will be heavily dependent on when China would open up its borders.

Khaosan Palace Hotel -  I just run a check and a night stay was just S$30 a night! It came with a rooftop pool too although once again, no fitness centre. 

A shuttered bank.

Bet this would be a great place to people-watch! Known as The ONE at Khaosan, it appeared to be open according to Google Map, from 3pm till midnight.

McDonald's was shuttered too! In the past, I would always have pork samurai burger every time I go to Thailand as we don't have pork on the menu in Singapore's McDonald's. Nowadays, I lacked the motivation and it's been a long while since I last stepped into a McDonald's, even in Singapore.

Random photos taking along Khao San Road.

Tack a break; for English speaking individuals, this was funny but we must always be mindful that English isn't the Thais' first language and I bet they would laugh at our feeble Thai too. Most importantly, we do understand what the notice means, despite the mistake.

Rocco Club - you can't miss the signboard at the start of Khao San road. As the name suggests, we were too early as the club opens from 6pm till 3am.

Guess the distance marker was sponsored by the club; fantastic marketing to be honest. Tourists, me including, would want to take a photo with it to signify our presence at this iconic road. And for people arranging to meetup, it's also the perfect meeting point. 

Must do list in Khao San! 

Well, I bet would be back at night, soon. 

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Click here for my 7 Days 6 Nights Papazao Itinerary to Bangkok