Khao San Hotels

Hip author, Alex Garland mentions in "The Beach" that Khao San road is "the centre of the backpacking universe". This famous quote certainly does the area justice as everything budget travelers possibly need is compressed within one kilometer radius – a bank, Pad Thai express, fisherman trousers, fake IDs, a travel agent, cool clubs, internet cafes – just to name a few. As hybrid as it gets, a Thai accent is hardly caught in the area but as soon as sun sets, the Thai "Indy" crowds are seen chilling out in Khao San pubs and bars. Ideally based in the old town of Bangkok, sightseeing is literally effortless. Hiring a Tuk Tuk to wander around is a brilliant way to explore the city.