Khao San Road

  Approximately one kilometer north of the Grand Palace and just a couple of blocks from the river is Khao San Road, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Bangkok. Khao San means "milled rice" because in the past, this was the major rice market for Bangkok. However, within the past twenty years it has become known as a world famous "backpacker's ghetto" full of hostels and cheap hotels. The street is lined with venders and shops selling handicrafts, clothing, pirated cd's and dvd's, as well as a wide range of fake id's. Anything you want can be found here. As day turns into night, the focus shifts to bars, drinking, and dancing. In mid-April, around the time of the traditional Thai new year, Khao San Road plays host to a water splash party, which is really just a big water fight.

Khao San Road, one of the oldest neighborhoods of Bangkok.

Even the shops are very close to each other.

Fake id's and international driving permits can be had at a number of locations along the street.

....just as long as super cop does not catch you.

...although some establishments do not check even legitimate id's.

One of several tailor shops that advertise suits in just a couple of hours.

Amit the tailor.

Another tailor shop just down the street.

Netra the owner and Jack the manager for this tailor shop.

Apparently Ronald McDonald loves Khao San Road...

...as do KFC and Burger King.

Between the river pier and Khao San Road is the Phra Sumen fort, one of two such forts that still remain out of an original 14 forts designed to protect the Grand Palace.

Directly opposite the beginning of the road is the Wat Chana Songkuan Buddhist temple.

This Chinese temple is located next door to the previously mentioned Buddhist temple.