NapPark Hostel

Khao San Road "The hedonistic backpacker hub"
Khaosan road or Khao San road is a short road in central Bangkok, Thailand. It is located in the Banglamphu neighborhood (Phra Nakhon district) about 1 km north from the Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaew. It has developed over the years into probably the most profound worldwide example of a "backpackers' ghetto", with cheap accommodation compared to other areas of central Bangkok.

Banglampoo Market:
Along the street within walking distances is the famous clothing market, Banglampoo Market, amongst local Thai people for it variety and cheap clothes. There are also food stalls which have recipes that have been passed down for many generations. We recommend travelers to wander around this old market to find some interesting souvenirs at lower price than the rest of the area.

Drink and Dine:
apPark House is just a minute walk to Khao San Road - that famed budget travellers’s mecca - are buzzing with a frenetic mix of acity execs, dec naew and bronzed backpackers. Found at the rear of the Buddy Lodge complex, Brick Bar is a red brick cavern where young, Converse-clad locals jump along to excellent live ska. Afew doors down, Lava Bar is a dark hip-hop dungeon, while Sunset Street is an architecturally interesting conglomerate of bars, but mostly attracts sweaty backpackers.Gulliver’s is located at the end of Khao San a well-known bar amongst backpackers. (Closing time here means lots of tuk-tuk drivers wishing to take you to Spice Club) Down the alley opposite D.O.S serves a moreish Brit Rock-only diet. Hippie De Bar, tucked down a tiny alley, is a trendy cocktail house clad in eclecticism and cool kitsch.

Enter The Club for a UV electro-rave wonderland with free glow sticks and a huge dancefloor. Just off the strip, Gazebo is an Arabesque rooftop featuring live reggae, hubbly-bubblies and DJs till very very late. For a more laid-back, cool evening, head to nearby Phra Athit Road, lined with trendy hole-in-the wall bars, cafes and restaurants. Often compared with NYC’s Greenwich Village, it’s a favourite for young Thais going “beat” and the odd expat. Elegant Hemlock is invaded nightly by arts folk, drawn to the eclectic Thai food at rock-bottom prices, Minimalist but friendly Joy Luck Club deserves a mention.

For outstanding seafood and absolutely no flair, check out Thon Po. Directly on the riverside, this breezy place offers fantastic views and delicious fish and crustaceans from an expansive menu. Call ahead to reserve a riverfront spot.

Places to visit:
Wat Phra Kaew, Na phra Lan Rd, near Sanam Luang, 02-222-0094, daily 8:30am-4pm ,B250 includes entry to Vimanmek Mansion, dress respectfully.

The granddaddy of all Thai sights. Don’t let the touts who mill around outside put you off a visit to this, the Kingdom’s holiest and most beloved keepsake – a fantastical 218,400 sqm royal complex that comes enclosed by quaintly crenulated white-walls, and at night sparkles like the jewel in some Oriental fairytale.
Building began in 1782, the year Bangkok was founded, and every monarch subsequent to King Rama 1 has expanded or enhanced it. Today, despite your being able to visit many stunning sights on its grounds, much of it remains off-limits. Though the current king now holds court at Chitralada Palace, in the northern district of Dusit, the Grand Palace is still used for major ceremonies or royal functions.

The highlights is the Emerald Buddha – Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist relic – and the ornate temple purpose-built to house it, Wat Phra Kaew, where hundreds pay their respects each day. This was completed two years after the capital was moved from Thonburi to Rattanakosin in 1784, and forms the northeastern corner of the complex.

Remember to dress respectfully ( a strict no shorts or sleeveless shirts policy is enforced ). And for a wide, panoramic perspective try looking back while stood on Sanam Luang, the ancient public green used for royal ceremonies and political rallies. Seen from here , the complex’s many flame-shaped roof eaves and gold-mirrored chedi, which glow an iridescent orange at night, are no less awe-inspiring.

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