0 THAILAND: TWO FACES OF KHAO SAN ROAD (KSR)

One our way to Khao San Road via Taxi.

Yes, Khao San Road is a “Backpacking Ghetto of South East Asia”, a well-deserved moniker because of the entire street that is huddled with guest houses, hostels, and the cheapest inns. Now the road is home of night clubs, entertainment bars and houses, street entertainers, tailors, shops, street vendors, and many more. Obviously, it's like an economic chain -- supply goes where the demand is.

Honest to goodness, Khao San is part of our itinerary not to experience with the bang bang go go dancers but to embrace the nightlife party in downtown Bangkok.  According to my research, when the night comes to peak don’t be surprised with pimps inviting you to watch their "ping-pong show". They're beyond forceful to get more customers, especially foreign tourists.

HOW TO GET THERE:

BTS Sky Train is a good choice to travel around Bangkok; however there is no BTS around KSR (Khao San Road). Your option is either take cab or bus from Silom Road. It will take about 30 minutes to an hour to get to KSR but still depending on traffic. I would recommend taking cab. Our initial point is from Petchaburi so it would take miles going there, that’s why we decided taking cab. We bargained it for 200Baht, which is not bad for three. I dunno, for some reason, cab drivers do not use their taxi meters for foreign tourists. Therefore everything is just a matter of haggling. 

Authentic Kuay Thiaw Pad Thai at KSR.

We arrived around 8PM and the moment we step out the cab after nearly 20 minutes ride, the sky started to drizzle but feels like nobody cares. They’re just walking like there’s a sun scorching to one’s skin. The flashing neon lights were so bright coming from different clubs. Madness crowds passing by going to no directions. Their faces were shining and hairs were wet as the rain poured heavily at that moment. We got no choice but to find a shed. But instead of just standing waiting the rain to stop, we decided to drink beer with an authentic Kuay Thiaw Pad Thai.

About half an hour later, rain hasn’t stop yet and I thought I will only devour for a single bottle, but since we’re getting there and the spirit started to flow into the veins, we decided to order another one. Their Leo Beer is kinda sweet although there’s the taste of authentic beer but it's less a beer but more a soda. It's drinkable though, kind of drink that won't knock you out. Chang is better. However their Pad Thai is the best! It's really pleasing to your taste. I have nothing to say, I've tasted it a couple of times back in Manila but when I tasted it there, it's really different. Delicioso!!!

Thailand's Leo Beer.

After our early drinking session, we explored the whole street; you will definitely feel the brazenness of KSR at night. The atmosphere is flourishing coming from the crowd, diverse music that will never be composed in the same tune. This place never seems to experience a moment of silence. The heavy rain seems stopped but still drizzling. We got no umbrella, good thing that when we came across Zalora’s awesome collection of Jansport products, we got this backpack, very light and a good protection for our gadgets being wet. 

Busy street of Khao San Road.

It's raining, but the atmosphere is so alive.

One of the highlights of our KSR experience is tasting exotic foods, those delectable crawlies. And by the way you are not allowed to take picture unless you have to pay 10Baht, or eat one of those enticing foods for 100Baht then you can take pictures.  Ariel bought Scorpion and tasted it, I took picture myself, not in my tummy to try one of those cockroaches, maggots, scorpions, grasshoppers, caterpillars, etc . But I think I can do it, it’s like crunchilicious. 

Delectable Selections of your Favorite Crawlies.

How does it tastes Ariel?

Come and Get me!! Crunchy Scorpions.

I'm ready for you! Eat me!!

Fried Grasshoppers. Looks delicious, what yah think?

After exploring the whole place, walking from one end to another end, we decided to check on those drinking bars. That time, FIFA was still on going in Brazil. Aside from loud music, there were huge flat screen TV sets showing football matches in high-definition. I didn’t know Thai are passionate with football. In fact, they do wear uniforms with their favorite teams. We ordered one bucket of San Miguel Beer, our very own, and it’s expensive than their local beers. We sat near the pavement on the street side.

There were hip-hop dancers dancing to the beat of whatever being played. They’re really good dancers, then afterwards they will be asking some donations using their caps. There were some football exhibitions, and different entertainers along the street. We were just watching and observing how’s Thailand by night. I love the mood and energy, it is indeed a place that never sleeps. One bucket is enough to just sit and watching how life goes by with Thai people.

Where's the Lucky Beer? I love it here.

We were also invited to try Coke’s limited promo; our face will be printed on the labels. We paid 100Baht and they gave us Coke in a bottle with our faces, and limited aluminum bottles in FIFA edition.

Limited Aluminum Coke (FIFA 2014) in a box, and 240ML plastic bottle with our faces.

I’m sure given a chance; I want to go back here to explore more. This is the face of another KSR. Hopefully I would have plenty of time to explore those exciting things. This place won’t cause any pain on your pocket, everything is affordable. They have the easy lifestyle and friendliness of the locals. I have to try the foot massage that we haven’t experienced.

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.