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Come Down to the Crossroads
 The
crossroads for any young traveler coming to or leaving Southeast
Asia are at Khaosan Road.
This lively strip is a multi-nationality experience, with dozens
of street vendors, artisans, fancy bars
and restaurants galore.
Ever since Alex Garland’s novel The Beach, and the movie version
starring Leonardo DiCaprio, appeared, the road’s reputation
has been on the up and up. Nowadays, there may be a Boots pharmacy,
a Burger King, a McDonald’s and more upscale accommodation,
but Khaosan still attracts many young travelers – and even
their one-time hippie parents.
Near to Khaosan, Phra
A-thit Road is Bangkok’s Little Bohemia, with arty restaurants,
chic bars and a riverfront park
that hosts festivals of theatre,
dance and music from time to time.
The beautifully preserved old wooden buildings around here are
a portal into Bangkok’s past.
And the nearby pier for river-taxis makes arriving and departing
a breeze.
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