Khao San Road Bangkok

Whatever category you fall into, there’s no denying that this is a lively place; a street with an electric atmosphere provided by the buzz of experience-hungry backpacking travellers united by their shared goals and plans and by the common clothing combinations considered de rigueur by many.It is fair to say that Bangkok’s Khao San road is a haven for hippy-types, bohemian characters and backpacking tourists, but this does not mean that it only has something to offer those of that ilk. Indeed, the cheap accommodation, food and drink as well as the large selection of both essential and leisure products is of appeal to a much wider audience. Those visitors happy to mingle with the alternative crowd and the clichs that surround them can take away plenty from a stay or visit at this most famous of streets.Khao San road’s fame, or infamy, is global and there are few travel-oriented characters around the world that are not aware of what this road is all about and its leanings towards those of particular subcultures. Its reputation ensures that backpackers and travellers of specific persuasions continue to flock here and business owners continue to tailor their good and services to the needs of this community.The street’s role as a provider of cheap accommodation arose during the city’s 1982 bicentennial anniversary celebrations, during which time foreign visitors were unable to find hotel rooms and resorted to paying locals for rooms in their houses for the night. Since that time, Khao San road Bangkok has done everything it can to nurture its position as a mecca for those travelling around Southeast Asia on a shoestring and has taken on a cheap carnival-like environment.Besides cheap accommodation, Bangkok’s Khao San road serves a number of other useful purposes for those who frequent it, one of the most important of which is providing a centre at which travellers can meet, either as a rendezvous point for those already acquainted or as an environment which fosters new friendships. Secondly, the street dulls the potential for culture shock by offering visitors a gentle introduction to Thailand and its idiosyncrasies. The street’s Thai-western mix is an agreeable blend for those having never ventured beyond Europe or North America. Thai food in restaurants is tailored to suit foreign palates, western beer brands are available in bars and dcor in either type of establishment is hardly typical of the east.Thirdly, Khao San road Bangkok offers backpackers everything they need to plan, organise and execute their onward travel agendas, be it trips around Thailand only or the famous Southeast Asian circuit. Independent travel agents and the booking desks of almost every guesthouse and hotel in the area are well equipped to offer the gamut of travel related services aimed at backpacking holidaymakers.Should you wish to find fault with Khao San road, then it would not be that difficult, with opportunities to criticise at almost every level. However, why bother? If the street’s eclectic mix of Thai and western restaurants, purveyors of fake designer goods, bookshops, travel agents and abundance of care-free, thong-footed individuals is not your thing, then steer well clear and leave it to those for whom it is.

As Spain’s largest city, with a population of some 3 million and the country’s capital, Madrid is a lively and interesting place to visit for travellers from all over the world. Like most European capitals, Madrid has lots of things for the tourist to do and see; many interesting tourist sights, world-famous museums and galleries, some great restaurants, cafes and bars, and the city is also host to many of the country’s main music, cultural and business events.The Madrilenian people are also well known for of partying, and there are many areas, mainly scattered around the centre of the city, which come to life at night time, such as the districts of Huertas, Tribunal, Moncloa Bilbao, and Alonso Martinez. Also the city’s main gay ‘ghetto’, Chueca, has become a popular hot spot for a mixed, hedonistic crowd whose main purpose is to enjoy themselves until the early hours of the morning. You should take note that things start late here! Especially on the weekends, when often restaurants are not open until 10.00 or 11.00pm.As soon as you have decided that you would like to visit the city, you should start looking for your ideal accommodation from the wide selection of hotels in Madrid. One of the most important factors in booking a hotel for many people is a good location, and one of the most central areas is Puerta del Sol, or Gate of the Sun in English. The square is considered to be the centre (Km 0) of the city’s road network. The area has great connection to the rest of the city, and many sights can be reached on foot as well as by public transport. The square at Puerta del Sol is also where you will find a statue of the city’s most famous symbol, the Bear and Madroo Tree, as well as many other monuments and government buildings.There is a good selection of hotels in the Puerta del Sol area, such as the Hotel Petit Palace Tres Cruces . This hotel provides 3 star accommodation right in the heart of the city. Spread over four floors (with lift/elevator) of a modern building, guest rooms are well equipped with safety deposit box, private bathroom, air conditioning and Wi-Fi internet connection. There is also the 2-star equivalent Hostal Union which lies about 600 metres from Puerta del Sol, right in the heart of the city. The hotel offers basic yet comfortable rooms at excellent rates, and is therefore very good value for money.

Known for rock-bottom eating expenses, most visitors to Thailand nevertheless overspend on food, but in Chiang Mai, deals are just around every corner. The more adventurous traveler who seeks a more authentic Thai experience or wants to make his/her travel money go even further can find cheaper, and often tastier, alternatives if they know what to look for. Many other long-term visitors are baffled when I tell them of my favorite venues, where I get a huge plate of yellow rice with fried chicken, a cup of fish soup, half of a sliced cucumber, and ice water for 50 baht (1.43 USD). And that is on one of the most Westernized islands in Thailand!