Find the Best Things to Do in Banglamphu
By Dave Stamboulis
Bangkok Local Expert
About Banglamphu
Banglamphu is a neighbourhood that is well worth a visit on any trip to Bangkok. While backpacker mecca Khao San Road is the most famous part of the area, nearby Phra Athit Road is far more eclectic, with plenty of bohemian bars and cute restaurants with a mix of young Thais and foreigners, and it is right next to the Chao Phraya River, with a small park and some nice riverside restaurants to chill out in. While the neighbourhood is far removed from the central city, river ferries make it easy to get here without getting stuck in traffic.
See & Do
Banglamphu is home to the infamous Khao San Road, the backpackers hangout that has gone slightly upscale in recent years. You'll find a more local Bohemian vibe along Phra Athit Road, which is where you'll also find the riverside promenade up to Phra Sumen Fort, which is a nice place to spend an afternoon. This area has a bit of an older feel to it, without the high rises and glitzy malls of downtown, but a lot of new boutique hotels are coming in here.
Eat
Banglamphu has an excellent number of street stalls and small eateries to choose from. Hole in the wall places like Roti Mataba has won awards for its simple roti and curry plates, and around the corner Aisa Rot Dee makes excellent local biryani. There are lots of hip little restaurants along Phra Athit Road, and more upscale and fusion styled spots like Sheepshank Public House, to choose from. There's a great mix here of local Thai along with Western cuisine spots.
Party
Great nightspots abound in Banglamphu, as the area gets so many young folks staying along Khao San Road, plus all the young Thais who hang out on Phra Athit. There are some superb choices here, like Adhere the 13th, a small blues bar with impromptu open mike nights that has been going strong for over a decade. Another winner, if not for the party but for its amazing mixologist, is Escapades, where the bartender creates drinks based on preferences, not recipes.
Stay
Traditionally a budget guesthouse area, Banglamphu is starting to go more upscale, with fancy boutique lodgings on the river like Riva Surya, or small boutique lodgings like Samsen Sam Boutique House. There are plenty of places tucked into small lanes here, and it's fun to wander around and find some quiet out of the way spots, while having access to the river and Khao San Road just a short walk away.
Shop
Most shopping around here involves trinkets and souvenirs located along Khao San Road or nearby Rambutri Road. Individual stalls hawk everything from jewellery to DVD and CD's, bags, shoes, clothing, and much more. For something more traditional and photogenic, check out the Banglamphu wet market, which is full of produce and food. Along Phra Athit Road, you'll find a few more stylish boutiques springing up.