Before heading to Cambodia the next day, Sean and I spent one last night exploring Khao San Road in Bangkok. While we had been staying in the Sukhumvit area close to the downtown and the Sky train, most backpackers stay in the Khao San Road area. Khao San Road is known for budget hostels, cheap and tasty food and a crazy nightlife.
When our taxi dropped us off we immediately felt like we were in a carnival. There were lights everywhere and music blasting from all directions. Street vendors wheeled around carts of pad Thai and banana pancakes and you could get a massage in a lounge chair on the side of the road for prices that would make you never want to leave. You could also choose from several places to get a tattoo, piercing or dreadlocks in your hair. Bars and clubs lined every available inch on the sides of the main drag and the side streets offered stalls of cheap t-shirts, artsy trinkets and trendy silver jewelry. There was even a cart full of fried insects, worms and scorpions where you could sample your favorite crawly creature. I had fun walking around and seeing everything but was quite happy to take a taxi back to a less-crazed part of the city where everyone and anyone wasn't asking if I wanted some marijuana.
Many hostels have a bar you can drink or beer at affordable prices.
Pousadas Em Natal