Near the river exists this lively market and commercial area, Banglamphu, favoured by locals for its good bargains; however, over thelast twenty years, it has become famous for Khao San Road, where backpackers and those on cheap budget have found a home away from home.

Although the street is not very long, Banglamphu is extremely interesting with people from all over the world examining the market stalls, looking for accommodation, eating in cheap restaurants and using cyber cafes. This is where you buy second-hand books and cheap clothing, reserve a really inexpensive hotel or guesthouse room, or just sit in an open air restaurant watching people go by and guessing where they come from. In the evening, loud music takes over and during the Songkran water festival, you will not escape a soaking. It is a good humoured friendly place and well worth visiting.