Neighborhood Focus: Banglamphu

Continuing with a series started in season 2 on some of Bangkok’s more interesting neighborhoods, the boys discuss one of their favorites: Banglamphu. But before they can chat about that, exactly what is Banglamphu? It’s not an official district, but it’s probably best known for Khao San Road, with its borders hitting Ratchadamnoen in the south, the river to the west, north to Krung Kasem Canal, and east to Ratchadamnoen Nok. Not a huge chunk of land.

Is Banglamphu a good place to live, or just to visit? Despite the area being dominated by hotels, guesthouses, and hostels, there are still some good places to hang your hat - you just need to know where to look. (Hint: try just across the river for a steep drop in price)

The guys then wrestle with the elephant in the room (so to speak), by discussing Khao San Road. Awesome party road with bars and shopping, or awful hippie ghetto with gross “Thai” food? It’s pretty subjective, but both Ed and Greg agree - don’t eat the scorpions.

All of this, plus a few personal favorite restaurants, live music venues, and tips on avoiding the madness of being stuck in a taxi as you try to get in or out of sweet, sweet Banglamphu.

In ‘Love, Loathe, or Leave,’ Greg queries Ed on the metal, clanging change boxes carried by money collectors on buses and boats throughout the city. What are they for? What do they do? Why are they so loud? As with most things in Bangkok, it probably makes a lot more sense than it appears on first look.

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