A Night in Khao San
February 18, 2011
Coming back from Kanchanaburi, our original plan was to have dinner and check out the infamous backpackers’ haven, Khao San. It’s so different from when we left it that morning. The place is just bursting with activities. So very busy. Pulsing with life. :)
A popular rice market some twenty years back, Khao San literally translates to milled rice. It has since then became a hub for backpackers wherein guesthouse to travel agencies as well as restaurants and shops abound.
Sawasdee ka!
I thought it would be nice to meet up with locals and other travelers while in Bangkok so I sort of organized a dinner-meet up that night. Our hosts suggested May Kai Dee, a vegetarian restaurant located behind the only Burger King in the area. We figured, it’s easy to find and going vegan is a safe bet. hehe The thing was that we have to let them know where to meet us up by posting it on the thread. Problem was, we have no internet access. Solution? Look for wifi hotspots! :D There were tons in the area but it’s either too slow it’s almost non existent or I’d be needing a password. We found a cafe with free wifi so I was able to post the details.
Getting comfy
Six people joined us for dinner: A Filipino on a backpacking tour; an Indonesian lady with a Russian guy she traveled with; a Swiss lass who had been traveling for weeks; a Kiwi guy who had just arrived from India; and an Iranian guy with an American accent who’s currently living in Kuala Lumpur. ;) Overall, a laid back bunch of very nice people. :)
*Many pictures hereon are courtesy of Ali. Thanks!
Hmmm... What are we gonna eat? :)
Pinoys, Richard & Dominic
Cousins. Travel buds. ♥
Bangkok buddies! :)
We were there for more than a couple of hours but it was still too early to call it a night. That was why it was time we went out into the streets. Rahel wasn’t feeling well so she went back to her hostel to get some rest. Others were wanting beers but it was a Buddhist holiday so shops weren’t selling alcohol. Out in the open that is. They’re still willing to sell though it’d be in a bucket. We found a nice spot to hang out. But I was still a little bit hungry so Dominic accompanied me while I happily munched on “normal” Thai foods. We got some for the others too. ;)
Spring rolls
Preparing my order
Delicious banana pancake! 20THB
Just like how we make visitors in the Philippines eat balut, our hosts thought making us eat fried bugs would complete our Thailand experience. Ugh! hehehe The thought of eating insects was a (little bit…. okay, maybe not that little) upsetting but you don’t really get to taste it because it had been deep fried so you’re just chewing on something crispy yet juicy. Eew! haha Others took it in stride but the fun was in watching others squirm while sampling a local delicacy. ;)
Bugs!
There was a signage that said you should pay 10THB for taking pictures. No one did.
First bite! :D
It's fun looking at everyone's reaction :D
More? Bring it on!
It's a grasshopper! ;)
Ali, our photographer, turned white at the idea of eating an insect. ;)
Drinking beer to wash away the bug taste. ;)
Related Posts:
Seeking Felicity 
Aww Khao San is love, you would be treated to an awesome cacophony of smell, tastes and sights just walking around or even just having a drinkie in one of the bars. I didn’t dare eating any insect though when my mom and I were here before ;)
Yikes, I can never imagine eating an insect!! Which was the most delicious? :D
Say my hello to your equally pretty cousin slash travel buddy. I first read Khao San in the opening pages of Alex Garland’s “The Beach” and now I’m set to go there in a couple of months.
haha okay, consider it done. Hope you have a great time there Marky! :D