Khao San Road is a pit of dirt, hormones and debauchery

Khao San Road is a place of wild revelry and debauchery. I’ve been there more times than I care to admit, and I even brought my mum there once. Unfortunately, it’s also notorious for fights between patrons and business owners. Tourists are often advised to haggle when in Thailand, but some take it too far, particularly when intoxicated. I witnessed a dispute between Cambodian bar workers and a group of Irish revellers who drank more than they could afford and thought they could talk their way out of it. They were wrong.

After being physically ejected from the bar and exchanging punches, a standoff ensued. It was only when a Cambodian bouncer armed himself with a chair and struck one of the Irish boys in the face that the situation was resolved. My visit to Cambodia taught me that Cambodians have endured a great deal and aren’t to be trifled with.

Despite its reputation for rowdiness, Khao San Road has some hidden gems. If you’re savvy, you might stumble upon secret back-doors that offer balloons for a hundred baht. Despite being illegal, you can find them. In addition, you can indulge in the weirdest sights and sounds by buying a bucket and immersing yourself in the experience.

One of the best things about Khao San is the affordable Pad Thai, which costs only 30 baht. It’s the most inexpensive meal you’ll find in any Thai tourist trap. One of the worst things is the emphasis on getting as drunk as possible while maintaining a delusional image of oneself. Nonetheless, Khao San Road is a fun place to visit.