Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

This is a Khao San Road bar in the truest sense of the word. The doors open at 5:30 pm, the shutters close at 3:00 am, and in between there's street noise, music, and the voices of passersby. Sounds like too much? It probably is. But does it sound exactly like the night you came to Bangkok for? Then you've come to the right place.

The best thing about it is the moderate price. You're at one of the most popular spots for backpackers in Southeast Asia, without having to pay extra for a rooftop terrace. This makes the place an ideal base for a pub crawl, rather than spending the whole evening there. If you arrive early, around six or seven, you can get a table, a drink, and enjoy watching the world go by. If you arrive at eleven, you're right in the thick of it – which is exactly what some people like.

My tip: Consider the street the main attraction and the bar your starting point. Food stalls, vendors, and half a dozen other establishments are within a one-minute walk in either direction.