The crossroads for any young traveler coming to or leaving Southeast Asia are at Khaosan Road. This lively strip is a multi-nationality experience, with dozens of street vendors, artisans, fancy bars and restaurants galore.

Ever since Alex Garland’s novel The Beach, and the movie version starring Leonardo DiCaprio, appeared, the road’s reputation has been on the up and up.

Nowadays, there may be a Boots pharmacy, a Burger King, a McDonald’s and more upscale accommodation, but Khaosan still attracts many young travelers – and even their one-time hippie parents.

Near to Khaosan, Phra A-thit Road is Bangkok’s Little Bohemia, with arty restaurants, chic bars and a riverfront park that hosts festivals of theatre, dance and music from time to time.

The beautifully preserved old wooden buildings around here are a portal into Bangkok’s past. And the nearby pier for river-taxis makesarriving and departing a breeze.