Ah, but as I said in the article, Khao San Road is a terrible place to relax. It is, however, a very in-your-face slice of Thailand, and it will put you quickl

Ah, but as I said in the article, Khao San Road is a terrible place to relax. It is, however, a very in-your-face slice of Thailand, and it will put you quickly in contact with tons of backpackers who will steer you to the places you actually want to go in SE Asia. You can substitute Siam Square in 2016 if you prefer, as that feels about the same now as Khao San felt in 2008, apart from the glass hotel towers. "Your trip will plan itself from there". But yeah, don't spend more than a night or so.