Khaosan Road of Banglamphu district is the world-renown backpacker's hub, where backpackers and those on low budgets from all over the world have found a rendezvous. With over 100 guesthouses and ideal central location, this area has become the starting point for travelling to other Southeast Asian destinations like Cambodia or Laos.

It is a bustling shopping area, popular among Thais and foreign tourists alike. Besides budget guesthouses and a great number of inexpensive restaurants and food stalls in this area, there are plenty of shops and stalls selling clothing, shoes and handbags, cosmetics, souvenirs, etc. at attractive prices. It is a centre of silver jewellery where silver ornaments are available in a large number and variety.

It is also an ideal place to enjoy nightlife which attracts an increasing number of Thai youngsters to frequent the restaurants, pubs and bars in the area.
As tour operators are abundant on Khaosan Road, here is a good place to purchase competitively priced air tickets and tour packages.
Another reason that makes this area a good location to stay in is its closeness to various attractions of old Bangkok such as the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Wat Mahathat and the National Museum. It is also close to the river bank where you can catch a Chao Phraya River express boat or a ferry across the river at one of its several landings.
source from http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com