Pharmacy

A no-nonsense stop for backpacker basics just off Khao San, this small pharmacy keeps the essentials within easy reach when you need them most. Expect shelves of over-the-counter standbys: rehydration salts (ask for “เกลือแร่”), ibuprofen and paracetamol, antihistamines (“ยาแก้แพ้”), motion-sickness tablets, antiseptic, plasters, blister patches, and travel-sized toiletries. You’ll also find sunscreen, DEET mosquito repellent, after-sun aloe, and a few herbal balms that locals swear by when the street food hits a little too hard. Staff here are used to helping travelers and can usually point you toward sensible OTC options or the Thai generic of a brand you know. If you’re trying to replace a medication, bring the box, a photo, or a prescription—many medicines in Thailand still require a doctor’s script, and they’ll tell you straight if you need a clinic instead. It’s a handy pit stop before a night bus, a Mekhong-fueled evening, or that early ferry south—grab ORS and blister protection now, thank yourself later. Prices for Thai generics are typically friendly, while imported brands run higher. Stock up before island-hopping or long rides when options thin out. Cash is quickest, and a bit of patience goes far during the evening rush when half of Khao San remembers they forgot sunscreen.