Banglamphu
Banglamphu is the neighbourhood wrapped around Khao San Road, and staying here puts the street on your doorstep while keeping the option of quieter lanes. Dozens of small hotels sit within a couple of minutes of the action. D&D Inn Khaosan and Dang Derm in The Park Khaosan are both 80 m away, about a 1-minute walk, while Dang Derm Khaosan stands 100 m out. Yes Kaosan is even closer at 70 m. All are in Bangkok's Banglamphu area, so you can drop bags, eat, and step back out onto the street without a taxi.
Rattanakosin (Old City)
Rattanakosin (Old City) covers the historic core around Khao San Road, where temple-hopping and the backpacker strip sit in the same district. Places like Khaosan Holiday, 30 m from the road, and Center Point Plaza & Hotel at 50 m, fall inside this old-city frame, as do Green House Hostel Bangkok and Sawasdee Bangkok Inn, both 80 m and 50 m away respectively. Staying in Rattanakosin means the landmarks of the old capital are your neighbours, and the Khao San evening is a short stroll rather than a journey.