KhaoSan Road- first impressions

So we take a taxi to Khao San Road. Its ridiculously hot and humid, plus I'm nursing a major hangover from the Chang Beers we pounded back (I forgot to mention that). I step out of the taxi and have my backpack on and suddenly the street vendors think I'm fresh meat. Khao San Road is kind of like a way narrower version of State St. in Madison with street vendors and shops all the way down cluttering the sidewalks. You have to walk in the middle of the street because there is no room any where else. Everyone is hocking their wares and trying to lure in a sucker. My first impression as I walk down the street with my pack on, sweating profusely, with a headache while I fight off all the guys trying to give me taxi or tuk tuk ride somewhere, sell me clothes, hotel rooms, trinkets, etc. is not good. The one guy tells me, "buy a suit and get a free haircut", I turn to him and say "what do I need a haircut for? I don't have any hair." We finally turn down a street a little off the main road and it becomes increasingly more peaceful. We look to find a place to stay and find a nice room at the Sawasdee Guest House, with an nice lounge on the way in. After putting our packs away and relaxing in the a/c I'm starting to feel better. We grab a fruit smoothy and some water and I feel almost normal. I could be feeling some slight jet lag effects too I suppose. Now this time we walk around the side streets that also have vendors near our hotel and walk around the back and it becomes much less stressful and chill. My impression has now gotten much better. So far the Khao San Road area seems pretty cool, Khao San Road its self it not very cool, but once off that street the other areas are still selling, but aren't as in you face. Well I just ate some Spicy Sour soup with shrimp. Time to relax a little bit and then head out for some night life here. Tomorrow we're heading to Laos. Should be Way more chill.