Explore the 7 Best Nightlife Areas in Bangkok
Discover where the party never ends with our ultimate guide to the city’s top 7 nightlife areas
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Perhaps no other city in the world has such a notorious reputation as Bangkok when it comes to nightlife. It’s a city renowned for hedonism and excess, pulsating down streets that come alive after dark. But, it doesn’t have to be the stereotype of the Hangover movie. From high-end rooftop bars and glitzy nightclubs to bustling night markets and cozy jazz lounges, the city offers an eclectic mix of after-dark experiences. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the best nightlife areas in Bangkok and what you can find in each. As that famous song goes… “one night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster”
1. Sukhumvit: The Epicenter of Nightlife
Sukhumvit is a busy area in Bangkok known for its lively nightlife scene. Stretching from the Nana district to Thonglor, it encompasses a variety of entertainment options, including the infamous Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza.
Nana (Sukhumvit Soi 4): Nana is famous for its lively joints and go-go bars. The area is home to the notorious Nana Plaza, often referred to as the “world’s largest adult playground.” While it caters to a specific crowd, Nana Plaza is an interesting spot to witness Bangkok’s infamous nightlife.
Asoke (Sukhumvit Soi 11): Sukhumvit Soi 11 is a hotspot for expats and tourists. The street is lined with bars, nightclubs, and international restaurants. Popular venues include Levels Club & Lounge, known for its high-energy dance floor and Havana Social, a cocktail bar with a vintage Cuban vibe. The mix of laid-back bars and upscale clubs makes Soi 11 a versatile destination for a night out – there isn’t anywhere else you need to go.
Thonglor and Ekkamai: For a more upscale and sophisticated experience, head to Thonglor and Ekkamai. These neighborhoods are popular among Bangkok’s in-the-know crowd and offer an array of chic cocktail bars, craft beer pubs and busy nightclubs. Notable spots include Iron Fairies, known for its out-of-this-world decor – there are over 10,000 butterflies suspended from the ceiling – and The Rabbit Hole, a world-class speakeasy cocktail bar with three floors to explore (if you can find it, that is). Ekkamai, just a stone’s throw away, also offers a range of hip bars and lounges.
2. Silom: Variety is the Spice of Life
Silom is another major nightlife district, offering a classic Bangkok range of experiences from go-go bars to luxury rooftop cocktail lounges.
Patpong: Patpong is one of Bangkok’s most infamous red-light districts, but it’s also home to a bustling night market and is always busy with the commotion of shoppers and party go-ers. At night, the street comes alive with neon signs and pumping music. Patpong is lined with go-go bars and adult entertainment venues, offering a glimpse into Bangkok’s more risqué side. Seedy, yes, but a must-visit for the curious.
Soi 2 and Soi 4: These two alleys are well-known for their vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife. Soi 4, in particular, is a chaotic street filled with bars like The Stranger Bar, known for its energetic drag shows, and Telephone Pub, Bangkok’s longest running gay bar. DJ Station, located on Soi 2, is one of Bangkok’s most famous gay nightclubs, offering multiple floors of dance music and a great crowd.
Sky Bars: Silom is home to some of Bangkok’s most iconic rooftop bars. The Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower, featured in the movie “The Hangover Part II,” offers stunning views of the city and the Chao Phraya River. Or you can indulge at Vertigo and Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel, known for its 360 panoramic views and understated luxe atmosphere. Try the Moon Walk while you’re there – a glass panelled floor that peers into the city below.
3. Khao San Road: The Backpacker Mecca
Khao San Road is synonymous with Bangkok’s backpacker scene. This bustling street is packed with budget hostels, street food stalls and rowdy bars. Expect to see jugs of cocktails and creepy-crawly edible insect stalls.
Street Bars and Clubs: Khao San Road is the go-to spot for cheap drinks and a party atmosphere. The street is lined with open-air bars and clubs, offering everything from cocktails in buckets to local beers. The relaxed vibe makes it a great place to meet fellow travellers and enjoy a night of dancing and socialising.
Rambuttri Alley: Just around the corner from Khao San Road, Rambuttri Alley has a more laid-back atmosphere with cozy bars and restaurants. It’s a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Khao San while still enjoying the energy of the area.
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4. Chinatown (Yaowarat): A Culinary and Cultural Experience
Chinatown, known locally as Yaowarat, offers a nightlife experience that blends exotic street food with a unique culture. No trip to Bangkok is complete without experiencing this corner of the city.
Street Food: As the sun sets, Yaowarat Road transforms into a bustling food haven. Street vendors set up stalls offering an array of delicious treats, from savory seafood dishes to sweet desserts. There’s an almost endless choice of street food to try. It’s a fantastic place to indulge in local flavors and experience the chaotic street food culture of Bangkok. Grab something quick to-go, squeeze into a plastic chair on the street-side or pop into one of the many seafood restaurants.
Bars: In recent years, Chinatown has seen a surge in trendy bars and speakeasies. Teens of Thailand (excuse the seedy name, but this has been voted one of the Top 50 Bars in the world) is renowned for its exquisite gin cocktails, while the wonderful mixologists at Tep Bar combine traditional Thai culture and flavours with contemporary drinks. These and other bars offer refreshing alternatives to the typical Bangkok bar scene.
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5. Ratchada (Royal City Avenue): The Party Hub
Ratchada, particularly Royal City Avenue (RCA), is one of Bangkok’s main entertainment hubs, known for its large nightclubs with international DJs.
RCA: As a designated entertainment zone, RCA houses some of the city’s largest and most popular nightclubs. Route 66 and Onyx are two world-famous venues, offering multiple dance floors, international DJs, and a young, energetic crowd. RCA is THE destination for those looking to dance the night away.
Ratchada Train Market (Talad Rot Fai Ratchada): This night market offers a mix of food, drinks, shopping and live music. It’s a great spot for a more casual night out, where you can enjoy local street food, shop a little and listen to live performances. The market is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
6. Riverside: Scenic and Relaxed
The Riverside area offers a more relaxed and scenic nightlife experience, perfect for those looking to enjoy Bangkok’s iconic river views while relaxing with friends.
Riverside Bars and Restaurants: Many upscale hotels and restaurants along the Chao Phraya River offer stunning views and a laid-back atmosphere. But the Asiatique Night Market combines shopping, dining and entertainment, with a variety of restaurants and a ferris wheel providing a panoramic view of the river. Riverside venues like Sala Rattanakosin and The Deck by the River are perfect for a romantic dinner or a quiet evening with friends, overlooking Wat Arun.
7. Ari: The Hipster Haven
Ari is a trendy and laid-back neighbourhood in Bangkok, known for its gentle mix of local charm and hip cafes and bars. The nightlife scene in Ari is more relaxed compared to the busier areas of Sukhumvit or Silom, offering cozy bars, craft beer pubs and intimate live music venues. It’s the spot for those seeking a more chill and community-focused atmosphere. Ari’s night scene often revolves around small, creative spaces where you can enjoy a good drink, chat with friends and soak in the neighbourhood’s unique vibe.
Local Bars and Cafes: Ari attracts a young, creative crowd and offers plenty of unique venues to hang out, drink and enjoy the weekend. Craft beer spots like Irish bar O’Glees offer a cosy setting for a night out, with the speakeasy joint Honest Mistake Bar hosting live music Friday and Saturdays until late. The area is known for its artistic vibe, and this is reflected in the creative and intimate nightlife.
