A Guide to Bangkok Nightlife

Renowned as being one of the most visited cities in the whole of Asia, holidaying in Bangkok not only promises a rich cultural history but also, without doubt, one of the best nightlife scenes in the world.

As darkness falls across the city and temperatures drop to more comfortable degrees, Bangkok comes alive with an array of nightlife, from relaxing rooftop bars overlooking the star-studded city to rave clubs, staying open well into the early hours. So whether it’s your first visit to the city or merely a further foray into the nightlife of Bangkok, here we take a look at the best spots to spend an evening:

Being one of the city’s oldest night spots, Soi Cowboy remains one of the most visited areas – you might well recognise some of the landscape from the movie Hangover 2, a lot of which was filmed in this particular area. As it’s located within close proximity of the Asok BTS Skytrain station, it’s extremely easy to get to via public transport and is elaborately marked with a large neon sign at the Sukhumvit Road end. Whilst the road itself is only 150m long, it simply bursts with activity, with anything between 40 and 50 bars to choose from at any one time.

If you’re staying in the Sukhumvit area then you’ll also be able to stroll into Nana Plaza (referred to locally as Soi Nana) which, in addition to being a world-famous red light district, offers a range of sporting bars and live music venues; all of which are well worthy of a visit if you’re looking for the ultimate Bangkok experience.

As you might expect in an area geared towards tourists, beer prices here are considerably more than other areas of the city. If you’re planning an overnight stay, there are plenty of accommodation options but it’s advisable to book well in advance to make sure you get the best price and don’t fall foul of last-minute room rates.

Another good area to visit whilst you’re in the city is the Patpong Night Market, which you’ll find near the Sala Daeng BTS station. Made up of two main streets (aptly named Patpong 1 and Patpong 2), this rather unique night market not only sells an array of goods and produce (although look out for some inflated prices) but also host the more adult entertainment and bars.

If you’re looking for something a bit more low key and traditional then head over to Sukhumvit Soi 11 and 13 for a more authentic Thai feel, not to mention cheaper prices. You’ll find the clubs and bars here are more likely to attract locals when compared to other parts of the city, so it’s a great opportunity to get a real feel for what Bangkok is really like for the people who live here.

Wherever you choose to spend your evenings in the city, Bangkok really does have a hodgepodge. It’s worth doing your homework though, especially if you’re travelling with family, as the various red light districts and adult attractions might cause offence to younger travellers. That said, whilst it’s perhaps not a city for the faint-hearted, its nightlife is a real experience and one you’re unlikely to forget.