Entertainment in Thailand
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A
Center Khao San
One of many front-row views of the human parade on Th Khao San. The upstairs bar hosts late-night bands.
reviewed
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B
Fashion House
Students fill this two-room club. The hip hop room is always full, the techno one is quieter. The bands are pretty dodgy but the DJ is good.
reviewed
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C
Bubbles
A tad sleazy but Bubbles still mysteriously wins the affections of the prowlers and the ravers alike. Pretty much anything goes on the dance floor, including techno-trance, which is usually jammed full of tourists.
reviewed
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Billabong Surf Club
Billabong's all about Aussie Rules football – it's playing on the TV and the walls are smothered with memorabilia from Down Undah. There are great views of Ko Pha-Ngan and hearty portions of ribs and chops to go with your draught beer.
reviewed
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D
Ad Makers
Now at new digs on Th Sathon, this live-music staple is going strong after all these years. The house band still puts out heartfelt Thai folk and other classic-rock standards, and an expanded menu means more flavour with your tunes.
reviewed
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Thaime’s
The only not-for-profit bar we’ve ever encountered, this place is exceedingly casual and has a brief snack menu. Profits from your fun go to a school for migrant children. The bar sometimes accepts volunteer help, so call ahead for details.
reviewed
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Aonang Krabi Muay Thai Stadium
If you get tired of the beach bars and video movies on the strip, this place has boisterous moo·ay tai (Thai boxing) bouts two days a week (check current schedules at any travel agent in town) from 8.45pm. A free sŏrng·tăa·ou runs along the strip at Ao Nang, collecting punters before the bouts.
reviewed
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E
Overtone Music Cave
One of Bangkok’s premier rock venues, this place has hosted the likes of Jimmy Page and the occasional international touring act. Overtone is decorated with Thai and international rock paraphernalia, boasts a great sound system, and on Wednesday and Thursday nights hosts a high-quality open-mic session, and on Sundays, a blues jam.
reviewed
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F
Sin Bar
Technically an 'entertainment' complex, Sin Bar is Nana's alter ego: three floors divided into a pool hall, dance club and rooftop bar all noticeably lacking in the soi's namesake industry, prostitutes. Reliably sneaking past the curfew restrictions, the rooftop bar is the after-party scene for clubbers and night owls not hunting for 'hello handsums'.
reviewed
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G
Winks
Starting to wonder where the Thai people actually hang out? Join wannabe musicians, Kasetsart University students, the odd dah·rah (star) and any others who can’t be bothered with the Sukhumvit scene at this fun local boozer. The live bands aren’t quite as good as they are loud, but after a couple of drinks and some new friends, you’ll wish you could take the bar home with you.
reviewed
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H
Freedom Pub
Upon first glance it looks like a typical bar-girl haunt, but it really is a terrific tropical dive bar that men and women will enjoy. The staff is friendly, there’s a bar inside and a wonderful circle bar outside, and it has live music most nights.
reviewed
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I
Nikita’s
Nikita’s is a pleasant place to hang, with coffee drinks, green teas, a nice selection of shakes and furniture carved from driftwood. The bamboo bar has good whiskey, and if you’re hungry, you can order from Baan Rimlay next door. So what if the Thai waitresses say, ‘oy’, to get your attention? Blame it on the Royal Navy.
reviewed
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2 be 1 Bar
By the river, this funky bar with inside and outside seating has colourful lamps and plays house music.
reviewed
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J
Ao Prao Resort
On the sunset-side of the island, this resort has a lovely sea-view restaurant perfect for an evening sundowner. You'll need to take private transport here.
reviewed
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Ark Bar
The 'it' destination for a Wednesday-night romp on Samui. Drinks are dispensed from the multicoloured bar draped in paper lanterns, and guests lounge on pyramidal pillows strewn down the beach. The party usually starts around 4pm.
reviewed
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K
At 9 Bar
For a bird's-eye view of all the action on Th Nimmanhaemin, pop into this upstairs, open-air bar. A great spot for a people watch, it's a perfect perch while you slug back a Chang (on tap).
reviewed
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Ayuthaya Klong Sabua Floating Market and Water Theatre
Billed as the only water theatre in the kingdom, performers seemingly glide across the water's surface while staging traditional shows with a few dramatic touches, such as fire-breathing. There are five daily performances between 11am and 4.30pm. Tickets, which include a buffet, are cheaper after 2.30pm. Despite the name, don't expect much of a market. To reach the water theatre, follow the road that goes past Wat Na Phra Meru for 2km.
reviewed
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L
Baan 117
The welcoming husband-and-wife team, casual setting and quality beans conspire to make this the top spot in town for a cup of joe.
reviewed
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M
Baan Tua Lek
This tiny, modern cafe serves good coffee drinks and a few sweets and cakes.
reviewed
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N
Beach Republic
Recognised by its yawning thatch-patched awnings, Beach Republic would be the perfect spot to shoot one of those MTV Spring Break episodes. There's an inviting wading pool, comfy lounge chairs and an endless cocktail list.
reviewed
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O
Breakers
A sports bar as good for TV football as it is for people-watching and great food. The burgers (200B to 240B) and steaks are awesome and the buffalo-wings starter-plate sampler can feed a handful of pint-swillers.
reviewed
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P
Bridge Bar
In their words, chic, retro and ready. Chic? Ummm, yes a little. Retro? Not really. Ready? Ready for what?! Well, anyway, this is a very cool, local small bar (a nice change from the sprawling bar-restaurants in these sois) that hosts local bands in the evenings on most weekend nights and sometimes during the week too. Be warned the music is loud, so bring earplugs if you're a little sensitive to throbbing decibel levels.
reviewed
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Castle
Located along the main road between Mae Hat and Chalok Ban Kao, the Castle has quickly positioned itself as the most loved party venue on the island, luring an array of local and international DJs to its triad of parties each month.
reviewed
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Central Plaza
Khon Kaen's glossiest shopping mall screens movies in English and has a bowling alley.
reviewed
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Q
Chalermkrung Royal Theatre
In a Thai art deco building at the edge of the Chinatown-Phahurat district, this theatre provides a striking venue for kŏhn (masked dance-drama based on stories from the Ramakian, the Thai version of the Ramayana). When it opened in 1933, the royally funded Chalermkrung was the largest and most modern theatre in Asia. Today, kŏhn performances are held every Thursday and Friday and last about two hours plus intermission. The theatre requests that patrons dress respectfully, which means no shorts, tank tops or sandals.
reviewed