Banglamphu
There seems to be a current (and inexplicable) trend for beach-themed, almost tiki-bar-style pubs in Banglamphu. If this aesthetic appeals, hunker down…
Must-see nightlife in Bangkok
Northern Bangkok
Exposed brick, chunky carpets and warm lighting give Aree a cosier feel than your average Bangkok bar. It also offers live music (from 8pm Tuesday to…
Thanon Sukhumvit
This sophisticated rooftopper combines downward glances of Bangkok’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhood with DJ sets and tasty Latin American snacks and…
Thanon Sukhumvit
High-profile guest DJs spinning deep house and techno, a diverse crowd and a dance floor that literally vibrates have combined to make Beam Bangkok's club…
Northern Bangkok
This is probably the most sophisticated club along RCA – evidenced by the hefty entry fee and the coiffed and coddled clientele. Check the Facebook page…
Banglamphu
Located right in the middle of Th Khao San, this cavern-like dance hall hosts a good mix of locals and backpackers. Check the Facebook page for upcoming…
Banglamphu
This is one of the few riverside bars along this stretch of the Chao Phraya River. Come for the sunset views and breezes – or for the generous happy-hour…
Bangkok
Featuring an inviting open-air balcony, sultry curtained private lounges, and an intimate club, Banana Bar is a one-stop-shop for a fabulously gay night…
Banglamphu
The open-air terrace here offers ringside seats for the ceaseless human parade that is Th Khao San. The upstairs bar hosts late-night bands.
Northern Bangkok
A long-standing popular gay staple far away from the gaybourhood of Th Silom. Expect live music, cheesy choreography and lots of lasers.
Thanon Sukhumvit
Craft beer took over the city in 2016, and one of Bangkok's beer scene’s go-to is this tiny but well-stocked place. The bar is centred on a communal table…
Bangkok
This is the famous Bangkok rooftop bar where scenes from The Hangover Part II were filmed. The views are truly breathtaking, but the exorbitant price of…
Bangkok
For a cheap but enjoyable riverside evening out, In Love charms with great views of the Rama VIII bridge and approachable prices for bottled beers (from…
Bangkok
This contemporary gallery changes its exhibitions monthly, showcasing street art and local artists from its front showroom, while in the rear a ‘secret’…
Thanon Sukhumvit
Come to this slick, 25th-floor balcony to sip fruity cocktails and gloat at the poor sods stuck in traffic below. In addition to views, there’s a menu of…
Siam Square, Pratunam, Phloen Chit & Ratchathewi
This covered compound is a loud, messy smorgasbord of pubs, bars and live music popular with Thai university students on a night out. We'd list a few…
Siam Square, Pratunam, Phloen Chit & Ratchathewi
In addition to views of central Bangkok from 25 floors up, the Roof offers a dedicated personal martini sommelier and an extensive wine and champagne list…
Banglamphu
Partying on Th Khao San and suddenly feel the need for a pint of Kilkenny, a spot of football on TV or a blast of air-con? Make a pint stop at Mulligans,…
Bangkok
Craft has 20 something – mostly American – beers on tap and even more bottles in the fridge. Prices are steepish, however, and the beers don't necessarily…
Thanon Sukhumvit
It touts itself as a bistro, but Oskar is more like a cocktail bar dressed as a club – with food. Correspondingly, the drinks and eats are all over the…
Bangkok
Shelve any notion of tapas or sangria here. Dating back to 1969, Bangkok's oldest bar is all about hippie kitsch and Vietnam War–era intrigue. It's also…
Thanon Sukhumvit
Scratch Dog is as cheesy as the name and the bulldog-as-DJ logo suggest, but it manages to pull a (relatively) mixed crowd and is probably the least dodgy…
Siam Square, Pratunam, Phloen Chit & Ratchathewi
As the name suggests, Mixx draws a relatively wide swath of Bangkok's partiers, from newly arrived backpackers to hardened working girls, making it the…
Thanon Sukhumvit
Young, loud and Thai, Nung-Len (literally ‘sit and chill’) is a ridiculously popular den of live music and uni students on buzzy Th Ekamai. Get there…
Banglamphu
Descend the stairs to this long-standing, perpetually packed, Th Khao San disco. The DJs are probably not going to win international acclaim, but that's…
Northern Bangkok
The open-air lawn of this hostel functions as a fun, informal bar, while Paper Butter & the Burger, an on-site burger cart, is its restaurant.
Thanon Sukhumvit
Like a small clubbing neighbourhood, Narz consists of three vast zones boasting an equal variety of music. It’s largely a local scene, but the odd guest…
Bangkok
Formerly known as Guys on Display, this three-storey club is not averse to a little shirtless dancing. Open late, this is where to go after the other…
Thanon Sukhumvit
Come 1am, when most Soi 11 bars are beginning to close up, folks begin to file into this popular hotel nightclub. See the website for guest DJs and other…
Thanon Sukhumvit
This late-night staple is not the most sophisticated place in town, but beyond 2am the options are few. It's about 500m up Soi 11, walking north from Th…
Banglamphu
After what must be at least a decade (or three?), the open-air patio at Gecko Bar remains a fun and frugal place to gawk at other patrons and passers-by.
Bangkok
This is probably the most low-key, sophisticated venue on Soi 4 – except during the drag shows that take place on Monday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Thanon Sukhumvit
Demo combines blasting beats and a NYC warehouse vibe. Fridays and Saturdays see a 400B entrance fee for foreigners, and ID is necessary to gain entry.
Northern Bangkok
As evening draws near, down a beer at Viva’s, a cafe-bar in Chatuchak Weekend Market that features live music and stays open late.
Thanon Sukhumvit
Pocket-sized, and boasting a world-class sound system and robust underground cred, Glow is a veteran of Bangkok's dance scene.
Bangkok
Take a breather, fuel up, or simply partake in one of the area’s more low-key gay scenes at this cafe/restaurant/lounge bar.
Banglamphu
Although the live acoustic soundtrack is hit and miss, the views of Th Khao San are solid from this elevated pub.