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.
Must-see nightlife in Thailand
Hua Hin
Every sports bar needs a gimmick and this busy spot marries Mexico and Ireland, hence the name. There's a big menu, live music and a relaxed vibe.
Hua Hin
The Hilton's nightclub has bands and DJs late into the night. The name is a holdover from when they used to brew beer here, but they don't now.
Khon Kaen
U-Bar packs them in with live music, often big-name bands from Bangkok. It's mostly a younger crowd than the numerous other bars around here.
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.
Khon Kaen
This bright, relaxing cafe and its friendly owner serves top-notch coffees, teas and at least a dozen different types of smoothies.
Ayuthaya
This oddly named bar has a stage and plenty of outdoor tables for beer and whisky with friends. Live music starts at 8pm nightly.
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.
Thanon Sukhumvit
Pocket-sized, and boasting a world-class sound system and robust underground cred, Glow is a veteran of Bangkok's dance scene.
Hat Patong
Popular nightly cabaret shows are staged at this gay-scene original, one of Patong's earliest Paradise Complex bars.
Banglamphu
Although the live acoustic soundtrack is hit and miss, the views of Th Khao San are solid from this elevated pub.
Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)
For more than a decade this has been the most popular dance floor for students. It gets hopping around 10pm.
Chiang Rai
Easy House Bar has a friendly, relaxed, semi-open-air vibe and a dinner menu of Thai and Western classics.
Lopburi
Beers flow and beef skewers are barbecued at this no-frills street-side bar, popular with young Thais.
Chiang Rai
Have a cup of coffee brewed from local beans while gazing at Chiang Rai’s gilded clock tower.
Kanchanaburi
With whimsical art on the walls and outdoor tables under shady trees, this is the kind of place trendy Thais come to snap selfies while sipping smoothies…
Ko Lanta
This popular beach bar has relocated from the beach to a busy road. At night, with cool tunes, mood lighting, driftwood, shells and found objects…
Ubon Ratchathani
A little oasis of cool on a hot day, with iced coffee, chocolate cake and smoothies on hand. It's in the heart of the old town; look for the sign in…
Khon Kaen
The exuberant anchor of the less salubrious side of Khon Kaen's nightlife, this is a multifaceted place with live music, DJs, karaoke, a wine bar and …
Ko Samui
Sitting in the heart of the Chaweng action, there is always live music at the back of this overblown branch of Hard Rock Cafe, which is rarely full and so…
