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.
Must-see nightlife in Thailand
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.
Chiang Rai
A stylish but relaxed place that offers both local and foreign coffee beans in a refined atmosphere. There's a good bakery here, too.
Ko Tao
This buzzin', hoppin' bar gazes out at sunset onto killer views, with fire shows, live music and DJs kicking things off from 8pm.
Ubon Ratchathani
This friendly, laid-back cafe-bar has an open-fronted facade and a cosy atmosphere for a quiet street-side drink.
Ton Sai
Kick back over cold beers, live music, DJ beats and frenzied fire shows at Ton Sai's top jungle reggae bar.
Phuket Town
Dripping with Old Phuket charm and the owner’s fabulous trinket collection, this intimate, century-old, unsigned house has two identities: half glamorous…
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…
Hat Patong
Fresh from a makeover, Molly's is one of a number of Irish boozers in Patong. Crammed full of dark-wood furniture, sports screens and pool tables, it's…
Hat Kata
Melding local heritage and modernity, Palm Square is a glitzy entertainment complex inspired by Phuket's gorgeous Sino-Portuguese architecture. Pop inside…
Hat Patong
Tapping into one of the world's ongoing booze crazes, this sleekly contemporary boutique beer bar stocks more than 100 international craft labels, mostly…
Hat Patong
Sole Mio is more of a middling restaurant than a straight-up bar, but you can still imbibe cocktails and beers here while gazing out at the ocean just…
Phuket
This easygoing, faux-Irish pub is a good spot to catch live sport, with plenty of foreign beers on tap. It also cooks up classic pub fare, Sunday roasts,…
Ko Samui
This fortress of fun boasts an open-air dance floor with music spun by foreign DJs. It’s a towering two-storey affair with long bars, pool tables and a…
Hat Kata
This contemporary-style Italian coffee lounge has wi-fi, pastries, delicious espresso, limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur) and a loyal morning following …
Hat Patong
With a big breezy terrace just across the road from Hat Patong, this branch of Thailand's always-popular Bangkok-originated Wine Connection chain does…
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…
Ko Phi-Phi
For a more toned-down take on the fire-twirling madness that dominates Ao Lo Dalam, sit at one of the candlelit tables, or pull up a plastic chair on the…
Chiang Mai
Just begging for photos, bright and airy Yellow Crafts Cafe creates signature coffee and non-coffee drinks with soy milk that’s made daily in-house. Each…
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…
Ko Phi-Phi
This is one of Dalam's beach dens of inebriation and iniquity (but, you know, in a good way). Relax on beachside cushions and marvel at expert fire…
Bangkok
This contemporary gallery changes its exhibitions monthly, showcasing street art and local artists from its front showroom, while in the rear a ‘secret’…
Ko Pha-Ngan
If you're heading back from Hat Rin to Thong Sala or Ban Tai, park your scooter and head into this cafe at the Viewpoint Hotel. It serves fruit smoothies,…
Hat Patong
Does what it says on the tin: Aussie sport on the many screens, Aussie food on the menu and lots of visiting Australians clutching beers. It also has pool…
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…
Prachuap Khiri Khan
Maggie's bar is the one with the twinkly lights, and it's known for its cosy atmosphere, big liquor list and a little food. The slushy margaritas and…
Phuket Town
Overlooking the Clock Tower Circle, this elegant coffee lounge is a locally loved stop for its excellent espresso (50B) and delectable homebaked cakes,…
Phuket Town
Plastered with the handprints of former guests, this casual, expat-owned speakeasy-style bar swings it back to the 1920s with its Prohibition-inspired…
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…
Kanchanaburi Province
Volunteers, travellers and locals gather at this low-key watering hole. Between beers or games of pool (free on Sundays), have a look at the dogs on the…
Chiang Rai Province
The pool table has gone to make room for a general store, but this shop/bar has kept its outside seating area and still serves tolerable cocktails, as…
Chiang Rai Province
Refresh yourself after the climb to Wat Santikhiri at this open-air coffee shop perched to the side of the pagoda. There are great views over Mae Salong…
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,…
Ko Lipe
This sprawling complex (which includes bungalows, a dive shop and several restaurants) was built by a Lipe pioneer and remains a popular local expat hang…
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…
Ton Sai
Admire rock climbers scaling difficult cliff faces only metres away from your Chang beer at this iconic institution on Ton Sai. Step over harnesses and…
Ko Samui
Chaweng's second ice bar is right in the steaming heart of the action – it's not large and the price tag might cool your enthusiasm, but it can be fun…
Phuket Town
DJ sets, live bands, pool tables and big screens mingle at this laid-back yet lively, forever-popular sports bar. It's a great place to meet Phuketians,…
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…
