If you’re a party animal like me and are thinking about traveling to Bangkok, then there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind while you make your plans.
Nightlife in Bangkok ranks high in the list of things to do when you’re in the country, and for good reason!
Depending on what you’re looking for, Bangkok has different nightlife areas to cater to your interests and comfort.
Nightlife in Bangkok: street food, night markets and amazing clubs
From the bustling streets of Khao San Road, where backpackers and adventurers unite, to the upscale rooftop bars offering stunning city views, this vibrant city has it all.
I’ve put together a few notes from my recent vacation, which I hope will be a helpful Bangkok nightlife guide to ensure you make the most of your evenings in this electrifying metropolis.
Party atmosphere and heaven for single travelers
Bangkok is often recognized as a top destination for single travelers, with its lively party scene and a welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re seeking to mingle, dance the night away, or simply soak in the lively ambiance, you’ll find an array of options to suit your preferences.
Naughty fact: Bangkok is on my list as the top destination for single guys to get laid.
As I share my experiences and insights, you’ll discover not only where to drink and party but also essential safety tips to ensure your nights in Bangkok are memorable for all the right reasons.
Your Guide to Bangkok’s Nighttime Fun
So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the nightlife of Bangkok, where the city’s energy knows no bounds, and the fun never stops.
Join me as I guide you through the best places to experience the vibrant Bangkok nightlife scene, from the heart-pounding clubs to the laid-back bars that define the essence of this remarkable city after dark.
Best Places to Party in Bangkok
Some of the best areas in Bangkok for nightlife are centered around tourist travel.
It’s no secret that Bangkok parties have the potential to last into the night – so be sure to distribute your time over several Bangkok nightclubs and bars!
Khao San Road, Best Nightlife In Bangkok
Like most travelers, I set up shop in and around Khao San Road, primarily because of its nightlife and also because it is right in the center of the city, well connected to the other parts.
Very quickly, I realized that this area is backpackers HQ – with lots of other people, like me, hopping across Asia and looking for a place to stay at one of the many hotels and hostels here.
Also, most of the people are starting their Bangkok itinerary from here.
This street has a host of inexpensive options where you can grab a drink – from 7/11 stores to the small outlets and restaurants.
Rooftop lounges, special events and best nightclubs
It’s best to pre-game here before you head out to more taxing Bangkok nightlife experiences, mainly because of how affordable this place is and the many discos, karaoke bars, and rooftop lounges.
There are also a lot of fun things to do – you can get a massage, go and chill at the clubs, guzzle down cheap beer, splurge a little on souvenirs at the multiple shops, try nibbling at a few grilled bugs, or even just sit back and enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
Khao San Road is definitely the best place to stay to enjoy at fullest the magical nightlife of Bangkok, Thailand.
Thong Lo (Thonglor)
If you’ve brought along a couple of your better clothes, you might want to head down to the Thong Lo area.
This is a posh part of town, with its specialty and boutique bars catering to stylish and sophisticated Bangkok locals. Your usual tourist tank tops won’t serve you too well here. Some favorites are WTF Bar and Café, Funky Villa, and Demo.
Drinks, per bottle, start from around 1000 Baht, with some places offering free entry during the week.
If you’re uncomfortable with Bangkok’s more vulgar nightlife, rest assured, this area will keep you entertained! Despite its tameness, it still houses some of the top clubs in Bangkok.
Royal City Avenue
Like Thong Lo, Royal City Avenue, or RCA, as it’s more commonly known, is also a great place for refined bar hopping. Frequented by Bangkok high society and ex-pats, RCA has several high-end clubs.
You’ll find most patrons under 25 at some of the most popular clubs, like Route 66, Slim n Flix and Onyx. There’s a 200- 300 Baht cover charge for foreigners, but it comes with 1-2 included drinks too.
You’ll need to get there by 9PM on the weekends to grab a table for yourself. Bottles of vodka start from about 1400 Baht, while the price of beer averages about 150 Baht.
Here, the party lasts a little longer since the bars and clubs keep open till 2 AM. Royal City Avenue has some of the top clubs in Bangkok, and you can truly get a taste of the thrilling side of Bangkok’s nightlife!
Silom
Most parties and events here draw huge crowds every night. Silom is home to Maggie Choo – the well-loved, opium den themed bar and lounge, which promises a taste of Asia’s darker luxuries. Silom also hosts parties and raves which are known to be queer-friendly!
Bangkok Red Light Districts
If you’ve heard the raunchy and racy stories of experiences in Bangkok from veteran travelers, you’re probably wondering how to schedule a similar experience for yourself too.
Red-light districts in Bangkok are very well known worldwide and here you can experience a different taste of the infamous Bangkok nightlife, with sex clubs and offerings pushed at the very entry of each nightclub.
Sukhumvit Nana Plaza
I’ll start off with the meanest of Bangkok’s adult entertainment hotspots. Located in the Sukhumvit Area, Nana Plaza is one of three Bangkok’s red-light districts.
Here, Go-Go bars and Ladyboy shows abound, mostly on the first and second floors of the building complex.
When you peek into these clubs, you’ll see women pole-dancing and hanging from railings, grooving to the music clad in scanty bikinis.
Fun vibe all night long
You have the option to sneak a peek and run off the next club before staff grab you and make you order a drink! This area usually is open till 3 AM.
Sukhumvit Soi 11 is home to Climax and the Mixx, and Insanity on Sukhumvit Soi 12 are similar establishments outside the Nana Plaza area, if you find yourself looking for a bit more!
These spots are also widely considered to be a few of the best bars and clubs in Bangkok, according to my fellow hostel mates!
Pat Pong
The second of Bangkok’s red-light districts, this is the most visited by curious tourists looking for an exciting story to tell back home. It has the usual set of Go Go bars, Thai Ladyboys or Cabaret dances, strip clubs, and even a bit of shopping.
Like in the Nana Plaza, performers will constantly tease audiences by threatening to take off whatever little they have on them and perform a few standard tricks – shooting bullets, pulling knives hidden in their costumes, and the like.
Patpong: one of the most famous party destinations in Bangkok
There are also a number of gay bars here, with young boys swinging from rails and doing gymnastics tricks.
The Ladyboy shows here are well worth the watch – their performances in colorful costumes and gear are enthralling!
This is a must-do in a nightclub in Bangkok or Thailand!
Soi Cowboy
As you can guess by its name, this is Bangkok’s third main red-light district. Here, the girls and staff at the Go Go bars are not as pushy as in Nana Plaza and Pat Pong, and the drinks aren’t too expensive either.
At Soi Cowboy, you can afford to relax a little and walk through the many establishments till you find a place that offers a price you like. You can enjoy strolling under the blazing neon lights.
As with the other two red-light districts, if you find yourself wanting to spend a night with one of the performers, you’ll have to agree on a price and tell the manager what is called the woman’s ‘magic number’, which she would have attached somewhere to her clothing.
The ping pong shows are one of the highlights of the night. The bars here stay open till 2 AM.
Once you’ve seen everything that satiates your adult curiosity, you can head over to Bangkok’s Chinatown, at night, which is one of the largest Chinese settlements in the world.
See also: 10 Best Bangkok Night Markets
Best Party Hostels – My Favourite Way to Party
If you’re not up to the exhausting city life, then some of the good parties in Bangkok can also be found in hostels too! You certainly wouldn’t have thought hostels to be among Bangkok’s nightlife places! I was surprised until I got there too!
Mad Monkey Hostel
Well-loved by young backpackers, Mad Monkey is one of the many party hostels in Bangkok. Most visitors love the pub crawl hosted by the hostel and the walking tours of Bangkok offered during the day.
With lots of loud, thumping music, there’s always a party going on, affording people little sleep here. The pool is a favorite socializing spot, serving the best cure to a hangover from late nights, and is the center of the hostel’s fun pool parties.
Bodega Hostel
Yet another party hostel in town, Bodega stands out with its lively young crowd, all under the age of 35, who stay up through the night. There’s not a minute of silence here with loud music and fun drunken shenanigans every hour of the day.
A bed in Bodega Hostel costs about $6 and comes with all the amenities you may need. Their sun terrace is where most people congregate to party, with parties and drinking games being held in the hostel every day! This is definitely where you’d want to make new friends in your twenties!
Slumber Party Hostel
This party hostel has everything you need if you’re looking for lots of fun in Bangkok.
They host a variety of events for its guests to engage themselves in, like pub crawls (watch Koh Tao Pub Crawl Video), walking tours during the day, bike tours around Bangkok, and a fan favorite – their epic beer pong tournaments.
Guests at this hostel end up making friends for life. The fantastic hosts are always ready to give good advice to guests on how to make the best use of their time to enjoy Bangkok’s nightlife. Parties last all day and they provide full transport during a pub crawl.
See also: The Best Time to Visit Bangkok by Month
Information about Partying in Bangkok
Dressing for Bangkok’s Nightclubs
If you’re heading out to places where upper-class Thai spend their evenings, like in Thong Lo or the Royal City Avenue and rooftop bars, you’ll be expected to dress the part.
The clubs and bars in these areas are just like the high-end ones you’ll find in your home country.
Wild parties, dress code and Thai culture
Most bars in these locales are infamous for enforcing strict dress codes – no tank tops, shorts, and flip-flops here! You’ll be expected to wear closed-toe shoes or sandals, trousers, dresses, and skirts. If you’re worried, one standard pair of loafers should do the trick!
Beer bars and pubs on the Khao San road are lax in this regard – they cater almost exclusively to tourists! Your beachwear will work just fine here! Essentially, dress well when you’re headed to high-end establishments.
Drinking And Smoking
Instead of buying alcohol per glass, buy the whole bottle. It is much cheaper by the bottle, and with a few mixers on the side, you’ll have enough to last the night.
Further, if you’re handed a ‘bucket’, which, quite literally, is a bucket mull of alcohol mix, don’t get too excited.
The mixes are strong and before you know it, you’ll be out like a bulb. Always try and split your bucket with a friend, and if you can’t then sip on it very slowly and make it last through the night. (That’s advice, it doesn’t work for me 🙂
Most of the clubs and bars don’t allow people to smoke indoors. Smoking indoors is outlawed, but if you’re lucky, some establishments will have arrangements for outdoor smoking in particular sections.
Bangkok Nightlife tips including safety tips
- Make sure you have the address of your hotel written down in Thai, in case you’re in an emergency and need to use public transport.
- Avoid tuk-tuks if you can, but if you really have to, then decide on a fare before you begin your ride. Tuk-tuk drivers are known to fleece you bare!
- If you don’t want to end up paying for more than what you drank at a bar, always ask for the price of the alcohol staff offers before you consume it. This is for when they bring you the final bill, they won’t over-charge, which they have a tendency to do.
- You should always carry some form of identification on you, but I suggest you take your national ID or driving license, not your passport.
- Most bars and clubs will check to see if you’re a major (twenty years of age) and will seldom let you in without confirming the same. Also usually that’s a rule mostly for local people, usually, tourists can go inside even without an ID.
- Cover charges to enter bars often include a few complimentary drinks. So, if the cover charge is a bit on the higher side than most, don’t be too apprehensive. You’ll mostly gain it back by saving on the complimentary drinks.
- Also, if the establishment is a bit more expensive, be it the usual beer barn or a Go Go show, there’s a lesser chance of it being ‘shady’. There won’t be too many strings attached in these places and they’ll leave you to your own devices for the most part.
See also: When is the Best Time to Visit Thailand
Safety Mantra: Be Aware
It’s pretty obvious, but the best thing you can do when you go visiting the red light districts in Bangkok is to always be aware. Be mindful of where you’re going, who you’re surrounded by in bars, and what you’re doing.
Further, if you’re not traveling in a group but in a few numbers, make sure you don’t go to places that are secluded and away from the tourist crowds. Everything you need to see and experience is where the hordes of other tourists are.
If individual women or tuk-tuk drivers try getting you to follow them, and especially if you can see that it’s a place off the beaten path, you’re better off not taking them up on the offer.
There you have it! These are a few notes from my holidays in Bangkok. Bangkok really does promise the best nightlife experience in Thailand and some of the best and most unique nightlife experiences in the world.
In addition to some of the best bars and clubs in Thailand, Bangkok hosts unforgettable and must-do things in your lifetime. I hoped these pointers helped you out!
Memorable night and ultimate experience in Bangkok
In summary, Bangkok’s nightlife is a dynamic blend of experiences for all. From Khao San Road’s liveliness to elegant rooftop bars, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes.
Throughout this article, we’ve delved into Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife – a fusion of entertainment and excitement. It’s a place where locals and tourists come together to celebrate life, dance, and create unforgettable memories.
While enjoying the revelry, remember to stay safe and respect local customs. Responsible enjoyment ensures a positive experience.
Whether you’re sipping cocktails on amazing sky bars, dancing to world-class beats, or exploring street food or night markets, Bangkok nightlife offers an unparalleled adventure.
As you bid adieu to the neon lights, know that Bangkok’s nights will leave a lasting impression. Cheers to the nights that become cherished stories, and to the ceaseless energy of Bangkok’s nightlife. So, what are you waiting for? Let the night unfold!
FAQs
Which street in Bangkok is the best for nightlife?
Khao San Road is one of the best-known streets in Bangkok for nightlife, famous for its vibrant atmosphere, bars, clubs, street vendors, and a wide range of entertainment options that cater to both locals and tourists.
Does Bangkok have good nightlife?
Yes, Bangkok is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, offering a wide array of entertainment options, including nightclubs, bars, rooftop lounges, street food stalls, cultural performances, and more, making it a nightlife hotspot in Southeast Asia.
What clubs do foreigners go to in Bangkok?
Foreigners visiting Bangkok often frequent clubs like Levels, Ce La Vi, and Route 66, which are known for their international DJ performances, great music, and vibrant nightlife scenes.
Is Sukhumvit a good area in Bangkok?
Yes, Sukhumvit is a popular and vibrant area in Bangkok, especially for nightlife, with numerous bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and entertainment options that cater to both locals and tourists.
Looking for more nightlife in Thailand? Check our guides for:
Koh Phangan: Koh Phangan Nightlife Guide
Krabi: Krabi Nightlife: Things to Do in Krabi at Night
Phi Phi: Koh Phi Phi Island Nightlife: Best Parties
Pattaya: Pattaya Nightlife Tips: What to Do in Pattaya at Night?
Chiang Mai: Best Chiang Mai Nightlife Area to Drink and Party
Phuket: Best Phuket Nightlife Area to Party in 2023
Koh Chang: Best Koh Chang Nightlife Area
Koh Lanta: Best Koh Lanta Nightlife Bars
LIKE IT? PIN IT
