One of the most visited cities on the planet, Bangkok is famous for it’s amazing food, rich cultral history, 5-star shopping malls and hotels, and terrible traffic, but the Bangkok nightlife scene is perhaps what it’s most known for.
Bangkok is pretty much synonymous with wild parties, an epic nightlife scene, amazing nrooftop bars, and a budget backpacker party destination, usually being the first stop or gateway to many other spots in Southeast Asia.
The nightlife in Bangkok has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for wild street parties such as the Kaoh San Road shenanigans, some of the best rooftop bars in the world,, upscale and stylish nightclubs dotting the city, and a famous red light district, this massive city has it all.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best Bangkok nightlife spots whether, you’re a hard-core partier that prefers to stay up until the wee hours of the morning, or someone who’s just looking to make friends at the hundreds of cool bars around the city, we have you covered.
Where to Party in Bangkok
A city of well over 10 million people, it may seem overwhelming to figure out where to party in the capital city of Thailand. We’ll make it simple for you by categorizing the areas for you and what you should expect in each place.
Let’s start off with perhaps the most famous Bangkok nightlife spot: Khao San Road. If you’re a backpacker on your first trip to Southeast Asia, this is most likely where you’ll end up on your first night. It’s essentially a large walking street full of cheap street food, bars and nightclubs where almost anything goes.
If you’re looking to get down and dirty at some sleezy go-go-bars or nightclubs, then you’ll probably be heading to Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy, both of wich are within walking distance of each other. The latter should be visited even if you’re not looking for sex – simply just for the amazing neon light show on the walking street, and the bizarre people you’ll encounter.
Sukhumvit 11 which is not far from those two spots, is a popular tourist spot with amazing rooftop bars, international style restaurants and of course – lots of nightclubs.
Now that we have the popular tourist spots out of the way, where does the local and expat crowd tend to go out? There are obviously dozens of areas, but one of the most popular is RCA (Royal City Avenue) alley for the younger local university crowd, a long stretch of closed off road full of classy nightclubs, bars and restaurants.
Thong Lor/Ekamai is also popular with locals and the expat crowd, a large area full of expensive and lavish restaurants, cocktail bars, and nightclubs, this is one of the best Bangkok nightlife spots in our opinion.
Silom is considered the gay area of Bangkok, so if that’s what you’re looking for then head here for a good time. It’s also home to the popular Patpong redlight district area, the home of the famous Ping Pong Show!
Bangkok Nightlife and Safety Tips
– Thailand is a notoriously safe country, with a very low crime rate and petty theft. However, that isn’t to say there will be tourist scams – there are many, so be aware.
– You can drink on the street in Bangkok, so don’t be afraid of walking around at night on the street drinking, if someone tells you differently, they’re lying.
– If you’re heading to any red light districts in the city, don’t fall for the ladies or laydboys making you buy them drinks, they normally work for the club/bar and you’re gonna be hit with a large bill at the end. Also, beware of STD’s, they are quite common in Thailand.
– We recommend getting around the city using Grab (asia’s Uber) or the MRT metro system which is one of the best in the world. It’s a lot quicker, safer, and cheaper than taxis.
How Expensive is it to Party in Bangkok
Bangkok is a little more expensive than the cheaper beach towns and islands in Thailand such as Krabi or Koh Phangan, mainly because it caters towards richer tourists and businessmen, whereas the islands are more popular with backpackers.
If you’re looking to drink and party on a budget, it’s still definitely possible. You will probably want to hang around Bangkok Old Town, which is where the notorious and cheap backpacker walking street is. There are also a lot of hostels in the area where you can drink for cheap, and also 7-Eleven is our recommended spot to pre-drink.
If you’re drinking around Thong Lor, RCA or Sukhumvit 11 then prices are going to be higher. Expect to pay around 100 baht for a beer at a club or bar and 250 for a cocktail.
Here is a basic overview of what you can expect to pay to enjoy the Bangkok nightlife scene:
Bottle of beer: 70-140 baht
Big beer: 10-180 baht
Bucket: 150-300 baht
Cocktail: 120-350 baht
Best Bars in Bangkok
Havana Social
One of the trendiest Bangkok nightlife spots for locals and expats, Havana Social is located on the happening Sukhuvmit Soi 11 street which is full of many bars, clubs and restaurants.
With colonial inspired architecture and Cuban theme, the bar is a little small, people are well dressed, and the cocktails are fantastic, making it one of the best bars to pre drink and meet new friends in the city. Yes – they do cell cigars if you fancy one. They also offer salsa lessons on certain nights.
Tropic City
Considered one of the best bars in the world, Tropic City, is a unique cocktail bar with flashy pink neon lights and flamingos and casual cool vibe to enjoy the night with friends. Ask for the most popular rum concotion, “Welcome to the Jungle” and you’re sure to have a wonderful night.
Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar
With some of the most spectacular sky bars in the world, we can’t discuss Bangkok nightlife without mentioning at least one of the best sky bars: Octave. Located on the very top floor of the Marriot Hotel, this open-air sky bar offers incredible 360 degree vistas of the stunning Bangkok skyline.
The prices are surprisingly reasonable considering the atmosphere and view, make sure to get a reservation on weekends, but during the week you can normally get a spot. The neon blue cocktail bar in the center, glass siding and incredible location makes this one of the best sky bars in the world.
Cheap Charlie’s
Cheap Charlie’s was once a popular expat hangout bar on Sukhumvit 11, the social bar has recently located to Sukhumvit 50, along with many other cool bars and restaurants. Long known for its social atmosphere, wooden decor and cheap drinks (hence the name) you can enjoy beers here for as low as 80 baht and cocktails starting at 90 baht.
Lucky Beer
How can we talk about Bangkok nightlife without mentioning the crazy bars on Khaosan Road. Most of the bars with outdoor seating, cheap drinks and loud music are clones of each other, and Lucky Beer bar is no exception.
The place gets incredibly rowdy around midnight, along with it’s neighboring bars. Come here to start the night with friends, and you’ll most likely meet new friends during the party.
Tep Bar
If you fancy more of a cultural environment with traditional Thai liquors, authentic Thai food and exotic Thai music, then we definitely recommend Tep Bar located in the trendy Pom Prap neighborhood.
The drinks are very creative and unlike anything you’ve tried before, as is the unique atmosphere of the bar. Come for the live music from Wednesday to Saturday, and probably best to make a reservation as the bar is a little small.
Vesper Cocktail Bar
Named after the Vesper Martini, Jame’s Bond favorite drink, Vesper Cocktail Bar is a fancy lounge and Italian restaurant serving up some of the finest drinks and cocktails in Bangkok. It is quite expensive, but the detail and work that goes into each drink is spectacular.
Best Nightclubs in Bangkok
Route 66
One of the longest lasting (opened for decades) nightclubs in Bangkok Route 66 is the main club and attraction of RCA (Royal City Avenue) which is more popular with the younger Thai university crowd and more recently tourists.
With 4 separate dance floors playing all kinds of beats from EDM to Thai rock music, you’re sure to find something you like here. Cover is 200 baht, but includes a free drink.
Levels
Located on the popular Sukhumvit 11 street in the Aloft Hotel, Levels Club is one of the nicest nightclubs in the city, with impressive decor, and a cool circular cocktail bar in the middle of the club. There is also nice terrace overlooking Sukhumvit 11 below if you’re looking to get away from the noise and socialize with locals, tourists and expats. The music is typically top 40 and EDM.
Sing Sing Theater
One of the most unique Bangkok nightlife experiences you’re sure to encounter, the fancy and highly decorated Sing Sing Theater tries to replicate Shanghai as it was in the 1930’s, and as you walk in and take in the environment, you’re sure to be transported back to this classy era.
With sultry dancers dressed in red reminiscent of an old brothel (it’s not), a dark low-lit environment, some of the most unique and tasty cocktails in Bangkok, great DJ’s and a large dancefloor, it’s one of our favourite nightclubs in the city.
Beam
Located in the pricey and classy Thonglor district, Beam is a minimalist club with an almost warehouse setting that plays mostly EDM, hip-hop and pop music. Spread out over two floors it is a mix of a lounge and a club, with an impressive light show on the second floor. The cover is 500 baht but includes 1 drink.
Mixx Discoteque
Hate it or love it, Mixx Discotheque is one of the most rowdy and popular late night clubs in Bangkok with foreigners and local Thai girls (some of which are working girls so be careful). Located under the Intercontinental Hotel, it can be hit or miss on some nights. They play top 40 in one room and techno in the other room.
DECOMMUNE
A real hidden gem in the Bangkok nightlife scene, this almost underground club has two levels and mostly plays Techno and House music, if that’s your thing, then this will quickly turn out to be your favorite nightlife spot in Bangkok.
Bangkok Nightlife Summary
Often known as the nightlife capital of the world, there’s no surprise that the Bangkok nightlife scene is some of the best on the planet. With incredible towering sky bars, world-famous nightclubs, a backpacker party scene, and some of the top-rated bars in the world, Bangkok must be on your radar if you’re looking for the ultimate nightlife and party destination.
