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Bangkok Nightlife

Much of the nightlife in Bangkok is concentrated in the two red light districts of Bangkok - Patpong (between Silom and Surawong Roads) and Soi Cowboy (Sukhumvit Road). In addition to the numerous sex clubs and massage parlours, there are many excellent cocktail bars and restaurants and, at night, the area is always thronging with people.

News of the latest hotspots can be found in the city's listings magazine, The Big Chilli (www.bigchilli.com) and Bangkok 101. Tickets for cultural performances can be obtained in advance from the venues or from Thai Ticketmajor (tel: (02) 262 3456; www.thaiticketmajor.com). A good listing website is www.bangkokconcerts.org.

Bars in Bangkok

Face Bangkok

There aren’t many venues that offer the chance to sip on a sophisticated aperitif surrounded by the intricate woodwork of a traditional Thai house, but this is one of them. With décor like a sumptuous stopover for well-to-do traders on the Silk Route, you can recline on cushions and take in the trinkets and artefacts that line the stunning walls.

Soi 38, Sukhumvit Rd
Tel: (02) 713 6048.
www.facebars.com

Koi

As you might guess, there are Japanese influences at work in this chic watering hole. It’s a low-key recess, full of dark woods and rich colours that give an international crowd a discreet place to sip on their concoctions. Pacific rim food – Japanese with a Californian twist – is on offer if you get peckish.

26 Sukhumvit 20
Tel: (02) 258 1590.
http://koirestaurantbkk.com

Vertigo Bar

It’s not overstating the case to say you actually do need a head for heights at this crow’s nest of a bar, 62 floors up on the roof of the Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel. If you’re comfortable with the elevation, you’re rewarded with some of the best views over the city to drink in with your cocktail.

21/100 South Sathon Road
Tel: (02) 679 1200.
www.banyantree.com/en/bangkok

Clubs in Bangkok

Bed Supper Club

This outrageous spaceship in the middle of Sukhumvit has beds decorating an all-white cylinder shaped club, where you can chill before entering the Bed Bar to listen to house, hip hop and bhangra. You can even dine there – horizontally, of course. Call ahead to make a reservation – you usually need one.

26 Soi 11 Sukhumvit Road
Tel: (02) 651 3537.
www.bedsupperclub.com

Narcissus

The amazing light and sound system and ostentatious art deco-style interior here attracts the smart set keen on house, trance and techno. It’s quite the hangout for trendy locals and expats alike.

112 Soi 23 Sukhumvit Road
Tel: (02) 664 0373.

Q Bar

This stylish haunt, full of nooks and crannies, is a Bangkok institution which also imports top international DJs and offers a range of music from house to hip hop. They have a legendary drinks menu, something of a weighty tome with many a local concoction, so read thoroughly before ordering.

34 Soi 11 Sukhumvit Road
Tel: (02) 252 3274
www.qbarbangkok.com

Live Music in Bangkok

Saxophone Pub

This traditional style pub has great acoustics, a lively atmosphere and a variety of live music including funk, jazz, blues and ska. If you get peckish, it serves up a good choice of Asian and European culinary favourites.

3/8 Victory Monument, Phayathai Road
Tel: (02) 246 5472.
www.saxophonepub.com

The Bamboo Bar

This swanky little venue is in the upmarket hotel The Oriental, and is an intimate, refined club with an excellent reputation for its guest jazz bands. The interior is decked out in an African safari style, and the space has welcomed many international acts throughout the years.

48 Oriental Avenue
Tel: (02) 659 9000.
www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok

Tokyo Joe's

For a more raw experience, try this meeting spot for the city’s blues fans. It’s a smokey, cosy spot where the music is right on top of the audience. Local musicians meet with expats at their famous Sunday jam sessions.

9-11 Siwaporn Plaza
Tel: (02) 661 0359.
www.myspace.com/tokyojoesbangkok

Classical Music in Bangkok

Sala Rim Naam

This spot is owned by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and located on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River. The nightly traditional music and dance show starts at 2030, preceded by dinner at 1900. Although there are numerous traditional shows daily throughout the city, this one, reputed to be the best in Thailand and beautifully located in a traditional teak pavilion-style restaurant, is unmissable.

48 Oriental Avenue
Tel: (02) 437 6211.
www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok

Opera in Bangkok

Thailand Cultural Centre

The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and the Bangkok Opera perform here.

Ratchadaphisek Road
Tel: (02) 247 0028.
www.culture.go.th

Theatre in Bangkok

Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre

As well as housing the city’s oldest cinema (dating back to 1933), this theatre has regular performances of plays and musical dance dramas.

Charoen Krung (New Road)
Tel: (02) 222 0434.
www.salachalermkrung.com

National Theatre

Classical Thai dramas are very colourful and expressive, and these are usually held on the last Friday and Saturday of each month at this grand theatre.

2 Rachini Road
Tel: (02) 224 1342.

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