Rock out, jazz out, drink near the stars in the Bangkok night

Dave Stamboulis

By Dave Stamboulis, Local Expert, Bangkok
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Bangkok used to be famous, or should we say infamous, for its raucous and bawdry nightlife, which featured plenty of go go bars with raunchy shows and X rated entertainment complexes that partied all night. While the girlie bars are still around, they have toned down quite a bit, not to mention that closing laws have ensured that establishments no longer stay open all night. However the city continues to be the best spot in Asia to enjoy a party, as literally hundreds of new drinking establishments and party venues spring up each month, beckoning visitors to all sorts of interesting niches throughout...  Read more »
  • 1

    The Moon Bar

    Local Expert Tip: "Arrive early if you want a prime sunset table, and remember, no sandals, shorts, or grubby jeans are allowed. Closed shoes are required for men."

     
     
  • 2

    Amorosa Bar, Arun Residence

    Local Expert Tip: "The best way to get here is to take the river ferry to the Tha Tian pier, walk up to Maharat Rd, turn right, and then down to Soi Pratoo Nok Yoon, which is recognizable by its red pavement leading down to the river. If there is no red pavement, you are in the wrong soi."

     
     
  • 3

    Mambo Cabaret

    Local Expert Tip: "Mambo Cabaret has performances seven nights a week at 7:15 p.m., 8:30, and 10 o'clock. Tickets can be booked in advance by calling 02 294-7381 or reserved online at the cabaret's website. Best to take a taxi to get here, it is a bit out of the way."

     
     
  • 4

    Regis Bar, St. Regis

    Local Expert Tip: "The Regis Bar overlooks the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, making its terrace zone the city's top luxury box for watching the Sunday horse races! Come early to get a seat. The bar can be reached directly from the direct entrance from the Rajadamri BTS Skytrain station."

     
     
  • 5

    The Rock Pub

    Local Expert Tip: "Shows here start very late, with the opening bands getting going around 10, and the headliner not coming out until midnight, so drink slowly and plan accordingly. The Rock Pub is in the building resembling a castle, right across from the Asia Hotel and Ratchathewi Skytrain station."

     
     
  • 6

    Saxophone

    5

    based on 13 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "Arrive early if you want a table downstairs near the band. Conversely, if you've come to talk, grab a table upstairs away from the rocking down below!"

     
     
  • 7

    Wine Connection @ Rainhill

    Local Expert Tip: "Come early or make reservations, this place gets crowded. If arriving by Skytrain, the bar is closer to Phrom Pong than Thong Lor, but still a good 10-15 minute walk."

     
     
  • 8

    Shades of Retro

    • Type: Bar
    • Neighborhood: Thonglor

    Local Expert Tip: "It is a bit hard to find Shades of Retro, best to take a taxi to Thong Lor Soi 21 and look across the street, where you will see Soi Thararom 2, which is between Thonglor 16 and 18 on the even side. The bar is 100m down Thararom 2 on the right."

     
     
  • 9

    Adhere the 13th Blues Bar

    Local Expert Tip: "It gets outrageously crowded here, especially on weekends, so come early if you want a seat. If coming from central Bangkok, your only practical transport options are the river ferry to Phra Athit Pier (before 7) or taxis, the bar is a short stroll from Khao San Rd."

     
     
  • 10

    Raintree Pub

    Local Expert Tip: "There is excellent Isaan food to be found all along Soi Rangnam, as well as other inexpensive eateries. In fact, Thais refer to Rangnam as Thai Khao San Rd, so come early and make an evening of it. Best accessed via Skytrain to Victory Monument."