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Bangkok Nightlife
Bangkok is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and offers some of the most exciting nightlife. Although new legislation means that bars in Bangkok close at 2am on the dot, the nightlife in Thailand's hedonistic capital is still fast and furious.
Patpong is probably the most popular night spot in the city and is located between Silom and Surawong Road. This area is packed full of busy bars and go-go clubs. However, if you are not into this sort of entertainment many visitors simply come to wander the cheap markets that are situated here. Tourists are warned to keep their eyes peeled for pickpockets in this area too.
If you are after more risqué entertainment, the Patpong area offers a number of clubs that host live sex shows. Visitors should be prepared to negotiate for exactly what they are charged to get in as there can sometimes be additional costs added upon entry. Go-go bars in Bangkok are all open to the street and passers-by can watch the women parading in the bar. Entrance fees are not usually charged for these smaller venues.
There are a number of other good bars in this area, including a collection of Irish pubs that serve cheap food and drink until the early hours and are popular with tourists and locals alike. The Irish Exchange across the road from Patpong is slightly more exclusive and largely caters for foreign expatriates and wealthy locals.
For a chance to see the traditional Bangkok lady boys in action, a number of Cabaret shows in Bangkok feature Katoeys (lady boys) in high heels and feather boas performing to popular music.
There are plenty of live music venues in Bangkok. To enjoy music while you eat, Renoir at Sukhumvit Soi 33, Brown Sugar and Round Midnight in the Soi Sarasin, Soi Lang Suan areas are popular. Jazz venues can be located at Saxophone at the Victory Monument, as well as Bobby's Arms in Patpong, Blue Moon at Gaysorn Plaza and the Witch's Tavern in Sukhumvit 55. Live music can also be enjoyed in many of Bangkok's top hotels.
For a more cultural night, visitors are advised to take a trip to one of Bangkok's two major theatres – the National Theatre and the Thai Cultural Centre. The National Theatre presents a variety of dance performances and operas. The Thai Centre plays host to the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra during the summer months, as well as local visiting companies.
The Khao San Road in Old Bangkok is a spot popular with students and backpackers and serves cheap food and drinks until the early hours despite restrictions. Most young people start at Gulliver's on the corner of Khao San Road and Chakrabongse Road. This area is home to a number of laid-back bars and restaurants, as well as some trendier but relatively cheap clubs.
If you are after a more original form of entertainment, Bangkok's massage parlours are certainly worth a visit. The city is home to thousands of these establishments. Guests typically pick a woman from behind a glass screen and then go to a private room for between one and two hours. Physical massage involves a masseuse washing the clients, covering them in soap and then using her body for a 'body-body' massage – a sandwich of two masseuses.
Although Bangkok has a reputation for wild and rowdy nightlife, it goes way beyond the out-dated sordid image from the Vietnam days. The city is safe, relaxed and fun and most importantly a night out in Bangkok doesn't have to break the bank.
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Nightlife
