Bangkok's Nightlife

Bangkok’s reputation for cool is not well known. Sure, the weather is ridiculously hot most of the time, and the city burdened by the poverty and pollution of any major urban center. The foreign press usually latches on to stories of political unrest and prostitution. As any one who has visited Thailand’s “City of Angels” ( translated from “Kreung Thep”, as it is called in Thai) knows that this is not the case. Bangkok’s less-publicized nightlife is as hip, interesting, and diverse as any city in Asia.

Clubs like Q-Bar, Bed Supperclub, and Mystique host internationally known DJs, and also have Thailand’s best DJs spinning on a regular basis. The music is not the grinding elecrtonica or remixed pop so popular several years ago, but a hip mix of cutting edge western beats, Indian rhythms, and local flair. As far as Electronic music goes, Bangkok is definitely moving forward.

While these Sukumvit venues are definitely the epicenter of the DJing scene, there are a couple of notable alternatives. Places like Cafe Democ, on Khao San Road are convenient and in the price range of the backpacker set. These places have a little scene of there own and have become quite trendy for young Thai’s as well as foreign tourists. Young Thai’s also hang out on the nightclubs at Ratchadapisek Road. This nightlife area is home to more run of the mill mega-sized dance clubs, and is frequented by young Thais. This is the place to go if you want a bit of local flavor.

Bangkok’s live music scene is thriving. There is a trickle of big name international acts, most of whom play in a sterile arena setting. But the local music scene reaches high energy nightly. Bangkok’s huge independent music scene is unique to mainland Southeast Asia. Smaller clubs might have several local groups performing in a single night. The intimate settings of these venues, and the musical vibes are a great experience. Musicians will often hang around after their set to socialize.

For some nonmusical entertainment, there are nightly bouts at several Bangkok venues. Muay Thai is a distinctly Thai martial art. The fights are preceded by a traditional ritual dance and accompanied by traditional folk music. Betting is allowed inside the arenas, so before the fight and in between rounds, there is a frenzy of activity as money changes hands and odds are signaled via a set of incomprehensible hand movements. Lumpini Stadium on Rama IV Road is a good place to watch nightly beginning at about 6 p.m..

Bangkok has a high energy nightlife with numerous options to suit virtually anyone’s taste.