Bangkok's vibrant nightlife scene offers and infinite
number of bars to choose from-far too many to list here. To help you sample
the city's finest nightlife establishments, I 've selected those that stand
out from the crowd.
For a quiet pint of ale and pot
of beef stew, there's a reasonable selection of Irish and English-themed
pubs, popular amongst homesick expatriates and satellite junkies. Live music
fans are also well catered for at a number of jazz, blues and rock venues.
Alternatively, trendy bars and cocktail lounges attract the well-heeled and
beautiful, drawn by international guest Djs, slick drinks and cutting-edge
design. Nightclub require photo ID and typically charge THB200-600 for entry
(which covers the first two drinks). Bangkok's legendary club scene,
although suffering lately due to the early closing law, still offers
excellent opportunities to party, whatever your persuasion.
The lively Silom / Sathorn commercial district is a throbbing nightlife
centre. From sophisticated cocktail lounges to the glaring go-go bars in
Patpong, it has something for everyone. The city's gay scene is also busiest
here, with the highest concentration of options centred around Silom Soi 2
and 4, and the sleazier Surawong Road. Thailand, consequently, is one of the
world's gay-friendliest countries, and the capital has a wide choice of bars
and clubs catering to both foreigners and the local community.
Sukhumvit, Bangkok's major and often choked thoroughfare, is home not only
to excellent dining choices but also some of the city's best nightspots. If
you want to bar-hop, you 'll have to take either a taxi or tuk-tuk, as
Sukhumvit Road and its myriad adjoining sois are spread over a sizeable
area. Soi 11 is the best choice, with Q Bar and Bed Supperclub leading the
way in international style nightlife, plus great dining. For those drawn to
the more colourful side of nightlife there are two adult entertainment
zones-Nana Plaza (off Soi 4) and Soi Cowboy (off Asoke/Soi 2) - both
offering an array of pubs and go-bars.
Other busy
nightlife areas include Banglamphu, the backpacker enclave around Khao San
Road and Royal City Avenue (RCA) a lively strip of bars and clubs where
hordes of young Thais congregate on the weekend.
Here list
the top of the crop to help you achieve that perfect night out.
Face Bangkok
29 Sukhumvite Soi 38 /Tel.02 7136048 / BTS Thong Lor /
www.face-bangkok.com Jim Thompsom, move over. Face's visually stunning complex is reminiscent of
Jim's former mansion, with Ayuthaya-style buildings and thriving flora, it's
just bigger and bolder The Face Bar is a dimly-lit place that summons deluxe
drinkers with its cosy settees, ambient soundscape, and giant cocktails. Though often
empty, the big drink list will stop your body clock pretty fast. The two
restaurants - Hazara serving Northern Indian and Lan Na Thai serving
traditional Thai - are full of fab all - Asian decor; they 're
romantic and inviting , but many are let down by the tiny portions, and the
flamboyant prices. Stay in the bar and order from the snack menu instead.
HU'U
The Ascott Building 187 South Sathorn Rd. /
BTS Chong
Nonsi /Tel 02 6766676
/ www.huuinasia.com The multi-functional conglomerate of lounge/bar/restaurant/gallery
borders on the verge of over-stylishness, but it's a neat place to down a
few fab cocktails. Suffused in dim tones, the huge place is impressively
styled with dark woods that are complemented by soft-coloured silk sofas.
The open atrium combines a tall bar ( check out the striking liquor shelf)
with marble-topped, communal tables and a sleek mezzanine restaurant serving
global fare. Hu'u (pronounced "who") is calm and atmospheric, and is meant
to cater to social hightfliers, but too often, you'll find it devoid of
those. Nevertheless, the inventive soundtrack of chill house and lounge
tracks and the amazing cocktail menu are worth an hour or two of your time.
Perfect for pre-cubbing.
Cheap Charlie's
Sukhumvit Soi 11 / Tel 02 2534648 Bangkok's most bizarre bar is little more than a wooden
shack with a couple of barstools surrounding it, a makeshift kiosk
really. Every night, an eclectic mix of tourists and foreign residents
populates the stools - be prepared to stand. The prices are unbelievably low
- you can get a G&T for THB60.- while beer sells for THB50.-. No girlie bar
, the unique place is heavily stuffed with oddities collected over the 20
years this Bangkok institution's been in operation. Buffalo skulls,
beehives, tribal masks and sex toys hang down from rafters, while the
bar is stocked with an impressive range of alcohol. Beware to "only piss in
toilets", as one sign warns you. Ask the patrons about the bar' countless
myths. Go down Soi 11 and take the first left. The perfect place to while
away some sweaty, boozy hours amidst experienced barflies.
Syn Bar
Nai Lert Park Swissotel, 2 Witthayu Rd. / BTS
PloenChit / Tel 02 2530123 www.nailertpark.swissotel.com This swanky, swanky hotel hangout does raise some bars, especially when
it comes to style. You'll spend half an hour taking it all in- the
suspended, translucent bubble chairs, the atmosphous couches, the ornate
lighting. The completely glass-encased bar screams retro-future. Think 1960s
ovalism, 1970s fluidity, and still you haven't arrived. No doubt
spectacular, flashy and upscale, the bar doewn't particularly drown in
cosiness The vast drinks menu lists a lot of signature cocktails, though the
Asian--inspired martinis and spicy creations (Wasabi Mary) are way better
than the Seven Deadly Syns. The super-stylish bar opened with much aod a few
of months ago, but there are nights when you have it all to yourself,
despite the cool, faux-club DJ-mixed sounds . That's Bangkok bar life for
you
Aqua
Four Seasons Hotel, Ratchadamri Rd, /
Tel 02 2541137
Laid back setting with comfy sofas and music at conversational level. At
times, Aqua feels more like a park than a bar, and since its renovation,
loungers can feel even closer to nature with the roof opened to the
night sky. If you see little ducklings waddling by, no, you haven't had
too much to drink; it's just the resident army of waterfowl out on their
evening march. The ducks as well as the punters love the misty fans in
this cool "outdoor" hangout.
Bacchus
20/6-7 Ruam Rudi, Ploenchit / Tel 02 6508986
This modern and stylish four-story venue is one of Bangkok's few wine
bars, boasting over 200 handpicked wines by the bottle, proper stemware
(over 10 different glasses) and a tapas menu with suggested wine
pairings. The bar is also stocked with over 200 liquors, including rare
whiskies and sake. At night a DJ spins chill-out and lounge music; a
jazz quartet performs every Saturday. On the top floor, a lounge area
offers sky views.
Bamboo Bar
G/F, The Oriental, 48 Oriental Avenue
Tel 02 659 9000 ext 7690 - 1 In Bangkok, Bamboo Bar is synonymous with jazz. Everyone knows
it, everyone loves it, not everyone can afford it. But never mind that.
If you have the penchant for it, this is a five-star night out. Bask
luxuriously on tiger and leopard skin-upholstered chairs and relish
jazzy tunes from internationally-renowned divas. Blue bloods, tycoons
and celebrities (local and international) have all enjoyed it. Treat
yourself to an evening rubbing shoulders with the creme de la creme.
Blur
1983 New Petchburi Rd. / Tel 02 7166677
The outdoor area has turned into a simple al fresco chill space decked
out with a slew of leather-uphol-stered beds providing a view of the
swimming pool. Go indoors where you 'll find two sections with different
vibes. The main room provides a vivid live music experience. House bands
play a rotation soundtrack of Thai pop, rock and indie tunes and Mr. DJ
fills the breaks with local hits. The adjacent dance abode had thumping
hip-hop resonating from the psychedelic DJ booth. Black stools are
scattered throughout, and a classy chandelier hangs overheads.
Diplomat Bar
Lobby Level, Conrad Bangkok, All Season Place /
Tel 02 690 9999 At Diplomat Bar (so named for the embassies in the area), you'll
rub shoulders with the high-powered executive types, the hi-so
pretentious types and perhaps even a real live diplomat or two. The
80-seat lobby bar is of contemporary Asian style, decorated in silks,
teak and bronze. If you can't find a seat on any of the teak sofas
covered with silk cushions, head to the huge round bar in the middle. Be
dazzled by sultry jazz and blues from international singers.
Distil
The Dome, state Tower, 1055/111 Silom Rd.
Tel 02 624 9555
The 64th floor of the State Tower is going strong as a popular and posh spot
to wine and dine. The elegant bar is located inside the Dome, offering an
indoor alternative to the ritzy Sirocco and sky Bar. It's a place to chill
while sipping on delicious cocktails, nibbling on oysters and chewing on a
huge Cuban cigar. Find your space at either the oval bar or the lounge sleek
sofas with low tables. The dim lighting enhances the mood. There's also an
outdoor alternative. On the terrace, roomy sofa beds line the rails with
huge pillows to snuggle into. Enjoy the panoramic view of the capital and
the Chao Phraya River - great for a romantic courtship. The DJ spins groovy
chill-out tunes.
Fogo Vivo
G/F and Basement, President Tower,
Ploenchit Rd. Lumpini / Tel 02 6560384 / www.fogovivo.com
The vibe at Fogo Vivo, a Latin bar for drinking and dancing, is modern
with cool mood lighting , contemporary furniture and lots of wood
accents. It's a classy place, especially upstairs where there are cozy
booths, an island bar, cigars and a large selection of spirits. The
signature "caipirinha" is made from fresh limes and the Brazilian liquor
cachaca.
Huntsman Pub
Basement, Landmark Hotel, Sukhumvit Rd.,
Tel 02 2540404
British style pub with good solid food and many tempting drink
promotions. Set in cozy brick-wall ambiance, this dim lit pub is good
for drinking talking and even watching games. Live music by the
favorite Filippino band.
Met Bar
G/F, The Metropolitan, 27 South Sathorn Rd.
Tel 02 6253333
Hailing from London is this exclusive, swanky, lounge style,
members-only 100-seater. Laze elegantly on low leather sofas amid soft
lighting and wine-red walls. Swig on one of the 40 martinis concocted by
professional mixologists. Sway to chill-out, latin, jazz and funky
London beats while schmoozing with the creme de la creme of trendy
society. They also have a Thai dining menu, 5-11 pm.
My Bar
Lobby level, The Dusit Thani, 946 Rama 4 Rd.
Tel 02 2009000 ext 2999
The minimalist bar with Thai-inspired mirrored mosaic walls under the
high sandstone ceiling allows you to bask and imbibe in style. Lounge in
armchairs with low tables or the long sofas lining the contemporary Thai
print fabric wall. Or snuggle with silk pillows on the huge sofa bed.
The choice is your. Relish a repertoire of jazz, blues, R & B, gospel
and dance numbers by international jazz divas and a three-piece band.
Cock your ears to chill-out, lounge and funky grooves during the breaks.
V9
37/F, Sofitel Silom, 188 Silom Rd.
Tel 02 2381991 ext 1351
One of the city's most popular wine bars, V9 boasts an extensive range
of imported premium wine at reasonable prices. Munch on refined world
cuisine in the groovy area. Relish the view of the capital from the 37th
floor while listening to funk and chill-out tunes by international and
local DJs.
