I know there are some fabulous shows at bars, restaurants that aren't necessarily the "famous" ones. I'm interested in burlesque type shows (ie ladyboy) but also any thing that's different and interesting including classical Thai dance, etc. I know about Calypso, Mambo, Loy Nuba (?), but anything a little off the beaten track that's not to be missed?
Your recommendations are appreciated.

the lady boy show at the asia hotel is quite enjoyable and fun.. calypso cabaret.....book tickets on line for the best seats....the theater is very small so there is no bad seat...

the dance performance at the oriental's theatre across the river from the hotel is well regarded.....it is in combo with a so so meal...

god only knows what "shows" go on in some of the bars on soi cowboy, nana section and patpong...

there was a huge cultural show whose name escapes me, but it was something like Nir...., but i think that may have ended its performances....

check out the bangkok post for entertainment offerings...

carol loves the tarawang brewery, which she will speak about i imagine....they have a stage show in thai....

the suan lum night market, on wireless rd has nitely entertainment and the joe lewis puppet theatre is there also

If you go to Calypso Cabaret, have a drink but not dinner.

Sala Rim Nam is the most famous dinner show. It's a large Thai buffet with classical Thai dancing put on by the Oriental Hotel.

Siam Niramit is the huge cultural show that is staged...but it's a trek. We loved the Calypso show...get tickets early online for front row middle seat and your guy will get special attention. For details, see my trip report "SE Asia: Its So Hot"

Tawandang, Rama III, is a fun venue. It can now be accessed from the Chong Nonsi BTS (skytrain) station, via the BRT bus, although a taxi would be a bit more comfy.

Siam Niramit is a great show, but their pre-show buffet is simply awful. I would recommend the show, but have dinner elsewhere. You can easily access Siam Niramit via their shuttle, which runs from the Thailand Cultural Center MRT (subway) station.

Thanks all! I know we'll do a some of these. Sounds like -do what you can to avoid the food, but enjoy the show...good to know. Also, we're contemplating an evening in Soi Cowboy to see one of the rather unusual shows there. If we do it,we'll see what we can do to avoid getting very ripped off. I've read some bad stories about what can happen with cover charges, but i'm awfully curious about what I've heard those girls can do.

Don't eat the fruit platter, whatever you do.

The shows are pretty mild for most seasoned world travelers

Don't hold the balloons too close to your face!

is soi cowboy a cultural show?

Thanks all! We're off to Thailand tomorrow morning and very excited. We'll let you know what shows we see and what we do on our trip. Cheers!

we look forward to your reporting....

Can't rave enough about Tawandang Brewery! The stage show there is fantastic. It's an interesting mix of traditional Thai music and dance, hip hop, 80s, Lady Gaga, etc etc etc. Too much to try to describe. Something to see for yourself!

BTW, the food at Tawandang is also fantastic, as is their own brewed beer.

and the place is L O U D

We arrived in Bangkok late Thursday, slept soundly at the Best Western near the airport (which was a really awesome hotel btw) and arrived at the Sala Samui today. It's gorgeous here, and the internet is free, so I'm just checking the Fodor's site and saw that there were more responses to my question. It's nice to see that one's friends are always there! Thanks for your responses!

Have a great time , look forward to details.

how far was the hotel from the airport? pool?

Sue...When do you arrive in Bangkok? I'm hoping to arrive on about the 18th. I'm waiting to snatch up a last minute frequent flier ticket in first class, and they have not yet 'reached ahead' as far as my target date. Keep your fingers crossed for me ...

Planning to fly down to Samui for 2-3 nights, maybe longer. I hope the weather is nice by about the 25th/26th of this month.

Have fun!

Carol