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The city that was once notorious for its raunchy sex trade is now entertaining a burgeoning class of professionals hungry for thumping discos, trendy cocktail lounges, and swanky rooftop bars. There are also stricter rules that limit the sale of alcohol (11 pm from stores). Most bars and clubs close around 2 am, though nighthawk
The city that was once notorious for its raunchy sex trade is now entertaining a burgeoning class of professionals hungry for thumping discos, trendy cocktail lounges, and swanky rooftop bars. There are also stricter rules that limit the sale of alcohol (11 pm from stor
The city that was once notorious for its raunchy sex trade is now entertaining a burgeoning class of professionals hungr
The city that was once notorious for its raunchy sex trade is now entertaining a burgeoning class of professionals hungry for thumping discos, trendy cocktail lounges, and swanky rooftop bars. There are also stricter rules that limit the sale of alcohol (11 pm from stores). Most bars and clubs close around 2 am, though nighthawks can probably find a place or two open until 5 or 6.
There are a few notable nightlife sections: the area off Sukhumvit Soi 55 (also called Soi Thonglor) is full of bars and nightclubs; Sukhumvit Soi 11 has evolved into a hot-and-heavy bar and club hangout, and trendy and happening new places are springing up around Sathorn Road and the adjoining Suan Phlu.
If you want to take a walk on the wild side, Bangkok still has three thriving red-light districts: Patpong, Nana Plaza, and Soi Cowboy. Patpong, the largest and most touristy, includes three streets that run between Surawong and Silom roads. Nana Plaza, at Sukhumvit Soi 4, is packed with three floors of hostess bars, go-go clubs, and ladyboy clubs. Soi Cowboy, off Sukhumvit Road at Soi 21 (the Asok intersection), is where many expats go, finding it slightly more relaxed and less of a tourist trap than Patpong or Nana.
Even though it may not seem like it, live sex shows are officially banned and prostitution is illegal. The government doesn't always turn a blind eye, so exercise caution and common sense.
There's no cocktail menu at this hidden speakeasy from legendary Bangkok mixologist Joseph Boroski: you simply tell the bartender what you're in the mood for and you'll get something special, made with dashes of rare ingredients.
Thonglor (Sukhumvit 55) Soi 9, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
This bar distinguishes itself with a tropical feel that is generally elusive in Bangkok—you can drink your cocktails by the river, either in a traditional sala or on outdoor sofas. To get here you need to sail about 30 minutes from Saphan Taksin Pier on one of the Anantara resort's dedicated boats, which can be quite pleasant on a nice evening.
Hidden below street level next to the Novotel Bangkok Silom, Maggie Choo's is a Bangkok institution with nightly live performances of jazz and other smooth tunes. The surreal feeling of being transported back to 1930s Shanghai, with heavy vault doors and ladies in embroidered cheongsams dangling on swings, is only amplified by the stiff cocktails.
Perched on the 76th floor, this is the highest rooftop bar in the city, and with its gorgeous French-designer interiors, it never fails to impress. It's the perfect setting for a sophisticated cocktail with unparalleled views, and there's a cosmopolitan food menu ranging from Middle Eastern to Thai to French.
Decked out in red and black, this place is filled with people chilling out on comfortable couches. It used to be the place to go out in Bangkok, but those glory days seem to be over. Still, the decor is fun.
27 S. Sathorn Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10120, Thailand
The sophisticated rooftop bar adjoining the restaurant of the same name has marvelous skyline views and the finest perspective on vast Lumpini Park. It's the perfect spot to catch the sunset colors while downing a martini or glass of wine from the globe-trotting selection.
2 N. Sathorn Rd., Bangkok, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand
On any night of the week, Oskar is full of a mixed Thai and foreign crowd enjoying good cocktails and wood-fired pizzas, along with more satisfying international bites. The electronic beats spill out onto the street and eclectic DJs are regularly on board.
24 Sukhumvit, Soi 11, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
With many different beers on tap and in bottles, this very British pub tends to draw serious beer drinkers. There are also fun game nights on Wednesday and ladies' specials on Thursday.
595/10–11 Sukhumvit, Soi 33, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
Popular with locals and expats for over 30 years, the spacious Saxophone hosts some of Thailand's best rhythm and blues, jazz, blues, rock, reggae, and ska bands. There are bars on each of the three floors.
One of the city's hottest nightspots, this futuristic bowling alley, lounge, and bar has a sleek style that rivals most nightclubs. A DJ spins house music heard above the clatter of falling pins.
This stylish nightclub evokes 1930s Shanghai, with wrought-iron alcoves, spiral staircases, red lighting, and lanterns. DJs spin upbeat electronic music, beckoning some to squeeze onto the compact dance floor and others to lounge at tables and by the bar.
45 Sukhumvit Rd., Soi 45, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
The craft-beer gypsy brewers from Denmark opened up shop in Bangkok at this hideaway in a residential garden home. Around 30 brews are on tap, many of them experimental and avant-garde specimens found only at the world's few Mikkeller branches. The garden is a fine spot to relax in, and there is also a bottle shop and a popular fine-dining restaurant.
26 Ekkamai, Soi 10, Yaek 2, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
Bangkok's most venerable gay bar, the pub-style Telephone is hopping every night of the week. There are telephones on the table so you can chat up your neighbors, but very few people use them these days.
114/1 Silom, Soi 4, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand
The dance floor here meanders throughout the bar instead of concentrating in front of the DJ booth. The music is thumping, and the crowd is super trendy, very well-to-do, and able to afford the high prices. There's live music except on Monday.
The crowd at the Barbican, a split-level contemporary bar smack-dab in the middle of the Japanese soi, is a bit more stylish and hip than at other pubs. It's popular among expats and a great place to hang out with friends.
9/4–5 Soi Thaniya, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand
Dress to impress at Bed Supperclub, Bangkok's answer to cool. (There's a dress code for men, so don't expect to get in wearing shorts, tank tops or flip-flops.) The futuristic Jetsons-like bar has been all the rage since its inception, and is where all the see-and-be-seen crowd hangs out. Grab a drink and sprawl out on an enormous bed while listening to a rotating cast of DJs mix hip-hop, house, and a variety of other genres.
You can get a decent pint of beer at Bobbies Arms, a rough approximation of an English pub. This longtime favorite remains popular even with the proliferation of new pubs.
Club Ezze is a different sort of choice in RCA: a smaller venue focusing exclusively on techno music. Like the other RCA venues, it packs them in nightly.
This flashy, energetic club hosts live pop bands every night. Be prepared to pay a steep B550 entrance fee on weekends (B250 on weekdays), which does include a free drink; the price goes up B100 after 11.
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