Andrea Larice YapAnyone who has been to the Land of Smiles will know that there is an endless list of things to do — especially in Bangkok. From thrilling day adventures and shopping local finds, to visiting historical places and other top tourist spots, the capital city has a lot in store. Another thing to tick off on your BKK bucket list should definitely be experiencing the local nightlife culture. That said, we’ve gathered a list of the best Bangkok bars and nightclubs worthy of your attention!
Also read: How to Travel Safely in Thailand in 2022: Tips & All You Need to Know
Best bars in Bangkok to experience the local culture
1. Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree
Image credit: Vertigo and Moon Bar Official Facebook Page
Located on the 61st floor of luxury hotel Banyan Tree, Vertigo and Moon Bar treats you to outstanding views. This rooftop bar in Bangkok offers European dishes; from tender seafood to perfectly charred premium steaks, complemented by their extensive cocktail menu. Enjoy an elevated grill-and-bar dining experience when you’re atop one of the best luxury bars in the city centre!
Location: 21/100 S Sathon Rd, Khwaeng Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
2. Wallflowers Upstairs
Image credit: Wallflowers Cafe Official Facebook Page
While Wallflowers Upstairs doesn’t exactly offer sky-high cityscape views, it treats you to views of the rustic Chinatown laneway. What this rooftop bar lacks in stature, makes up for every other aspect that attracts the Bangkok nightlife scene. Think evening eats and garden-themed social drinks, live music, and charming ambience care of vintage furnishings.
Location: 37 39-41 Soi Ram Maitri, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
3. Mahanakhon Skybar
Image credit: Mahanakhon Skybar Official Facebook Page
Another exceptional rooftop bar in Bangkok would be the luxurious Mahanakhon Skybar. It is Thailand’s highest restaurant, located on the 76th floor of King Power Mahanakhon, a mixed-use skyscraper located in the business district. Here, you can take your pick among lunch and dinner set deals from various cuisines like French, American, and Thai. Choose among their extensive list of classic evening cocktails and over 100 curated wines. However, its most distinctive feature would be the glass skywalk — an observation deck 314 metres high offering 360° views of the city.
Location: 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand
4. TEP BAR
Image credit: TEP BAR Official Facebook Page
TEP BAR, also called Cultural Bar of Thailand, gives you a dose of Bangkok’s traditional herb liquor called ya dong. This homemade rice whiskey and herb concoction is a crowd favourite among the local working class and is often preferred over other alcoholic beverages. Enjoy it in shots or through handcrafted cocktails for a hint of sweetness, best served with Thai tapas. Food talk aside, TEP BAR is often frequented for its great ambience and entertainment care of traditional Thai music.
Location: 69, 71 Yi Sip Song Karakadakhom 4 Alley, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
5. The Bamboo Bar
The Bamboo Bar has grown to become a renowned institution frequented by music enthusiasts from around the world. Its humble origins started in 1953 and have retained its sensual 50s ambience until today. This low-lit jazz and blues bar is decked out in dark wood, marble furnishings, and rattan decor that add to its sophisticated charm.
The Bamboo Bar’s award-winning team of mixologists serve well-crafted drinks and cocktails that keep conversations going. Here, your evenings will also be fueled with great entertainment by live bands and acclaimed singers. Ultimately, it’s a great spot to witness a different side of the Bangkok nightlife culture.
Location: 48 Oriental Ave, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
6. Teens of Thailand
Image credit: Teens of Thailand Official Facebook Page
Teens of Thailand is a chill and cool spot tucked inside a small alley on Soi Nana, a rather small laneway of shophouses near Chinatown. They serve up a low-key and relaxed drinking experience that most hidden Bangkok bars are known for. Feel your worries and anxieties fizzle away when you’re behind the foreboding wooden doors of TOT. They’re always “ready to welcome useless teens and useless mid-life crisis people who love to drink” — until after hours!
Location: 76 Soi Nana (Rammaitree), Pomprab, Pomprabsattruphai Bangkok, Thailand 10100
Also read: Beyond Cheap Eats & Night Markets: 5 More Things to Do in Bangkok for a Unique Holiday
Popular Bangkok nightclubs for the best evening out in the city
7. Route 66
Image credit: Route 66 Official Website
Route 66 is located in Royal City Avenue (RCA), the epicentre of the Bangkok nightlife and clubbing scene. This expansive nightclub features three stages for live music, a DJ floor, and a huge outdoor seating area. That said, Route 66 is the largest entertainment and clubbing spot in the city, with an incredible crowd and atmosphere to boot. Here, you can dance the night away to tech, electro, EDM, and dance music by famous local and international DJs!
Location: 29/33-48 Soi Soonvijai-Rama9 Rama 9 Road Bangkok, Bangkapi, 10310, Thailand
8. Babyface Superclub
Image credit: Babyface Superclub Official Facebook Page
Another all-time favourite nightclub among Thais would be Babyface Superclub, also in the RCA. This upscale EDM club features trendy and futuristic interiors that appear visually pleasing to any party-goer. The club is divided into two zones: the main area where you can find the DJ booth and dance floor, and the VIP section.
As for booze, you can expect a wide selection of alcoholic beverages from whiskey and champagnes to beers and cocktails. You can choose whichever tingles your tastebuds, since they have pretty much everything in-house!
Location: 90 Soi Sukhumvit 63, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
9. Sing Sing Theater
Image credit: Sing Sing Theater Official Facebook Page
Sing Sing Theater features a retro-futuristic Chinese-style concept reminiscent of 1930s Shanghai. This low-lit dance club has a main area or dance floor, mezzanines, and not-so-secret hidden backrooms. Expect this popular BKK nightclub to be packed with locals and expats getting down to a great mix of house music and hip-hop. As for beverages, premium liquors and signature cocktails await you!
Location: 45 Sukhumvit 45 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
10. TopOne Club Bangkok
Image credit: TopOne Club Bangkok Official Facebook Page
Hop on board TopOne Club Bangkok, the city’s first mega club designed like a spaceship. It is one of the most popular Bangkok bars and nightclubs, with complete light and sound system that can compete with the best music festivals. Their lineup of local and globally renowned DJs will set you up for the best clubbing experience like no other, bringing mostly EDM and house music.
TopOne’s main floor can accommodate up to 2,000 ravers and visitors, while its second floor comprises 12 private karaoke rooms. The third floor features a banquet room that can accommodate up to 100 people. This extravagant three-story nightclub will surely get you the most bang for your buck!
Location: 278 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
Also read: 20 Bucket List Experiences for First-Timers in Bangkok!
However you choose to explore the city’s nightlife scene, these Bangkok bars and nightclubs will surely be a treat to the senses. Great music, extensive menus, and atmospheres like no other — can it be any more exciting? Truly, this city never sleeps with its booming and buzzing nightlife scene!
