Bars and Nightlife

Bangkok is the party capital of Southeast Asia thanks to a diverse nightlife scene that encompasses everything from the backpacker pubs of Khao San Road, to the low-key cocktail lounges on the Chao Phraya River, to the ultra-swanky sky bars downtown. No matter your style, you’ll find a party to fit your mood in Bangkok.

Rattanakosin Island

Tai Soon Bar $$ — The Tai Soon Bar is famous among the local community for its rotating menu of craft beer from Thai breweries alongside international options. The bar is inside a restored medicine shop and has a funky vibe of exposed brick walls, red lanterns, and wooden tables.

Where: 188 Maha chai road, samranrat, Phra Nakorn Bangkok, Thailand 10200

There Bar & Cafe $ — A short walk from the noisy bars and persistent touts of Khao San Road lies the There Bar & Cafe, a beer garden perfect for chilling with friends or swapping tales with fellow travelers. The bar comes complete with expansive outdoor seating, and has cheap cocktails, local and imported beers, and a menu of inexpensive Thai food.

Where: 196 3-14 Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Eagle Nest $$ — Perched atop the 3rd floor of the Sala Arun boutique hotel, the Eagle Nest is a funky bar with excellent cocktails and an extensive beer and wine selection. The real reason to come to the Eagle Nest is the view of Wat Arun and the Chao Phraya River. Visit the bar in the late afternoon and sip drinks while watching the sun slip behind the temples as boats cruise along the river.

Where: Soi Phen Pi Marn,Tha Tien, Phrabarommaharajchawang Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Chinatown

TEP Bar — Centered around Thai culture, TEP Bar is a standout in an area that has several small pubs. The bar has no signage and is located down a narrow side street, so simply discovering it can be a joy in itself. The bar’s ambiance is shaped at night by a band playing traditional Thai instruments, and the inventive drink menu has cocktails made with local herbs and liquors.

Where: 69, 71 Yi Sip Song Karakadakhom 4 Alley, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

23 Bar and Gallery $ — This dive bar and art gallery has walls covered in magic-marker graffiti and art pieces. It’s a fun and lively place with an enticing atmosphere that draws in anyone who appreciates drinking while surrounded by modern art. The friendly, English-speaking staff plays mostly British rock music, like Rolling Stones and Oasis.

Where: Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

Silom

Jack’s Bar $ — Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Silom, Jack’s Bar has one of the best locations of any dive bar in the world. Jack’s is always busy with a mix of tourists and locals, all enjoying cheap beer and spicy Thai food while watching longtail boats cruise along the river.

Where: 62/1 Wat Suan Phlu Alley, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

DJ Station — This multi-level dance club is considered one of Bangkok’s best gay bars. DJ Station is extremely popular, with a packed dance floor on weekends. The nightly 11 PM drag shows feature singers and dancers in elaborate costumes.

Where: 11 Soi Si Lom 2/1, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Shenanigans $$ — This convivial Irish pub and sports bar offers a break for road-weary travelers from Europe and the US in need of a taste of home. The menu features Western favorites like hamburgers and bangers and mash, and the bar has dozens of imported beers on tap. Shenanigans plays international sporting events on big screen televisions.

Where: 840 Thanon Surawong, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

The Stranger Bar $ — The Stranger Bar, also known as the House of Drag Queens, is famous for its nightly drag shows and friendly yet sassy service. The drink menu has shots with charged names, like the golden shower, and many others you’ll need to see for yourself. The bar also hosts LGBTQ-themed events throughout the year.

Where: 114, 14 Silom 4 Alley, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Sukhumvit

Brewski $$ — Brewski is the love-child of a swanky sky bar and neighborhood pub. Perched atop a skyscraper on Sukhumvit, this unpretentious beer bar has more than 18 taps and more than 100 craft beer and cider options. The food menu features options like deep-fried paneer poppers, beer ceviche, and a two-foot-long chili dog served on a meter-long cutting board.

Where: Radisson Blu Plaza 489 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Speakeasy $$$ — Situated on the 24th and 25th floors of a downtown building, Speakeasy is an upscale bar with a US-in-the-1920s theme. An award-winning head mixologist designed the menu of classics and original cocktails. Speakeasy is known for what it shakes and stirs, but also serves craft beer and wine.

Where: 55/555 Langsuan Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand, 10330 Bangkok, Thailand

Beer Republic $$ — This enormous bar with a friendly and attentive staff is a paradise for beer connoisseurs, and features more than 90 beers. Beer Republic hosts live bands on weekends, and the restaurant has large tables for groups. The street-facing counter at the front of the bar overlooks Sukhumvit Road and offers a good vantage to watch the street life while having a drink.

Where: 971 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Ari

Cat on the Roof $$ — This stylish yet casual bar is indicative of the unpretentious nightlife scene in Ari. Cat on the Roof, perched atop a four-story building, has indoor and outdoor seating with views of the Skytrain, skyscrapers, and streets below. The bar hosts live music on weekends and has a menu of classic Thai food.

Where: 466/1-3 Phahonyothin Rd, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Forte Live Music and Bar & Bistro — Live bands play seven nights a week in this cozy and lively bar. The food menu has typical Thai fare along with bar food like french fries, onion rings, and chicken wings.

Where: Ari hills building, Bangkok 10400 Thailand

Thong Lo

Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar $$$ — Atop a skyscraper with moody lighting and a live DJ, Octave is one of the most stylish sky bars in the city. Come for the happy hour from 5 to 7 PM for half-price cocktails and to watch the sunset from above the city.

Where: Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok, Thailand 10110

Tuba $$ — The eclectic decor of superhero mannequins, Buddha statues, modern art, and antiques make Tuba one of the quirkiest bars in Bangkok. Aside from the funky atmosphere, this multi-roomed bar is great fun, always busy with a mix of locals, expats and tourists. If you have a big enough group, you can reserve the upstairs room with a pool table.

Where: 21 Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

W Market $-$$ — The W Market is a beer garden surrounded by casual food stalls. Popular with singles, this is a fun spot to meet new people and make friends while sampling from the variety of bars and food stalls. The outdoor stage hosts live bands on weekends.

Where: W Market, W District Sukhumvit 69-71, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Khao San Road

The road itself $ — The best way to party on Khao San Road is to buy a beer from a street vendor and walk down the road looking for a bar that suits your style. Along the street, you’ll see a range of drinking holes — some with ear-splitting live music and dancing patrons, others with communal tables ideal for hanging out with friends. As the night progresses, the music gets louder, and the party spills into the street.

Where: Khao San Road

The Club Khaosan $$ — If you’re looking to dance the night away, The Club Khaosan is the place to go. The three-story club hosts international DJs along with local artists. Take a break from the dancing on the multi-tiered seating area out front and watch the street life on Khao San.

Where: 123 Khaosan Rd, Taladyod Pranakorn Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Khaosan Comedy Club $$ — For a break from the bar scene, The Khaosan Comedy Club has a nightly 9 PM show featuring internationally recognized and up-and-coming comedians. The shows, which consistently get rave reviews, are held in a small club on the ground floor of the Khaosan Park Hotel.

Where: 202 Khaosan Rd, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Gypsy Lips $$ — If Khao San Road gets to be too much, a block away is Gypsy Lips, a low-key bar known for its delicious cocktails and funky music. Here, you can have a conversation with your friends or fellow travelers without having to shout.

Where: Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand