Nightlife in Thailand

Thailand's reputation for seedy bars and gogo dancers is not only unfair, it is also inaccurate. Although parts of Bangkok and Pattaya undoubtedly fit this image, there are also areas in these and other Thai destinations that provide varied and totally different forms of entertainment, everything from live music to performance art and a chic club scene.

The capital is the obvious place to find the widest choice of entertainment and Bangkok is divided in to several zones when it comes to nightlife. Silom is one of the most famous areas for tourists, not least because it is home to the infamous Patpong, a street full of girl bars and sex shows. But Patpong and the streets that surround it also hide a more sophisticated side that includes fine restaurants, cool bars and hi-energy dance venues. Another popular nightlife zone is Sukhumvit Road, one of Bangkok's central arteries with a whole host of world class shopping, dining and nightlife options. The small side streets or sois off Sukhumvit Road boast an incredible array of bars and clubs. Popular venues include QBar and Bed Supperclub on soi 11, as well as Santika, Escobar and Ice in Thonglor (Soi 55) and Ekkamai (Soi 63). Khao San Road, the famed backpacker area in Bangkok, has recently moved upscale, especially in terms of its nightlife. Silk Bar and Cinnamon are both swish venues, while Brick Bar offers great live music and a buzzing atmosphere.

Beyond Bangkok, Chiang Mai is also a great place to party. Riverside Pub on the Mae Ping River s a long-standing favorite for food and fun, along with The Brasserie just down the strip. On the club scene, Bubbles, located in the basement of the Porn Ping Hotel attracts a mixed crowd of Thais and foreigners, with DJs spinning the latest tunes, while Spicy is a popular after hours destination. The Monkey Club on Nimminheimin Road offers a cooler vibe in Chiang Mai's trendy northern suburb.

Down on the islands, the nightlife scene is equally vibrant. Phuket and Koh Samui both have everything from exclusive private clubs to bamboo beach bars. On Phuket, Patong is the main tourist area with literally hundreds of food and drink options. Soi Bangla is the most famous party zone, but you can also visit other areas with their own scene such as Kata and Karon, as well as the upmarket Surin Beach area. Similarly, Koh Samui's Green Mango street in Chaweng is lined with bars and clubs, while Bophut Fisherman's village offers a more laid back beach-side atmosphere. Pattaya is also a great place for a night out.

Elsewhere in Thailand, the nightlife tends to cater to the local population. In Isaan, dining out is the main form of entertainment and country bars or karaoke bars offer the late night alternative. Festivals are also a great way to experience a Thai party. Nightclubs exist, of course, but they tend to cater mainly for a young Thai crowd.

Thailand Nightlife