Much of the nightlife in Bangkok is located in the 2 red light areas of Bangkok – Patpong which is between Surawong and Silom Roads and Soi Cowboy which is on Sukhumvit Road, named after the 1st bar that opened here. Bangkok’s sex industry is as thriving as ever. However, apart from a number of massage parlours and sex clubs, a wide variety of great cocktail bars and restaurants are also easily found. Most places are open until late, though nightclubs and bars are supposed to close at 1.00 am. Some places charge an admission fee but it normally includes 1 or 2 drinks. The dress code is relaxed, even though a few of the more upscale nightclubs enforce smarter dress.

Nightlife places come and go and news of the up-to-date hot spots are available in the city’s listings magazine, Bangkok Metro.

Bars

The Bull’s Head, 33/1 Sukhumvit Road, is a favourite place among the expatriates of Bangkok. This British-style pub has regular quiz and theme nights. Irish pubs are popular and the busy Dubliner Irish Pub on Sukhumvit Road (Washington Square) is no exception. A classy watering hole is The Barbican on Soi Thaniya, Silom Road which offers a great choice of drinks and good food. The attractively named Skunk, Ekamai Soi 10, Soi 63 Sukhumvit Road, draws a crowd and has interesting decor, such as car parts on the walls.

Casinos

Gambling is illegal in Thailand.

Clubs

Concept CM2 is a large disco and bar located in the underground level of the the Novotel Hotel on Siam Square, very popular, especially on Thursday, its retro night. The wonderful light and sound system and extravagant Art Deco-style of Narcissus, 112 Soi 23 Sukhumvit Road, fascinates a group of people who like house, trance and techno. Ministry of Sound, 2 Soi 12 Sukhumvit Road, has guest slots with internationally known DJs. The favourite haunt for stylish local residents and ex-pats is Q Bar, 34 Soi 11 Sukhumvit Road, which also has top international DJs. Both clubs have house to rap music.

Live music

Ad-Makers, 51 Soi Lang Suan (off Ploenchit), has many bands that play folk, pop and hard rock music and the audience often sing along. Saxophone Pub, 3/8 Victory Monument, Phayathai Road, offers excellent acoustics, a lively setting and a range of music which include funk, jazz and blues. Top-quality bands frequent La Lunar, Soi 26 Sukhumvit Road, which has a multi-screen video system and impressive lights and lasers. The Bamboo Bar in the upmarket, The Oriental (see Hotels), is an intimate, refined club, well-known for its guest jazz bands. With great live music, Radio City, Patpong Soi 1, has bands playing old rock and roll music.