character, and in many ways it is what keeps the pulse of Bangkok
beating 24 hours a day. For Thais, sanuk can be had in a variety of
entertaining ways – whether it be sipping a leisurely sunset cocktail
at a stunning riverside bar, getting down to the latest DJ-spun dance
beats at one of the city’s mega-hip nightclubs, or enjoying the dulcet
tones of a top international singer at an intimate lounge bar, there is
never a typical night out in this vibrant and happening metropolis.
As Bangkok proudly struts into the new millennium, its entertainment
scene is more chic and cosmopolitan than those found in many of the
world’s most fashionable cities. Bangkok’s top nightspots are
incredibly stylish in both décor and clientele. Many are nestled in
wonderfully unique locales like the rooftop of a brand new skyscraper,
such as wine and cigar bar Distil with its breathtaking panoramas, or
within the lush grounds of a stunning boutique hotel, as with Zuk Bar
at The Sukhothai.
Dining and entertainment often meld together as fabulous restaurants
like Bed Supperclub feature DJs and art performances, in a gleaming
white, futuristic pod where as the name suggests, you are fed on beds.
Face Bar, meanwhile, is a sumptuous throwback of Asian heritage set
among ponds and palm trees. Whatever arouses, Bangkok beckons….Read more
Talented, home-grown DJs and renowned international mixmasters spin
a diverse range of dance beats at some of Asia’s best club nights. Head
to ultra-trendy lounge bars like Sukhumvit Road’s Q-Bar, or the suave
and slick Met Bar at the Metropolitan hotel, and gyrate to cutting-edge
dance beats from New York, London and Ibiza.
Bangkok’s hotel lobby lounges, too, have become much more than
places to relax before checking in. Many have become popular in-spots
for city residents – sophisticated venues featuring some of the best
entertainers in town. Diplomat Bar at the elegant Conrad hotel has a
constant line up of the capital’s best crooners, while other high-end
hotels feature talented live artists from abroad who dazzle their
audiences with jazz, R&B, hip-hop and Latin.
Many of the capital’s liveliest bars and clubs are centred on the
downtown districts around Silom, Sathorn, and Sukhumvit roads. Silom
Soi 4 is a narrow lane of pumping dance music and trendy chill-out bars
that attracts a wide array of youthful hipsters, while Soi Convent,
located opposite, is a busy tree-lined avenue with bars and restaurants
catering to various tastes.
Outside the main entertainment trails, many of Bangkok’s hottest
nightspots can be found along popular suburban sidestreets such as Soi
Tong Lor and Ekkamai. In particular, urban poseurs revel in Tong Lor’s
design-oriented shopping and entertainment enclave, H1. The impressive,
modern mall is a first for Bangkok, boasting boutique entertainment
outlets, including the artsy Chi bar. Immortalised in the hit movie The
Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the famous traveller’s strip of Khao
San Road is a fun and lively neighbourhood that even the wealthiest
visitor will enjoy.
If you prefer your leisure with a traditional twist, there are
several lavishly costumed classical-dance and drama performances
offered as all-inclusive dining packages at atmospheric local venues.
Another cultural dining experience can be found aboard the candlelit
comfort of the Marriott Riverside hotel’s Manhora, a converted,
teakwood rice barge. Marvel at the capital’s historic landmarks with a
gentle cruise along the ‘River of Kings’. As you return to land, the
most difficult decision you have to make is which of Bangkok’s many
pulsating bars and clubs to head to next. Enjoy!
