Bangkok is world famous for its nightlife, especially the club and restaurant scene. But where would you go and what would you do if you only had one night in Bangkok? Depending on your tastes and inclination, there are several ways to have an unforgettable experience, even if it’s only for one night. Read on to find out which experiences in cwere made just for you.
For the Sophisticated Diner…
- Try La Table de Tee for a late night romantic dinner of Thai-fusion food or the entertainingly named restaurant No Idea for great international food at great prices.
- Have a six-course dinner with music and candlelight while cruising down the Chao Phraya River in a converted teak rice barge. Along the way take in views of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
- Watch the sun set from one of Bangkok’s exotic rooftop venues. The Sky Bar is located in Bangkok’s second tallest building, Lebua at State Tower. The view is incredible, and the live jazz isn’t too bad either.
For the Club Hopper…
Pick any night of the week and any style of club music and you’re bound to find something that strikes your fancy. However, if you’re looking for something special look no further.
- Royal City Adventure or, RCA as it’s usually called, is a designated nightlife zone. This means the clubs can stay open longer than those outside the zone so you can party that much longer. RCA clubs are favored by locals and the good ones are usually crowded. However, club 808 is worth a visit as it boasts Bangkok’s biggest sound system.
- The clubs along Khao San Road are known for their diversity and intensity. If you’re looking for a rave, try The Club. It doesn’t get much louder or crazier than this with lasers, dry ice and music that assaults all five senses.
- If you’re looking to dance until dawn – literally – try the Park Bridge club on Silom. Open until 5am, Park Bridge is trendy and hard-core, located on a sky bridge with views of the red-light district, Patpong, underneath.
For the Naughty…
Speaking of Patpong, there are plenty of places for the less-than-pure to get their party on.
- Patpong is Bangkok’s famous red-light district. Home of Thailand’s Go-Go culture, Patpong offers nearly 100 strip bars. While there is an overabundance of adult entertainment to be had, the area is very well-policed and is considered relatively safe.
- Soi Cowboy is Bangkok’s other, more laid-back red-light district. Neon lights and a carnival-like atmosphere make Soi Cowboy playful and fun. While there are quite a few bars in the district, try standouts Déjà Vu A Go Go and Sheba’s A Go Go. Both establishment have friendly staff, inexpensive drinks and put on a good show.
- Nana Entertainment Plaza is not for the meek. This is not a spot for shopping or families but rather a three-story mall filled with go-go bars and adult entertainment for the truly adventurous.
For the Friends of the Theater…
If you’re looking for class and culture, Bangkok nightlife has plenty to offer.
- The Bangkok Traditional Puppet Show at the Aksra Theater is not to be missed. Accompanied by a live orchestra, puppeteers not only control the artfully-crafted puppets, they are also part of the show, dancing right alongside their charges. Folk tales and stories come vividly to life, demonstrating just why puppetry is revered in Thailand.
- Siam Niramit is another must-see extravaganza. Thailand’s rich history is told through an incredible production at Ratchada Theater, home to the world’s highest stage. The production of the Siam Niramit is truly spectacular in scope, with breathtaking sets and costumes, as well as sweeping performances by dancers and actors.
And that’s just the beginning! Bangkok also features a wide variety of pubs, nighttime shopping and live music. Additionally, Bangkok offers some of the best hotels in Asia. Even if you don’t plan on getting much sleep, it’s worth it to have a great hotel room where you can get a few winks before dashing off on your next adventure. After all, you never know where your next night in Bangkok might lead.
Author Bio:Contributing author Joe Anderson is a vagabond at heart, traveling from one destination to the next and loving every minute of it. Joe is currently working on a book about his travels around Asia.
