When Thailand gets dark, the country change to a whole new personality from calm streets during the day turn into lively, loud, and full of lights during the nighttime. Thailand’s nightlife is as diverse as its culture. A little mix of traditional, energy, and modern fun.
Variety is what makes nightlife in Thailand so special. Imagine sipping cocktails in a rooftop bar with stunning view one day, and the night after that you are dancing with stranger in the middle of the street. Don’t worry if you are not a drinker, you can still enjoy Thailand’s nightlife by going to night markets for some street food and live fork songs performance, or you can go for a night events like Muey Thai or Cabaret show.
Today we will be focusing on the heart of and soul of Thailand, its capital city “Bangkok”. Bangkok offers full packages of nightlife from luxury rooftops to street parties, trendy speakeasies, or cultural shows. Here are the top location people choose to go to for their parties after dark in Bangkok.
Rooftop Bars
1. Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower (Silom, near Saphan Taksin BTS)
The iconic sky bar appears in a movie called The Hangover II, located on the 64th floor of Lebua hotel. With the best sunset view over the Chao Phraya River on one of the highest rooftop bars in the world.
- Dress Code: Strict
- For Women: Elegant tops, blouses, dresses, skirts, tailored shorts, and dress sandals are appropriate.
- For Men: Collared shirts (polo or button-down), t-shirts, tailored shorts, loafers, or elegant sandals are welcome.
- Drinks: Cocktails 550–700 THB, beer ~400 THB.
2. Octave Rooftop Lounge (Marriott Sukhumvit)
A famous 3 levels bar with panoramic views and DJs, located in Thong Lor area. Another luxury rooftop bar at the top of a 5-star hotel with stunning city views. Octave Rooftop Lounge offers livelier and young atmosphere which makes it popular with locals and expats.
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- For Men: A collared shirt and smart trousers or dress shorts are generally acceptable.
- For Women: A chic outfit, such as a dress or smart separates, is appropriate.
- Drinks: Cocktails 350–500 THB, beer 200–300 THB.
3. Red Sky (Centara Grand @CentralWorld)
Red Sky occupies the 55th floor for the restaurant level, with the bar on the 56th floor of the Centara Grand hotel, Centaral World. It offers a 360° panoramic view of the city, and the balance of fine-dining+rooftop bar vibes perfectly. The bar has Stylish, upscale, and romantic atmosphere, and include both indoor and outdoor seating areas for you to enjoy different views.
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- For Men: A collared shirt and smart trousers or dress shorts are generally acceptable.
- For Women: A chic outfit, such as a dress or smart separates, is appropriate.
- Drinks: Cocktails 400–600 THB.
- Bar hours are 16:00 to 01:00 (last order around 00:45).
Nightclubs & Party Streets
1. Khao San Road
Thailand’s most famous party street, known to be where backpackers choose for their night out. To fully experience Khao San Road you should try bucket cocktails, it’s easy to carry around with you and you can have a sip while dancing in the street. It’s loud, crowded and messy, so if you are looking for more relaxing vibe this is not the place you are looking for.
2. RCA (Royal City Avenue)
The government designated nightlife district, this location is also where many big-name bars are located like Route 66 and Onyx. Thai crowds are here during weekend for international DJs and fun since the club are closed at 3–4 AM. Each club has the entry fee usually around 200–500 THB. Be careful of pickpocketing and scammers taxi.
3. Sukhumvit Soi 11
Trendy nightlife streets, popular with locals and expats. Clubs like Levels and Sugar Club host big-name DJs. Havana Social, a hidden Cuban-themed speakeasy.
Night Markets
1. The One Ratchada
- Located at Ratchadaphisek Road, behind the Esplanade Shopping Mall, Din Daeng District. Near the Thailand Cultural Centre MRT station. You can get here by MRT, take off at MRT: Thailand Cultural Centre then use exit 3 or exit 4 and walk toward Esplanade, the market is behind the mall.
- The One Ratchada is open daily from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM. There are tons of food and goods shops waiting for you at the market, so you can walk for a little before you make your decision. But be aware that during weekend it’s crowded, so it might be hard for you to find a seat to rest or eat.
2. Save One Go Market
- Located on 28/97, Phahonyothin 54 Road, Sai Mai District (Soi Phahon Yothin 54/2). You can travel there by BTS, the closest station is Yake Kor Por Aor on the Green Line use exit 4 and walk for around 5 minutes.
- Save One Go Market opens daily from 4:00 PM to midnight but some small areas may close earlier.
- The market has more local-oriented vibe since it’s located far from the center of the city.
- Wide variety of street food: local Thai snacks, grilled meats, skewers, desserts, fresh fruit, etc.
- Generally affordable. Many items / foods are significantly cheaper than in central Bangkok tourist markets.
3. Train Night Market Srinagarindra (Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin)
- Located on 1/4 Srinagarindra Road, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250, Thailand Behind Seacon Square Shopping Mall.
- Closest Transportation is Suan Luang Rama IX station (Yellow Line), use exit 1; then walk ~200-300m to the market.
- Open Thursday to Sunday only from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
- It has retro / vintage / nostalgic vibe: neon, garage-style décor, warehouses, old trinkets, art, casual & relaxed crowd.
The best way to experience Bangkok’s nightlife is trying everything from hanging out in style at sky bars, from dancing with strangers on the party streets, and then having a relaxing night with friends at night markets. After that you’ll see why Bangkok’s nightlife is unlike anywhere else.