Bangkok Nightlife: Top 10 Hotspots For Locals And Tourists

Bangkok is one of the world’s top tourist destinations and is considered a true tourist paradise according to many outlets. Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and is the largest city in the country, populated by around 8 million people as of the 2010 census. That being said, one of the biggest draws for many tourists is the Bangkok nightlife.

However, before we dive into the Bangkok nightlife, let’s learn a little bit about the city itself.

The city of Bangkok is truly a place of wonder. It has so much culture and history to offer visitors, along with a thriving community and outstanding nightlife. However,that doesn’t mean the bustling city doesn’t have its downsides to it, and as a tourist, you want to know both the good and the bad of the places you are visiting.

Bangkok is one of the world’s top tourist destinations for a reason. It is full of life no matter which way one turns including beautiful temples; long tail boat rides through floating markets and luxury malls which are also surrounded by smaller boutiques and markets. Of course, there are also numerous nightclubs and other places for visitors to head out to in the late evening hours for some drinks and dancing.

One of the most remarked on aspects that make Bangkok a wonderful place to visit is the Thai people and their hospitality. The people if Thailand,more specifically the city of Bangkok, are known to be beyond helpful and friendly, no matter if they are working in one of the many tourist attractions or just apart of the everyday population.

While the city has so much culture and beauty to offer visitors, there is a not so beautiful side to Bangkok.

One of the darkest sides of Bangkok and the country of Thailand as a whole is the fact that there are numerous red-light districts scattered throughout the city and country.Both the sex industry and human trafficking are alive and well in the city, and it is, unfortunately, a big moneymaker. Women, men, and children are all bought and sold within the sex industry and forced to work against their will by selling their body’s.

“According to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Thailand prosecuted 333 human trafficking cases in 2016 and 302 cases in 2017. Of those, 244 and 246 respectively related to prostitution, involving persons being lured or forced into the sex trade.”

In a city as big and popular as Bangkok, Thailand, how does someone narrow down the top ten Bangkok nightlife hotspots?

This is how we did it.

We not only researched the city’s nightlife,but we looked at hundreds of visitor’s ratings, comments, and criticisms and based on these and our own research, we compiled a list of ten of the hottest spots most tourists and locals alike must check out.

The Bangkok nightlife is one of the top reasons that tourists choose to check out the city, besides the culture and other attractions of course.

We ranked the top ten hotspots based on a mix of our own thoughts and reviews, along with those of those that have visited each location. We then averaged these numbers to come up with our final ranking.

That being said, let’s see what the Bangkok nightlife has to offer tourists.

Above Eleven is a beautiful rooftop bar that not only features outstanding Peruvian Japanese food but also features an incredible cocktail menu. The fun doesn’t stop there of course! Every night this rooftop bar features different musical entertainment to keep the party going for locals and tourists alike.

This rooftop bar opens up at 6:00 p.m. local time and does have a dress code that includes close-toed shoes for men, no shorts or athletic wear and no backpacks or other luggage.

The music choices range by day but include live performances, salsa nights and a variety of hot DJ’s on rotation.

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The Octave Rooftop Lounge is located on not only the rooftop of the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit but also on floors 45 and up. Octave features not only a lounge area but also a private room and the 360-degree view rooftop bar.

The bar and lounge are open daily from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and is open to both hotel guests and the general public. The bar provides a wide range of food and drinks and thanks to a resident DY; music is considered an essential factor of the lounge experience.

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The Moon Bar is located on the rooftop of the Banyan Tree Hotel and offers one of the “most stupendous panoramic views of Bangkok.” It sits on the 62nd floor of the hotel and sits alongside the Vertigo Restaurant.

This bar is often featured as one of the top rooftop bars not only in the city of Bangkok but the world. This rooftop bar is often seen as a more upscale location, and it does have a dress code that includes“smart casual” clothing and no shorts, sleeveless shirts, sandals or flip-flops.

While this location is known for pricier drinks, they are often said to be fairly priced because they are made with quality ingredients and mixed very well.

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The Havana Social club is a popular “secret” club that requires visitors to have a secret code to enter.

That’s right, a secret code.

Havana Social is located on Sukhumvit Soi 11 and has no visual signage to lead visitors to it. There is only a single telephone box that visitors enter and have to enter a code for a door to open and guide them into the club. For those that need a bit more information, you’ll want to look for a mock-retro phone booth across from the Fraser Suites Hotel.

This location features vintage couches and carefully mismatched furniture and gives off the overall feel of a prohibition theme.

“Think dim lights, classic rum cocktails,exposed beams, and crumbling plaster –the 1940s pre-revolution Cuba theme is painstakingly well executed.”

This location offers up live bands and DJ’s to keep the music choice fresh and offer a variety of different cocktails at a range of prices. If you are looking for the code to get in, you’ll want to give the venue a call. No password, no entrance.

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Bangkok nightlife, Route 66 is one of the hottest places to stop and party, especially for the younger crowd. Moreover, by the younger crowd, we mean newly legal drinkers and university students. Why? Because there is no entrance fee for Thai citizens and foreigners,they pay 300 baht, but this fee can be redeemed for drinks upon entrance.

Route 66 is considered one of the most famous nightclubs on Royal City Avenue and is open seven days a week. Atleast two rooms are open all week long,and on Friday and Saturdays, the club opens additional rooms. Each room plays a given type of music giving the club a little bit of something for everyone.

Fun fact, Route 66 has been around for almost 20 years, and thanks to constant renovations, they have been able to maintain their top spot as far as Bangkok nightlife goes.

Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Sing Sing Theater is designed as a Chinese-themed Theater and offers visitors a full 360-degree nightclub experience. This venue features one of the hottest DJ’s cutting-edge performers and is open Thursday through Sunday.

This venue is split into multiple rooms, including two downstairs bars, a central dancefloor which also doubles as a stage for different performances and a balcony that hands over the dance floor.

While this theater offers a variety of different musical acts, many say that Sing Sing Theater caters to a more mature crowd. It offers premium liquors and creative signature concoctions with prices to match. Regardless, this is an ideal place for both locals and tourists to both mingle and dance the night away.

Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Sky Bar is located on the 63^rd floor of Lebua at State Tower and is open from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. local time, seven days a week. Sky Bar is often regarded as one of the top rooftop bars in Bangkok, and the views of the city combined with a wonderful cocktail menu and striking atmosphere make it a highlight of the city.

Better yet, Sky Bar was featured in the popular move Hangover Part II.

It is important to note that the bar does have a “smartcasual” dress code that is strictly enforced, so that means no shorts or flip-flops.

“We do not permit athletic or sports uniforms,torn clothing, slippers, beach sandals, and flip-flops. Gentlemen must avoid any sleeveless clothing, shorts, and open shoes. Please note that our smart casual dress code applies to children.”

Overall rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars

The Roof @38^th Bar is located on the rooftop of Mode Sathorn hotel, and it is entirely open-sky, making it perfect for the good weather, but not so much on those rainy or otherwise poor weather days. It is also within view of Sky Bar, which is located on the 63^rd floor of Lebua at State Tower.

Visitors can get a full 360-degree view of the city while they enjoy a variety of cocktails and snacks ranging from Mexican, Moroccan, French and Asian specialties. The bar is open between 5:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. with last food orders at 11:30 p.m. and last call for drinks at 12:30 a.m.

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Levels Club is located on the sixth floor of the Aloft Hotel building and is open seven days a week. According to the site, Levels is a luxury nightclub that “caters to anyone who loves to have a great night out.”

This club features two distinct dance areas,one that is more traditional, as in dedicated to party music and hip-hop music. It also has booths lining the walls for those who want to reserve a space for the night. The other room is accessed through a tunnel-like walkway and features less sitting and more dancing.The music here is more EDM and has guests up and dancing the night away.

Overall rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars

Considered one of the largest nightclubs in Bangkok, Insanity Club is known as “a world-class Super Club” in the heart of the city. The club is open seven nights a week and features EDM, Open Format and Electro House music.

While there is a cover fee to enter the club,visitors do get one free drink. Insanity is known as a wild party spot with an amazing sound system, though it is known to also draw in working women from Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza, two popular red-light districts.

Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The Bangkok nightlife may be one of the leading factors in the ever-increasing tourism rates, but it is only one of many. The beautiful culture of the surrounding area also draws in tourists that want to learn about the country of Thailand, its people, and its history.

Yes, the nightlife is a great draw, but remember that Thailand and the city of Bangkok has so much more to offer than a party atmosphere.

​