Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.
|
THIS ARTICLE IS FROM
|
Cheap Charlies
“The cheapest beers outside of a 7-Eleven; easy place to meet locals and fellow travelers.”—Stuart McDonald, founder of independent travel site www.travelfish.org. Hole-in-the-wall that’s been true to its name for decades. Look for the street-side bar covered in carvings and other bric-a-brac, and the mainly young crowd drinking in a small street off Soi 11. Sukhumvit Soi 11; tel. +66 (0) 870 968 444.
Moon Bar at Vertigo
“Classy and romantic; famous but pricey cocktail menu.”—Joel Quenby, entertainment writer, Bangkok 101 magazine. More than sixty stories up and open to the sky; panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline, the Chao Phraya river, sunset (and sometimes smog) add to the romance. Closed if it’s raining. Banyan Tree Hotel, Th Sathon Tai; tel. +66 (0) 2679 1200. www.banyantree.com
Bed Supperclub
“For the ultimate flamboyant Bangkok club experience; it’s an event.”—Chawadee Nualkhair, entertainment writer, BK Magazine. Like a vast, slightly squashed, futuristic white cylinder filled with smooth lines and beautiful people. Half club and half restaurant where diners eat on a long white bed. International DJs. Must bring a photo ID. 26 Sukhumvit Soi 11; tel. +66 (0) 2651 3537. www.bedsupperclub.com
Bar Bali
One of several small, arty, and upbeat bars set in converted shophouses (ground-floor shops with upstairs residences) in this area. Peopled by in-the-know farangs (foreigners) and fashionable young Thais. Good music; small range of food. 58 Th Phra Arthit; tel. +66 (0) 2629 0318.
Saxaphone Pub & Restaurant
“Bangkok’s oldest jazz bar; always a good vibe.”—Joel Quenby. Bangkok’s best and most reliable live music venue. Not glamorous, but always busy with Thai and foreign musicians—either playing or listening. Informal atmosphere, interesting people, quality jazz and blues—the antithesis of a hotel bar. Good fun. 3/8 Th Phayathai; tel. +66 (0) 2246 5472. www.saxophonepub.com
Café Trio
“Artist Patti treats her café like her own home, so behave yourself and expect the unexpected.”—Mason Florence, founder and publisher, Bangkok 101 magazine. Fashionable but unpretentious bar for in-the-know locals and visitors. Jazz plays not-too-loud; good cocktails; interesting subtly erotic artwork. 36/11-12 Soi Lang Suan, off Th Ploenchit; tel. +66 (0)2252 6572.
