So you want to have a good time in Bangkok? Get ready for a taste of everything from the raucous to the regal, because in this city the entertainment scene is as diverse as the population itself. If you’re looking for cultural intrigue, to take in a discounted Hollywood flick, or to hone your inner Michael Bolton at a karaoke, the ‘City of Angels’ has you covered. Some folks like to enjoy a nice glass of imported old world wine in a gardensetting, while others prefer a bottle of whiskey in a deafening disco. Whatever your proclivity, Bangkok is an accommodating city that caters to any vice.

Show • Siam Niramit

This must-see spectacular is performed on a gigantic stage now listed in the Guinness World Records. Featuring over 150 performers with as many as 500 costumes, the spectacle retraces Thai history from its inceptions, and visits some of the more intriguing cultural events. On top of this, enhanced special effects with the world’s most advanced technology are used to produce a stimulating, very realistic and inspiring experience. This is a Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Thailand that no one can miss. Leaping dancers recreate Thai history in an entertaining and family friendly way, making this attraction a worthy place to spend some of your seventy-two-hours in Bangkok.

Ratchada Niramit Co., Ltd.
19 Tiamruammit Road,
Huay Kwang District, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2649 9222
Email: info@siamniramit.com
www.siamniramit.com

Show • The Joe Louis Theatre
Thai theatrical puppetry is unique among the various forms of puppetry in that it is derived from the traditional Thai khon theatre - a highly sophisticated and stylized form of staged entertainment with dancing, singing and music. The Joe Louis puppet play is performed by three puppeteers jointly controlling one puppet, all of who appear on stage with the puppet thereby creating highly animated, life-like movements. This enables the puppet to move and dance gracefully. Each of the puppeteers is a khon performer and highly trained for this task. The Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre Company is the only troupe of Thai theatrical puppeteers in existence. It remains the sole guardian of this dying art form: the directors and senior members of the troupe are direct artistic successors of the founder of Thai theatrical puppetry. The Joe Louis Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre moved to a new home in Suan Lum Night Bazaar, on the corner of the Wireless -Rama IV Road intersection, where daily shows are performed.
The Joe Louis Theatre
Suan Lum Night Bazaar
1875 Rama IV Road, Lumphini,
Pathumwan District, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2252 9683-4
Email: joelouistheater_pr@hotmail.com
www.joelouis-theater.com/eng/

Pub&bar • The Roof + Party House One + Bar Eleven
Siam@Siam Design
Hotel & Spa
865 Rama 1 Road, Wang Mai,
Pathumwan District, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2217 3000
www.siamatsiam.com

The Roof
Nestled on the 25th floor of the ultra-stylish Siam@Siam design hotel, The Roof serves up some fine food and panoramas of Bangkok’s unique skyline. The interior is industrialized with metallic appointments, complementing the never-ending skyline. Tasty French-Mediterranean fusion cuisine graces the menu, while a host of imported wines await in the cellar.

Party House
One This all-day restaurant and pub offers a full international breakfast, lunch and dinner in the confines of trendy urban furniture and visually stimulating artwork. When the sunsets, the party begins and the drinks start flowing amidst the smooth grooves of a live band.
   
Bar Eleven
Overlooking the city, Bar Eleven on the lobby floor, offers a fantastic respite from a busy day in Bangkok. Free Wireless Internet access is available for all who want to catch the news of the day, and the décor is something that will make you feel as though you’re kind of a big deal. Be sure to try a single malt scotch, as the selection will please aficionados.

 

Pub&bar • The Globe @72 Buffet Restaurant +
The Waves Restaurant + Illuminous Bar & Lounge

The Globe @72 Buffet Restaurant
This is a chill open-air kitchen restaurant with 9 Worldwide Cuisines made freshly before your very eyes, and an extensive Salad Bar, Vegetarian section, and Halal Cuisine. Guests can dine in air-conditioned comfort or alfresco by the River or on the Globe Terrace. The quirky Chefs will certainly impress you by their live showmanship demonstrations.

The Waves Restaurant
The Waves is an indoor or alfresco a la carte restaurant with a choice of several international cuisines on offer, and a substantial menu. The Waves is a relaxing restaurant with a great wine selection and very up-market atmosphere. In addition to the food, great views of the River and swimming pool make for a pleasing ambience.

Illuminous Bar & Lounge
Why not stop by this fashionable, trendy outlet with indoor and outdoor lounges plus a sensational glass walled Illuminous Terrace with Illuminous chairs and fluorescent lighting that complement the most superb views of the Bangkok River Skyline. Enjoy cocktails, snacks then relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the mighty River of Kings.

Ramada Plaza Menam
Riverside Bangkok
2074 Charoen Krung Road, Bangkolaem District, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2688 1000
www.ramadaplazamenamriverside.com

 

Pub&bar • Tempo Bar @ Le Méridien Bangkok

This relaxing hotel bar with wireless high-speed Internet access overlooks Bangkok’s vibrant Surawongse Road. The décor makes one feel as though they are in a James Bond film, where the martinis are always shaken, not stirred (unless of course you so choose). In the mornings a light continental breakfast is served and an imaginative choice of drinks and snacks in the afternoon and evening.

Tempo Bar
Le Méridien Bangkok
2nd Floor, 40/5 Surawongse Road, Siphya, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2232 8999
www.lemeridien.com/bangkoksurawong

Pub&bar • Scratch Dog

All of the other clubs have closed, but you still want to get your groove on, so where do you go? Hop in a taxi and head to the basement of the Windsor Suites Hotel and be ready to bust a move till the sun comes up. Scratch Dog caters to the true night owls that just can’t get enough of the party scene in Bangkok. Pay a cover charge for two drinks, or go all out and buy a bottle of your favorite libation and don’t worry if you can’t finish, as you can stash it and come back later. Upon descending to the depths, which is made even more swank by the red carpet underfoot, smoke billowing from hookahs and ear drum busting hip-hop beats fill the air, ensuring patrons of a memorable evening.

Scratch Dog at the Windsor Suites Hotel
8 Sukhumvit Soi 20,
Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2262 1234
www.windsorsuites.com

Pub&bar • Liquid Bar

For a serviced apartment venue Liquid Bar serves up the courage juice in a refined and sophisticated way that is much different than your local watering hole. When you enter this place it literally feels like your twenty thousand leagues under the sea. The decoration is modern with natural earth tones and the fabrics are soft. But what really keeps individuals coming back are the drinks. The well-trained barkeeps take pride in mixing their libations and it shows. While some hotel venues skimp on the liquor, the Liquid Bar makes sure, with an almost chemical engineer like attention to detail, that the perfect balance of alcohol and mixer is achieved.

Liquid Bar
Siri Sathorn Service Residence
27 Sala Daeng Soi 1, Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2266 2435
www.sirisathorn.com

Pub&bar • Fifty-Five Steakhouse + Red Sky

Fifty-Five Steakhouse
Dramatically perched on the 54th and 55th floor with breathtaking vistas of Bangkok, Fifty-Five serves the very best gourmet and fire-grilled dishes. This is an ideal spot to take a date for a memorable romantic evening, as the venue is decorated with top-notch appointments that follow the theme of earth, wind, and fire. Don’t leave here until you try one of their flame grilled filet mignons with a recommended house wine.

Red Sky
This chic urban bistro is a prime venue for dining and lounging with spectacular alfresco vistas of Bangkok. Grab a wine from their extensive imported selection, or have the barkeep whip up a tasty martini. The atmosphere is relaxed, yet refined with a focus on keeping the customer comfortable and feeling like a very important person.

Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld
999/99 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan District, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2100 1234
Email: cgcw@chr.co.th
www.centarahotelsresorts.com

 

Pub&bar • Whom Pub

For a little Thai pub ambience, check out this cool watering hole in the fancy Ekamai area. They offer a nice selection of libations, even for the most discerning drinker. The décor is set to match the atmosphere, with a laid back theme of old school Thai artwork and alluring colors that really help you paint the town red. Be sure to try an authentic Thai beer, and you’ll soon be realizing what the Thai’s at this pub have known all along; time with your friends should always be a celebration of life.

Whom Pub
487 Sukhumvit 63 (Ekamai), Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 81628 1258
www.whompub.com

Pub&bar • The Pool Pub

Younger Thais looking for more of an exclusive ambience with special themed parties frequent this cozy pub in the trendy Ekamai area. The Pool Pub is non-stop fun, with a spacious outdoor terrace situated next to a large swimming pool, hence the name. They serve a myriad of chilled cocktails and other libations, in addition to live band performances. The themed pool parties are a big attraction for patrons, and it’s best to bring your swimming gear if you plan on participating. The Pool Pub also serves up some delicious traditional Thai gastronomy, for a great pool side dining experience.

The Pool Pub
487 Sukhumvit 63, Ekamai, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 81628 1258
www.thepoolpub.com

 

Pub&bar • Escobar

Rub your elbows and perhaps your hips with Bangkok’s jetsetters at this popular club, located in the fashionable Ekamai area. It’s not unusual to see exotic supercars parked out-front, but don’t be scared off, as the patrons are typically cordial. Escobar, on the right side of the complex, plays home to electronic and hip-hop beats in a chic urban setting. The crowd usually assembles close to midnight, and many of Bangkok’s notable personalities congregate here to enjoy libations and dance the night away.

Escobar & Nunglen
217 Ekamai Road, Sukhumvit 63,
North Wattana, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2711 6564-5
www.nunglen.net

Pub&bar • To Die For

If you’d rather die than have a mundane evening at other bars, then head to To Die For Bar & Restaurant, for stiff drinks in a cool modern chic atmosphere. Aside from being an excellent restaurant, To Die For has a large bar area where spirits are expertly prepared to the taste of customers. The décor here, like the drinks, is meticulously designed with a trendy urban feel that is more like Manhattan than Bangkok.

To Die For
H1 Place Thong Lor, Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2381 4714
www.todieforbangkok.com

 

Pub&bar • Xperience Bangkok

Modeled after the famous Hong Kong lounge, this 400 square meter venue similarly shares a commanding location on Thong Lor Soi 8. Sample a fine selection of local favorites, Western dishes, and some unique fusion dishes. The best place to enjoy a meal is on the expansive veranda that has some really cool views of this deluxe area. In the evening, the drinks flow freely and the cocktails, whiskey concoctions are perfectly blended to please any lush.

Xperience Bangkok
88/1 2nd Floor Eight Thong Lor Bldg.,
Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2713 8363
Fax: +66 (0) 2713 8361
www.xperience.hk

Pub&bar • Nunglen

Adjacent to Escobar is the ultra-packed Nunglen, which serves up some live Thai music. If you want a table on the weekend be sure to book ahead or get there well before 10:00 PM, because this is the place to be seen on Friday and Saturday night. Nunglen is well known as a hangout for young people looking for a fun place to enjoy local Thai bands. As the night progresses, the venue quickly fills up to capacity and traversing the crowd can be difficult if you’re a big person.

Escobar & Nunglen
217 Ekamai Road, Sukhumvit 63, North Wattana, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2711 6564-5
www.nunglen.net

 

Pub&bar • Route 66 Club

Get your kicks on Route 66. Although, there is little here that is reminiscent of the famed road in the American Southwest, Route 66 on Bangkok’s popular Royal City Avenue is where the young Thai crowds flock to undulate their bodies. The recently renovated interior features a world-class sound system, posh décor, and an ambience that Snoop Dogg would dig. Hip-hop beats headline the musical lineup, but a mishmash of old school favorites, along with a guaranteed Michael Jackson song also grace the play list. On the weekends outdoor seating envelops the roadside, providing patrons with plenty of wiggle room. If you want a table inside, be sure to book ahead or get there well before 10:00 PM on the weekends, as this hopping joint quickly fills to capacity.

Route 66 Club
RCA 29/33 - 48 Soi Soonvijai,
Bangkapi, Huay Kwang, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2203 0936,
+66 (0) 8 1440 9666
Reservation: +66 (0) 2203 0407
Email: info@route66club.com
www.route66club.com

Pub&bar • Old Leng

This old style Chinese teakwood pub is a refreshing alternative to the other offerings on Royal City Avenue. Here, there is a distinct lack of skull pounding bass beats, or intoxicated young people, rather a tranquil ambience often complemented by light music performed by a live band. The interior is encrusted with all manner of knick-knacks from yesteryear, such as old school cigar store Indians, Vietnam War memorabilia, and Chinese wooden cravings. Old Leng offers the comfort of having an atmosphere in which you can actually carry on a meaningful conversation without feeling like an eighty-year old sans hearing aides. As a nice accompaniment to the drinks menu, the down home Thai food here is delicious and reasonably priced.

Old Leng
Royal City Avenue (RCA)
48 Soi Soonvijai, Bangkapi,
Huay Kwang, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2203 0972

 

Pub&bar • Pla Dib

Stop by this quaint pub and restaurant for a no frills ambience and strong drinks. Granted, Pla Dib is not exactly what you’d consider posh or upscale, the allure here is not in the décor, rather the charm of being in a laid-back authentic Thai atmosphere. The exterior is raw cement, while bare walls with various curios compose the interior. This is a great place to chill out ‘Thai style’ with a bottle of whiskey and the appropriate mixers at your table. The culinary offerings are nothing to scoff at, as a wide range of gourmetesque dishes are available to satiate your stomach’s commands.

Pla Dib
Adjacent to BTS Ari Station
1 Ari Soi 7, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2279 8185

Pub&bar • BED Supperclub
BED Supperclub is a striking example of innovative design. The unique restaurant/club is housed in a tubular structure, evocative of a futuristic space ship pod. The glowing minimalist interior is pure white with smooth lighting that can be tinted various hues to change the mood and create different looks. As the name implies, there are roomy beds and oversized pillows for lounging and leaning back while taking in the sounds brought by the scores of international resident and guest DJs that provide a welcome deviation from the hip-hop domination of Bangkok. Tunes range from electro, hard house, funky breaks, salsa, meringue, brasileiro, hip-hop to Latin beats. With a greater range of music styles, perhaps in part due to the downtown location, BED attracts more of a well-dressed expat and local crowd, where celebrity and model sightings are the norm.

BED Supperclub
26 Sukhumvit Soi 11,
Wattana District, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2651 3537
www.bedsupperclub.com

Pub&bar • Q Bar


Q Bar
34 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Wattana District, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2252 3274 Fax: +66 (0) 2252 5366
www.qbarbangkok.com		 Q Bar has long been a reliable scene for checking out international celebrity DJs and is understandably a favorite among locals and expats. Hosting an eclectic mix of weekly events, the music featured includes drum and bass, acid jazz, reggae, global beats, rare grooves, afro, Latin, tribal, funky and percussive house. Considered a New York style bar, this place attracts a cosmopolitan clientele and is known for having an impressively stocked bar. With over 50 different international brands of vodka in their dedicated display freezers, 20 different types of tequilas, 50 whiskey brands and even a few bottles of Absinthe, this place is a booze connoisseur’s paradise. Cocktails are numerous, including Q Bar originals. Cuban cigars available for purchase add to the distinction of this renowned nightlife spot.

 

Theatre • Paragon Cineplex Enigma

Starting the night off with a movie has never been so mind-blowing. Classy décor, personal concierge, splendid drinks, hip music and world class films await in a theatre unlike any you’ve seen before at Enigma Theatre which offers you private direct access to the world’s first privilege club and movie theatre from a crystal elevator. Maximizing pleasure and personal space, theatre capacity is limited to 34 people with an array of comfortable sofa beds enjoying direct line-to-seat service. Enjoy a fine selection of cocktails and appetizers, then let your imagination go with all the magic of motion pictures. Perfect for a party, Enigma gives you and your friends an experience beyond earthly sensations.

5th Floor Siam Paragon,
Rama I Road, Pathumwan
District, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2129 4600-3
www.paragoncineplex.com

 

  

Theatre • SF Cinema City CentralWorld

Experience the “most hip and chic movie theatre” in Thailand at CentralWorld, SF Cinema City is prepared to dazzle and delight with 15 screens consisting of two First Class screens and one Grand Theatre with over 900 seats that can also be converted into a performing-arts theatre.

SF Cinema City
9th Floor, CentralWorld, Rama I Road,
Pathumwan District, Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2268 8888
www.sfcinemacity.com

Karaoke

While at MBK Center, perhaps the urge to strike up a tune may hit you. At SF Music City, the latest in high-tech karaoke technology is available in 34 private rooms in a fun neon-infused atmosphere. Or you can take your singing chops to the big stage at the Karaoke Hall. Food and drinks are also available to refuel between songs.



SF Music City
7th Floor of MBK Center,
Pathumwan District, Bangkok

Bowling

At Blu-O Bowling you can enjoy a chic alley that features some really cool decorations and a modern ambience, perfect for a great night out. They also have karaoke rooms, where you can practice your singing skills and show off some dance moves! (www.majormyclub. com). You can also savor the disco-like atmosphere of SF Strike Bowl with its 26 normal lanes and two ‘VIP’ lanes at MBK Center. At night the DJ cranks up the tunes while the black lights add a festive touch. It’s a fun way to spend the evening with friends or family as well as on a rainy afternoon or when you want to have a little exercise in a cool environment (Located on the 7th Floor of MBK Center).