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The city that was once notorious for its raunchy sex trade is now entertaining a burgeoning class of professionals hungry for thumping discos, trendy cocktail lounges, and swanky rooftop bars. There are also stricter rules that limit the sale of alcohol (11 pm from stores). Most bars and clubs close around 2 am, though nighthawks can probably find a place or two open until 5 or 6.
There are a few notable nightlife sections: the area off Sukhumvit Soi 55 (also called Soi Thonglor) is full of bars and nightclubs; Sukhumvit Soi 11 has evolved into a hot-and-heavy bar and club hangout, and trendy and happening new places are springing up around Sathorn Road and the adjoining Suan Phlu.
If you want to take a walk on the wild side, Bangkok still has three thriving red-light districts: Patpong, Nana Plaza, and Soi Cowboy. Patpong, the largest and most touristy, includes three streets that run between Surawong and Silom roads. Nana Plaza, at Sukhumvit Soi 4, is packed with three floors of hostess bars, go-go clubs, and ladyboy clubs. Soi Cowboy, off Sukhumvit Road at Soi 21 (the Asok intersection), is where many expats go, finding it slightly more relaxed and less of a tourist trap than Patpong or Nana.
Even though it may not seem like it, live sex shows are officially banned and prostitution is illegal. The government doesn't always turn a blind eye, so exercise caution and common sense.
The views are staggering at the Banyan Tree Bangkok's 61st-floor alfresco bar, and the cost of cocktails is up there, too, but for the vistas alone it's worth the splurge. Come a bit before sunset—the bar opens at 5—to get the best view from the low-slung seating. If the weather is clear, you can stargaze using the bar's telescope. If the weather's bad at all, Moon Bar will be closed.
This downtown rooftop bar atop the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit is known for its 360-degree panoramas and for reasonable drink prices compared to other rooftop bars.
There's nothing else quite like this bar on the 63rd floor of one of Bangkok's tallest buildings. Head toward the pyramidlike structure emitting eerie blue light at the far end of the restaurant and check out the head-spinning views. The place's most famous concoction, the Hangovertini, was made famous by the Hollywood film (The Hangover II) shot here.
From this 12th-floor bar that overlooks the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, you can watch the horse races while sipping a Siam Mary, the Bangkok version of the Bloody Mary. The bar also offers a list of eight other Bloody Mary variations, including the original Red Snapper from St. Regis New York. At 6 pm nightly, the staff continues the age-old St. Regis tradition of Champagne sabering (opening a bottle using a saber). The afternoon tea here, with tiers of colorful treats, is also impeccable.
Hidden behind an old-fashioned Indian-style door in Chinatown, the gin bar Teens of Thailand has helped kick off a renaissance of trendy cocktail bars and art galleries in the area. Choose from a list of different gins and tonics for your perfect libation; otherwise the chalkboard cocktail specials change daily.
This rooftop bar on the 33nd floor of the Frasier Suites Sukhumvit offers sweeping views of the city in sophisticated surrounds. Order a pisco sour and some Japanese-Peruvian snacks, like ceviche and sushi, and enjoy the DJ's beats.
Sometimes the party spills out onto the street at this bar that overlooks the crowds along Soi 4. Balcony has a friendly staff and one of the best happy hours on the soi.
Boutique beer lovers flock to this hip outdoor spot where, as you can guess from the name, all the brews are 100% craft. Along with the largest selection of craft beers in Bangkok---hundreds of brands rotating on 40 taps, plus bottled brews from 20 different countries---there is an excellent food menu with everything from pastrami sandwiches and rotisserie chicken to Thai and Mexican food. There's a daily happy hour from 3 to 6 pm.
Inside the Conrad Bangkok, this relaxed yet sophisticated bar offers well-made cocktails, plus a good wine and Champagne selection. The 5 to 8 happy hour is popular with staff from local embassies. Jazz ensembles perform live nightly.
Thai A-listers have made Distil, on the 64th floor of one of Bangkok's tallest buildings, their stomping ground. A full-time sommelier is on hand to take care of your wine desires, and you can order a Hangovertini, created one floor down at the Sky Bar for the Hollywood film Hangover II.
A young crowd packs this snappy-looking bar to bask in the "fun, lust, and joy." The B300 cover charge on weekends includes two drinks, while B150 on weekdays includes one. There's a dance floor and regular drag shows on weekends.
This bar distinguishes itself with a tropical feel that is generally elusive in Bangkok—you can drink your cocktails by the river, either in a traditional sala or on outdoor sofas.
The craft-beer gypsy brewers from Denmark opened up shop in Bangkok at this hideaway in a residential garden home. Thirty brews come on tap, many of them experimental and avant-garde specimens found only at the world's few Mikkeller branches, as well as many bottled brews. The garden is a fine spot to relax in, and there is also a bottle shop and a popular fine-dining restaurant.
On any night of the week, Oskar is full of a mixed Thai and foreign crowd enjoying good cocktails and wood-fired pizzas, along with well-prepared French and European bites. The electronic beats spill out onto the street and eclectic DJs are regularly on board.
The sophisticated rooftop bar has marvelous skyline views and the finest perspective on vast Lumphini Park. It's the perfect spot to catch the sunset colors while downing a martini or glass of wine from the globe-trotting selection. Food is top-notch, as are the cocktails.
With many different beers on tap and in bottles, this very British pub tends to draw serious beer drinkers. There's a heavy emphasis on viewing sports on well-placed monitors, along with fun quiz nights on Wednesday.
Perched on the 78th floor, this is the highest rooftop bar in the city (and allegedly the third highest in the world), offering 360-degree views, a minimalist decor, and a bar serving booze and bites from 4 pm to midnight. The bar is operated by The Standard Bangkok hotel, but you'll need a ticket for the Sky Walk to reach it. Last access onto the roof is 11 pm.
Bangkok's most venerable LGBTQ+ bar, the pub-style Telephone is hopping every night of the week. There are telephones on the table so you can chat up your neighbors, though very few people use them these days.
