1. Nana Plaza (from USD 46)

Nana Plaza is known around the world as one of Bangkok’s raciest spots, featuring numerous go-go bars as well as establishments where visitors can grab drinks and food. Bought and updated by the Panthera Group back in 2012, Nana Plaza has been improved with security systems and overhauled infrastructure. You can’t brag about experiencing the Bangkok nightlife for adults without a night partying at Nana Plaza.

Each floor of the plaza has something exciting waiting for visitors, from themed bars to delicious local foods. And don’t forget, no kids are allowed here!

2. Asiatique The Riverfront Destination (from USD 116)

Asiatique The Riverfront Destination is proud to call itself Thailand’s largest food and beverage place, and that’s on top of being an amusement park with lots of rides and attractions. As one of the most happening places in Bangkok, you’ll have to plan if you’re looking to enjoy the culinary delights, shopping, as well as entertainment here.

There is also the largest Ferris wheel in the country here, so take the kids for a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round ride. Snack stalls are also all over the place, so there are plenty of options for quick refreshment breaks. There are numerous standout places to dine, such as the Sirimahannop, a three-masted restaurant ship with dining areas on the lower and upper decks.

3. Siam Area (from USD 95)

Shopping in Bangkok can never be more luxurious than Siam Area. This neighbourhood is home to some of the biggest shopping malls in the city, such as Siam Discovery, Siam Center, and Siam Paragon. This district is where you’ll find a few luxurious nightlife hangouts, too. Gourmet Bar right inside Novotel serves handcrafted drinks by expert mixologists. Heaven Bangkok, on the other hand, has a mix of everything: hip restaurants, laid-back entertainment venues, and contemporary bars. If you want to splurge for a night, you know the place to go.

4. Royal City Avenue (RCA) (from USD 126)

1/5 best area for nightlife in bangkok | royal city avenue (rca)

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Designated as an entertainment zone by the government, Royal City Avenue or RCA is a street filled with some of Bangkok’s finest bars and clubs. Seven nights a week the area is filled with 20-somethings looking to let loose and party the night away. There are plenty of venues to chose from.

If you like a wild party, you must stop at the legendary Route 66 Nightclub. This large venue close to Bangkok’s nightlife area has multiple rooms to cater to a wide range of music tastes. If you prefer a nice drink without the loud music, head to Cocktail, where you can order a drink from award-winning mixologists known for their behind-the-bar flair. Or head to the Proud Market to indulge in a wide range of street food, from curries to kebabs and steaks to crab.

5. Sukhumvit (from USD 41)

Sukhumvit Road is Thailand’s longest road and is the ultimate Bangkok nightlife street, with plenty of bars and clubs to two red light districts. Start your night off at Octave, a rooftop bar offering a 360-degree view of Bangkok. sits on the 45th floor of the Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit and has plenty of seats so you can relax and watch the sunset with a drink. Then head to Beam nightclub, a dance club with a focus on house and techno music. With a great sound system and a laser light show, you’re sure to have a blast dancing the night away. And if you’re feeling a bit naughty, head to one of the go-go bars in the red light districts.

6. Huai Khwang (from USD 63)

Located near central Bangkok, Huai Khwang is known for its nightlife. This party-centric district is easily accessed by public transport and is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok for leisure. It’s a place with plenty of restaurants and shops, so there are loads to keep you occupied. It’s also known for its night market.

The Huai Khwang night market has an old-school market charm: there are no dazzling neon lights but it has a seemingly endless supply of stalls for foodies and bargain-hunters alike. You’ll find street food vendors alongside fresh food stalls. There’s plenty of goods to peruse, from clothing to knick-knacks to toiletries. You can even get a manicure or a Thai massage. And if you prefer to party while in Huai Khwang, you’ll be pleased to know Royal City Avenue is located within the district.

7. Soi Cowboy (from USD 81)

Soi Cowboy is one of the red light districts located along Sukhumvit Road. Bright neon lights light up the multitude of go-go bars which line the streets. The go-go bars are brightly lit with seating arranged around the stage—if you’re feeling shy, you can sit at the back. Tilac Bar is one of the most famous in the district. This bar has one main stage and six smaller stages, with 15-20 dancers performing at any given moment. There’s even a large screen playing sporting events. But there are plenty of other go-go bars to choose from, most of which have fairly-priced drinks, so try a few out.

8. Thonglor (from USD 136)

Don’t know where to stay in Bangkok for nightlife? Thonglor is an upscale street in the city, popular with wealthy locals and increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination. It’s lined with boutique shops, fine dining restaurants, as well as clubs and bars. Beer lovers will want to stop by Brew Pub, which serves up drinks from micro-breweries around the world. Its located on the ground floor of an outdoor mall, so sit with a drink and enjoy some people watching and conversations with friends. If you prefer to sit higher up, head to Baan Puen Bar, a rooftop bar which serves good food and is known for its live music. And if clubbing is more your style, head to the Do Not Disturb Club which plays EDM music and highlights local DJs.

9. Silom (from USD 198)

Silom is known as the financial centre of Bangkok, but it’s also well-known for its lively nightlife. It was the city’s first red light district, and as such is packed with plenty of go-go bars and karaoke parlours. Additionally, it’s a hub for Bangkok’s gay community. Sky Bar at the Lebua State Tower is a popular tourist destination. It was featured in the film The Hangover II, and now plenty of people are eager to enjoy a drink and the beautiful view over the city. If you’d prefer a quieter spot, head to Cloud 47. With a more relaxed vibe, this rooftop bar offers up cheap drinks and excellent food. And if you prefer to dance the night away, Tapas Room is a club where you can shake it to Latin-inspired house music.

10. Chinatown (from USD 44)

Chinatown is known mainly for one thing: it’s food! Foodie tourists love to peruse the many stalls and restaurants, from street carts to high-end establishments. And the fun doesn’t stop at night! Yaowarat Road is filled to the brim with street vendors well into the night, so you can taste anything from dim sums to homemade ice cream. If you prefer to sit, head to Tep Bar where you can enjoy a traditional Thai drink while listening to Thai music.

11. Ratchada (from USD 27)

Most tourists and expats in Bangkok choose the clubs and bars along Sukhumvit Road since it is closer to their hotels. However, for some of the best nightlife in the city, tourists should make their way to Rama IX. Just off the main road, RCA on one side and Ratchada on the other, are the favored spots for locals. The clubs feature indoor-outdoor seating, great music, and reasonably priced drinks. When I was at University, this is where we chose to party and it continues to remain one of the most popular nighttime spots for locals.

If you are not in the mood to party, Rot Fai Ratchada is an impressive night market. Here you will find hundreds of stalls selling clothes, concocting elaborate drinks, and even drawing tattoos.

12. Khaosan Road (from USD 33)

Historically Khaosan Road was a rice market, but today this small road in the centre of Bangkok and is known for its backpacking culture. A range of travellers from all over the world flock to this road to find cheap accommodation. And with so many people coming to the area, it’s no surprise that it’s also known for its nightlife. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs on Khaosan Road. If you like to dance, head to Lava Gold Club, a cavernous venue which features laser shows and live DJs. If you’re a live music fan, head to Adhere the 13th, a blues bar popular with locals and tourists alike. And when you need to fill your tummy with something other than alcohol, there are endless food options. Head to a street vendor’s stall for some cheap spring rolls or Pad Thai noodles.

13. Bang Lamphu (from USD 31)

With points of interest like Chao Phraya Palace, National Gallery, Phra Sumen Fort, and Santi Chai Prakan Park, the neighbourhood of Bang Lamphu (or Banglamphu) has slowly earned its way on the top spots when it comes to nightlife in Bangkok. It isn’t all about Khaosan Road, which is a smaller neighbourhood included on this list. Open-air bars, street food stalls, and energetic dance clubs with Bohemian, laid-back vibes are some of the best things about this district that make backpackers come back for more.

Bangkok by night

Bangkok certainly seems to come alive at night! With multiple areas of the city offering great nightlife, you’ll find a little something for everyone to enjoy once the sun sets. From rooftop bars to night markets to red light districts, there are loads to keep you entertained. So start planning your must-visits spots!