Rooftop Bars and Nightlife

Bangkok comes alive after dark. The heat drops, the neon switches on and the whole city seems to head outdoors, whether to a rooftop bar with a view, a night market, a boxing stadium or a small jazz club. The choice is huge, and it suits every budget, from a cheap beer on a plastic stool to a cocktail on the sixty-fifth floor.

The rooftop bars

The signature Bangkok night out is a drink on a rooftop high above the city. Several hotels and towers have bars on their upper floors, and some became famous after appearing in films. The views are spectacular, with a sea of lights stretching to the horizon. Prices are high, and you pay for the setting, but one drink is enough for the view. Book in advance for sunset, and arrive early for a table at the edge.

Dress codes

Most rooftop bars have a dress code, usually smart casual, which means no flip-flops, shorts or sleeveless tops for men. Check the rules online before you go, because the door staff can turn people away. Bring a light layer, since it can be breezy and rain showers can arrive suddenly. Take care near open edges, particularly after a drink.

Muay Thai

Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, is the national sport, and an evening at a stadium is a vivid experience. Fights are accompanied by live music, and the crowd is loud and passionate. The major stadiums hold regular fight nights, and tickets are cheaper at the gate than through agents. Check the schedule and prices on the official page, and be wary of touts who sell inflated tickets.

Night markets and riverside

Night markets are a fun and cheap way to spend an evening, with food, clothes, souvenirs and live music. A large riverside complex has shops, restaurants and a big wheel, and is reached by a free shuttle boat. Smaller markets near the train stations are less touristy, with cheaper food. For the best food stalls at night, see our Chinatown guide.

Jazz and live music

Bangkok has a lively live music scene, with jazz bars, blues clubs and small venues for rock and folk. Many are in the Sukhumvit and Victory Monument areas, and entry is often free if you buy a drink. Music usually starts around nine, and the best nights are midweek, when the bars are calmer and the musicians play longer sets.

Adult entertainment districts

The city has several well-known areas of adult entertainment, which are heavily touristed and well policed. If you visit, be cautious. Check prices before you order, never hand over your passport or cards and ignore touts who claim a show is free. If you do not want to be part of that scene, it is easy to avoid, because the rest of the nightlife is entirely separate.

A calmer start

If you want to ease into the evening, spend the late afternoon in Lumphini Park, where the lake and skyline are lovely at dusk, then move on to a bar once the heat fades. The old town is another good starting point, with riverside terraces near Phra Arthit.

Safety and sense

Keep an eye on your drink, avoid unlicensed taxis, and use a ride app or the meter to get home. Do not accept drinks from strangers, and be careful with phone and wallet in crowded places. Alcohol sales can be restricted on major Buddhist holidays and election days, so check before you plan a big night.

Closing times and getting home

Most bars close between midnight and two in the morning, and clubs may stay open later. The trains stop running around midnight, so check the last train, and use a ride app or taxi after that. See our getting around guide for details. A hotel card with the address in Thai is a useful backup.

What to skip

You do not need to spend a lot, and you can skip the busiest bars at weekends. If you only have one night, try a rooftop at sunset, followed by a street food supper in Yaowarat. For a quieter evening, Sukhumvit and the malls of Siam offer bars and cafés a short Skytrain ride apart.