Bangkok is not short of great party streets, each with its own distinct personality to accommodate every taste. From young backpackers looking for cheap deals to high-end bars and nightclubs catering to deep-pocket ex-pats. It is this variety and quality of nightlife that makes the City of Angels one of the top tourist destinations in South East Asia.
If you’re traveling to Bangkok for the first time, the sheer size of the city can be a little overwhelming if you’re not sure where to go, so to help you out – here are 5 of the best party streets in Thailand for a great night out!
KHAO SAN ROAD
Known as the ‘center of the backpacking universe’, Khao San Road is a top choice for young people looking for cheap accommodation and solo travelers seeking out fellow wanderers. Drinks in this area range in price from 60 THB ($1.90) for a small pint of beer, to 100 THB+ for a large one.
On this short 1km iconic road you will find popular hostels and budget guesthouses, bars, internet cafes, tattoo shops, market stalls, and just about everything else that a typical backpacker might be looking for.
The aptly named The Club is a must-visit if you’re looking for somewhere to burst out a few dance moves, there’s also the much smaller but equally fun Lava Gold just up the road if you want to switch things up later on in the night. Brick Bar (at Buddy Plaza) is a top draw for the locals. The bar has a brilliant live band who play a variety of popular Thai pop music, western covers, and even reggae.
Royal City Avenue (RCA)
More commonly known as RCA, the Royal City Avenue is the center of Bangkok’s clubbing scene and is actually the city’s designated nightlife zone, so you’re bound to find some sort of party happening here every night of the week.
The option in RCA is exhaustive if you’re into the party scene with plenty of International DJs, live concerts, and popular local artists to choose from each time. RCA tends to get a bit livelier as the night continues so it is recommended that you head there a little later in the night – around midnight to be precise.
Thonglor Soi 10
A playground for Bangkok’s prettiest (and often wealthiest) people, Thonglor is one of the richest districts in Bangkok with plenty of great condominium complexes and some nice hotels around. There’s also a good mix of cocktail and beer bars dotted around the place but the overall price for drinks in the area is above average for Thailand so places like Khao San Road are a safe bet if you’re looking for cheap deals.
But on the positive side of things, a lot of the drinks here tend to be of a higher quality compared to other party streets. The crowd in Thonglor is mostly Thai (90%) with a mix of glammed-up university students and young professionals. This means you should dress to impress.
MAHA RAT ROAD
Running parallel with the Chao Phraya River, Maha Rat Road is home to many of Bangkok’s major attractions and temples, all within a short walking distance from each other, including the Grand Place and royal Pantheon, the home of the reclining buddha – Wat Phra, and the gorgeous Wat Arun. With so many sites and activities cluster in one area, Maha Rat Road is a perfect day trip all on its own. The nightlife in the area is no pushover either with plenty of popular bars and clubs to enjoy the night in.
Soi Cowboy
If you have not watched the Hangover 2 movie, we recommend doing so to get an idea of what to expect at the weird and wonderful Soi Cow. This short and narrow street in central Bangkok is a pure tourist area with a range of go-go bars, and ‘other’ bars to choose from. It’s a bit of a strange little street but one to check out if you want to see what the darker side of Thailand has to offer. Soi Cowboy is also a popular spot for Ladyboys, so make sure to check out some tips on how to easily recognize Thai Ladyboys before you visit.
