Whether you’re a first time tourist or a seasoned Bangkokian, it’s likely you’ll have wondered what the best Bangkok nightclub is at some point.
For those of us not interested in the small yet notorious red light scene, it’s easy to feel a little apprehensive about checking out the Thai capital’s nightlife — especially once you leave the backpacker haven of Khao San Road and venture into the ‘real’ Bangkok.
But there’s plenty more waiting to be discovered past these tourist traps. Plus, Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife is actually very safe to visit, especially when you know your way around town and aren’t likely to be persuaded by nefarious taxi drivers to visit establishments that they happen to be on commission with.
To ensure you make the most of your first experience to Thailand’s capital and have a great time every evening and throughout your stay, take a look at this Bangkok nightlife guide.
Bangkok Nightlife Guide
GLOW
Sukhumvit Soi 23
BTS: Asok
MRT: Sukhumvit
If you like your nightlife with a bite, consider making GLOW your go-to destination. The 2-storey techno and house nightclub is located in the center of the city on a small subsoi off Sukhumvit 23 (look out for the neon-green sign outside) and regularly hosts underground events and international DJs. It’s actually been around since 2005 and boasts a world class sound system.
You can expect to find a welcoming mix of locals, travelers and expats at the bar and on the dance floor, as well as some much-needed air conditioning. The music is usually house and techno but they also host regular drum and bass nights and live acts. GLOW is a small club that tends to draw in a bigger crowd at the weekends, yet it always offers you great music and an underground atmosphere.
In fact, GLOW is one of the best clubs in Bangkok that never fails to deliver cutting-edge sound from Wednesday to Sunday nights after 9pm. This club is dark, loud and entirely focused on the music.
It’s also worth noting that entry prices vary slightly depending on the DJ and event.
Levels
Sukhumvit Soi 11
BTS: Nana
One of the good things about Levels is that it’s usually free to enter although they will occasionally charge a cover fee on nights hosted by international DJs and for special events. Situated in the nightlife hub of Sukhumvit 11 on the sixth floor of the Aloft Hotel building, this venue has three party zones and two separate dance areas including a sophisticated lounge, clubbing room and bar terrace.
The lounge area focuses on commercial hip-hop and dance music, and the club room tends to play electro and progressive house, where the impressive lighting lends a real party atmosphere. If you prefer to stand apart from the crowd, however, you can also find a VIP mezzanine for up to 80 people and standing tables in front of the bar.
Dancers and MCs keep the crowd entertained in between DJ sets and into the early hours of the morning. Speaking of crowds, Levels is usually pretty busy, attracting a healthy mix of foreigners and local Bangkokians. With a smart casual dress code, it’s more of a place to see and be seen, at least compared to clubs like Glow.
RCA
Royal City Avenue
MRT: Phetchaburi/Rama IX (plus a taxi!)
Royal City Avenue — more commonly known as RCA — is one of the most popular local nightlife spots in the city, and arguably home to some of the best clubs in Bangkok. Whether it’s Monday, Wednesday, Saturday or any other day of the week, you will have no trouble finding a nightclub that lives up to your expectations as the area is actually a designated nightlife zone.
RCA Live (Via Facebook/RCA Live)
RCA is a zoned strip of entertainment venues just outside of central Bangkok, that joins together Rama IX with the Petchaburi Road. It’s very popular among young, trendy Thais and expats in the know — as well as the occasional tourist curious to find where the young and beautiful party.
EDM, house, dance and pop music are all well represented down RCA, while the area’s reputation also pulls in a variety of international DJs, local acts and various live events.
Another great thing about visiting RCA is that you can start your night in one club and hop to the next within seconds. From ONYX, Route 66 and RCA Live to Tha Beatlounge and Slim & Flix Club, it’s no wonder that so many people consider this area the best dance clubs in Bangkok.
Sing Sing Theater
Sukhumvit Soi 45
BTS: Phrom Phong/Thonglor
Boasting a beautiful, oriental theme throughout including hundreds of ceiling lanterns, Sing Sing Theater is one hell of a creative space in Sukhumvit 45 for the more discerning crowd. Designed by Ashley Sutton of Iron Fairies fame, Sing Sing is as popular for its atmosphere and aesthetic as it is for the music and drinking.
Not only will you find dance acts, comedians and all sorts of other live performances but you can also expect to see DJs spinning their tunes as soon as the clock strikes midnight.
As a host to plenty of theme nights, Sing Sing Theater offers you more than just your typical Bangkok bar-slash-nightclub. The club has two downstairs bars and a dance floor that’s also used as a stage for performances. But that’s not all. You can find a balcony that hangs over the dance floor, walkways that guide you to hidden seated areas and occasionally some famous international house and electro DJs.
Whether you’re looking for burlesque shows and off-beat entertainment or a place where you can dance the night away, Sing Sing Theater provides something memorable for everyone. Quite frankly, it’s one of the best clubs in Bangkok right now.
Beam
72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55
BTS: Thonglor
The 72 Courtyard is one of the latest happening places to hang out on the mammoth Sukhumvit Soi 55, and Beam is one of the most popular spots within it.
Reasonably new, Beam favours a minimalist cool vibe, playing deep house and techno from Wednesday to Saturday. The sound system is impressive and the lighting shows electric. They describe themselves, in typical Thai style, as “an honest club with a communal vibe”, and the atmosphere is certainly lacking in pretension compared to some other Bangkok nightlife spots.
Beam is a two-room venue that leans towards showcasing up-and-coming international DJs from around the globe. With a capacity limit of 500 people, this club will appeal to anyone who prefers a more easy-going vibe and chilled atmosphere. Just like with a typical European club, you should come as you are to their minimal interiors and warehouse-style rooms.
Dedicated to playing the latest techno and house tunes for your listening and raving pleasure, it’s easy to understand why Beam has become a favourite spot in Sukhumvit among both young Thais and expats.
Demo
Thonglor Soi 10
BTS: Thonglor
Not far from Beam is the popular and longstanding Demo — another warehouse-esque club that again favours house and techno tunes. It’s next door to the trendy and more mainstream Funky Villa, but Demo still manages to attract a mix of well heeled locals and younger expats to its dance floors.
Via Facebook/Demo
With graffiti on most of the walls and industrial metal structures in every direction you turn, the interior is as grungy as the music. As well as a main room entertained by a variety of visiting international DJs and their in-house team, Demo also features the ‘Dirty Bar’ which plays a more mellow mix of bass, hip-hop and R&B sounds. Furthermore, there’s an outdoor hangout area, perfect for mingling and catching some fresh air.
If you feel hungry and thirsty as a result of all that dancing and need something extra to fuel your energy, you can also choose from a selection of fine food and cocktails on offer. Prices are reasonably high but arguably suitable given the clientele.
Open since 2009, Demo is — for many — the best Bangkok nightclub.
Now that’s our Bangkok nightlife guide done and dusted. What establishments would you add to our list?
If you’re wondering where not to go for a night out, check out our guide to the worst nightlife in Bangkok too.
Which do you think are the best clubs in Bangkok?
