Nightlife in Thailand

Although by law, all bars and clubs are supposed to close at 1 or 2 am (2 am for places offering dance floors and live music), the reality, however, is quite different, as any visitor to the city will quickly find out. While most of the bars in areas like Patpong actually do close at 2 am, the real action moves to late-night discos in the area and to renowned bars like 'the Thermae,' where partying continues till daybreak and often even through out the next day for those still on their feet.

Bangkok

Nightlife in Bangkok goes on around the clock and draws a large number of clientele. The age limitation is 18. The prices are very viable globally, not more than 500 baht inclusive of a drink or two. Entry is free at most places, the ambiance soothing, and the dress codes very casual. Live music, skilled DJs and dancers entice an active crowd of teenagers and the young at heart. Though it is safe and affable, searches are carried out at the entrance for arms and drugs. Penalties are severe for drug-abusers in Thailand. All bars and discotheques are supposed to close down by 1 or 2 am.

The main centres for evening entertainment for tourists are intense around Silom Road (Patpong, Thaniya, Silom Soi 2 and 4), Sukhumvit (Soi Nana, Soi Cowboy, Soi 33) and most recently Khao San Road. Good cuisine and music is offered in pubs and bars that are found all over the city.

Nightclubs and discotheques flourish in Bangkok. Spasso in Grand Hyatt Erawan, Sparks at the Emerald Hotel and The Salsa Club at the Pathumwan Princes Hotel maintain global standards. Phuture and Dance Fever on Ratchadaphisek Road have built dance halls with the most modern lighting and audio, and thousands of dancers. Taurus and Discovery on Sukhumvit Road, and the Factory, Lucifer and Freeman off Silom Road are popular and trendy places.

Nightclubs and discotheques

Air Bus, La Lunar, Concept CM2, Salsa Club, Hippo Club, El Nino, Angel Nightclub, Tapas Music Club, Narcisus, Spasso, Dance Fever, Freeman, Bangkok Bar, Lucifer, Clinton Plaza, Latino.

Chiang Mai

Nightlife in Chiang Mai is delightful, disciplined and calmer than Bangkok. Late shopping and eating keeps the city on the go. There are numerous relaxing bars, discos and a smattering of karaoke lounges.

Bars are found all over the metropolis; most remain open until 2 am. They transform into a fun location with talented DJ’s spinning dance floor anthems and live bands from around the world performing rhythm and blues to vibrant dance music.

There are a cluster of bars, coffee houses and restaurants at the intersection of Chang Klan and Loi Kroh road and further down Chan Klan road (heading North).

Karaoke is a universal fascination. Most of these lounges are found at Chiang Mai Land, a purpose-built street off Changklan Rd, south of the city, mainly, attracting a male clientele by including a bevy of young hostesses who sit and sing with you for a small hourly fee.

Multiplex cinemas are found in the Kad Suan Kaew mall (also known as Central) and Airport Plaza, where movies with English soundtrack are viewed. An ice skating rink and bowling alley are also located in Central. There is also a karting track and mini golf, as well as a Thursday night quiz at the Irish Pub, while writers congregate at the Writers' Club and Wine Bar on Friday nights to spin a yarn over some tipple.

Bars, restaurants and night clubs spring up all over the place, but close down just as quickly, and frequently places change names, owners or locations.

Bars and Restaurants

The Cottage, Riverside Restaurant, The Brasserie, The Tavern, The (UN) Irish Pub, The Chiang Mai Micro Brewery, Warm Up, The Pub, O'Malley's Bar, The Saloon, Sax Pub, Peak Pool Bar & Restaurant, Rasta Bar, THC Rooftop Bar, The Writers' Club and Wine Bar.

Discos

Spicy, Bubbles, Mandalay Bar, Club G, Boom Senxy

Krabi

Mostly visitors come to Krabi to relax, unwind and soak in the picturesque scenery. The most exhilarating nightlife in Krabi can be found on Phi Phi Island, and around Ao Nang. There are not many wild and boisterous parties, though people take pleasure in enjoying a quiet drink in the evenings for a splendid night out.

Generally ,night-time entertainment for single male visitors can be found in Krabi Town and in pockets of Ao Nang Beach; while in locations as Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi, there is nothing at all of this sort.

In Krabi Town there are karaoke bars around Soi 2 and Sois 7 and 11 of Maharat Rd. In Ao Nang there is a small plaza of beer bars tucked behind the main beachfront. Each playing blaring music and trying to compete with each other to attract customers.

The ambiance here is animated and lively. Both sexes are welcome with the tourist clientele usually quite mixed, with couples, singles and groups of friends. Ao Nang locally known as 'The Soi', opposite Krabi Seaview Resort has a similar group of noisy bar beers which often stays open after hours.

Pattaya

From Soi 13 to Soi 16 in South Pattaya Discos, shows, bar games....and competing stereos all merge to inflate the blood pressure in one huge party zone. During the evening the area is closed to traffic and becomes the famous Walking Street, where discos, massage parlours and dozens of bar-beers compete with each other pressing for be noticed.

Central Pattaya - from Soi 7/8 to the Beach Road is somewhat less frantic but still jam-packed with lots of bar beers, restaurants and bars. While in North Pattaya (Sois 2 - 6 along Pattaya 2nd Road) it's full-on complete mystification with over 50+ bars contesting to suit everyone's preferred fantasy.

Pubs like Kilkenny's Irish Pub, Hopf Brew House -a three storey pub with atrium, live music and euro-beer provide good entertainment. Shenanigans offers live music every night, a weekend carvery, hip live bands and foam party on Saturdays at Hard Rock Cafe

Music Venues

Hard Rock Cafe - at the front of the Hard Rock Hotel - Beach Rd
Hopf Brew House - Beach Rd
Kilkenny's Irish Pub - Walking Street
Shenanigans -Pattaya 2nd Road
Choc Dee - Mellow and out of town in Jomtien Beach.
Bamboo Bar - old favs, bamboo tables, cold beers Top of Walking Street.
Green Bottle Pub - Low charges - loud music 
Moon River Pub - A local ex-pat haunt with live bands every evening.
PIC Kitchen Jazz/Jazz Pit - Floor cushions and live music every evening.

Disco Mania

Scorching, sweaty, chock-full - and jam-packed on the weekends 
Hollywood Disco - Locals and tourists - South Pattaya Road
Marine Disco - Old well-known disco from way back- Walking Street 
Palladium Disco - Large flashy, techno club - Pattaya 2nd Road 
Tonys - Costly drinks, diverse clientele, - Walking Street
X Zyte - Thai clubbing - Beach Road

Alternatives

Traditional Massage
Check out places which have a sign saying "raksaa tong nuad" or "Traditional Physical Massage" for tired and aching muscles as these are a real deal. Traditional places usually provide loose clothing and recommend a two hour massage. 

Foot Massage
Can be superb or distressing depending on a number of variables like the practitioner and your state of fitness (if it aches it needs fixing.) It's worth finding out. Foot massages are offered all over town.

Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)
The king of martial arts – This is a major attraction as people throng to watch these skilled boxers compete. This becomes all the more worthwhile as traditional music, odd rituals and the roar of the crowd add to the aura.