Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NEED TO KNOW
Opening Hours
Since 2004, authorities have ordered most of Bangkok's bars and clubs to close by 1am. A complicated zoning
system sees venues in designated 'entertainment areas', including RCA, Th Silom, and parts of Th Sukhumvit,
open until 2am (sometimes as late as 4am), but even these 'later' licences are subject to police whimsy.
Smoking
Smoking has been outlawed at all indoor (and some quasi-outdoor) entertainment places since 2008.
Dress Code
Most rooftop bars enforce a dress code - no shorts or sandals. This is also the case with many of Bangkok's dance
clubs.
ID
The drinking age in Thailand is 20, although it's only usually dance clubs that ask for ID.
Wine Whinge
Imported wine is subject to a litany of taxes, making Thailand among the most expensive places in the world to
drink wine. A bottle typically costs 400% of its price back home, up to 600% in upmarket restaurants. Even do-
mestic wines are subject to many of the same taxes, making them only marginally cheaper.
Other Resources
To keep crowds interested, clubs host weekly theme parties and visiting DJs that ebb and flow in popularity. To
find out what's on, check out
Dude Sweet
(
www.dudesweet.org
) ,
Club Soma
(
www.facebook.com/clubsoma-
party
) or
Paradise Bangkok
(
www.zudrangmarecords.com
) , all organisers of hugely popular monthly parties, or
local listings rags such as
BK
and the
Bangkok Post
's Friday supplement, Guru.
Drinking & Nightlife by Neighbourhood
»
Ko Ratanakosin & Thonburi
Romantic riverside drinking.
»
Banglamphu
Rowdy Th Khao San is one of the city's best areas for a night out.
»
Siam Square, Pratunam, Ploenchit & Ratchathewi
Bangkok's most central zone is
home to a scant handful of bars.
