Wondering where to stay in Bangkok for nightlife?
In this guide, we’ll help you find the best areas to stay in Bangkok for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Bangkok is a vibrant city with numerous nightlife hotspots, but not every area suits every traveler or partygoer. From lively party streets to more laid-back scenes, there’s something for everyone.
I have lived in Bangkok for almost five years and have explored every corner of Bangkok, during Songkran, but also during a simple Wednesday. Therefore, I dare to say with certainty that this article will help you make the right decision.
To avoid surprises and ensure you stay in one of Bangkok’s top nightlife districts, keep reading for our recommendations.
In summary: The best areas to stay in Bangkok for nightlife are Nana & Asoke, Khao San Road, Thonglor & Ekkamai, and Silom.
Each area offers a unique vibe, catering to different types of partygoers. Some spots are more suited to single men, while others attract hardcore party lovers or locals.
Khao San Road, for instance, is a backpacker’s paradise, where you can party until the early hours, making it a favorite among many travelers.
But Bangkok’s nightlife extends beyond Khao San. If you’re looking to experience how locals party, head to trendy spots like Thonglor and RCA.
So, the best place to stay in Bangkok for nightlife depends on the kind of scene you’re after:
You can easily navigate to each neighborhood by tapping the link. Or go straight to the overview of the best areas to stay in Bangkok for nightlife.
Bangkok’s infamous nightlife, known for adult entertainment, is centered in Nana, parts of Asoke, and the later-mentioned area of Silom.
When it comes to adult entertainment, the two most popular spots are Nana Plaza on Sukhumvit Soi 4 and Soi Cowboy, near Asoke BTS and MRT stations. For many tourists, visiting these iconic areas is part of the Bangkok experience, similar to how visitors stroll through Amsterdam’s red-light district. Couples and regular travelers alike often explore these streets out of curiosity to see what’s happening inside the bars.
However, there are also plenty of visitors seeking companionship at these go-go bars, making the area popular among single men. Not every partygoer is into these venues, so it’s important to know what to expect.
For a different scene, Sukhumvit Soi 11 offers lively bars and clubs like Levels and Sugar, which attract a mix of expats and locals without the adult entertainment focus. You’ll also find sports bars where you can enjoy an ice-cold beer and watch your favorite game, along with trendy bars that cater to a more diverse crowd.
That said, most Thai locals prefer to party in other nightlife areas like Thonglor, Ekkamai, RCA, and Khao San Road.
For many young travelers, Khao San Road is the go-to place to stay in Bangkok for nightlife and meeting fellow backpackers. Known for attracting a crowd of young, like-minded foreign tourists, it also draws in local Thai on the weekends.
Expect cheap drinks, party-goers, and quirky street food like fried scorpions on a stick, which you might just try after a few beers. The atmosphere is always electric, making it a prime spot for an unforgettable night out.
While recent renovations have made Khao San Road feel a bit less authentic, the bars remain the heart of the action. After sunset, the street comes alive, transforming into a vibrant party zone with music blasting from every corner. Whether you prefer small reggae spots or larger bars with booming house music, there’s something for everyone.
Khao San Road remains the top pick for young travelers and is an excellent area to stay in Bangkok for nightlife. However, it’s worth noting that, like Nana & Asoke, it’s very touristy. Thai locals and expats tend to head elsewhere for their night out.
One downside of staying on Khao San Road is the lack of direct access to Bangkok’s public transportation systems, BTS or MRT, making it trickier to get around compared to other areas. If you plan to explore different nightlife districts, you might prefer staying near a BTS station, particularly on the Sukhumvit Line.
That said, many tourists who stay on Khao San Road end up partying there every night, as it offers plenty of excitement all in one place.
Thonglor and Ekkamai are two of the trendiest areas in Bangkok for nightlife, popular among Thai locals and expats alike. These vibrant neighborhoods attract a young, stylish crowd, and bars and clubs here go the extra mile to stand out with their service and originality to draw in partygoers.
You’ll find some of Bangkok’s most unique bars in these areas, such as Rabbit Hole, Iron Balls Distillery, and #FindTheLockerRoom. Drinks here are on the pricier side, but you’re guaranteed a memorable nightlife experience.
Thonglor, in particular, is known for attracting Bangkok’s “Hi-So” (high society), and they expect top-tier service and premium cocktails. Unlike the more casual vibe of Khao San Road, dressing up is the norm here—so leave your flip-flops and tank tops at home.
For nightclubs, check out Club Beam and Club Demo in Thonglor. However, the most popular spots among Thai locals are at RCA (Royal City Avenue), which is just a short taxi ride northwest of Thonglor. The top clubs at RCA—Onyx and Route66—are also great choices for foreigners.
Do note that clubs at RCA close by 2:00 AM, and many partygoers end up heading to venues around Nana and Asoke, which stay open later. If you want to see how Bangkokians really party, we highly recommend a night out at RCA.
Silom offers a diverse nightlife scene with a mix of cool bars, clubs, rooftop venues, and the famous adult entertainment district, Patpong. With something for everyone, this area is ideal for those who want variety.
Thanks to its prime location near major attractions like The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Chinatown, Silom has been a popular place to stay in Bangkok for years. Although primarily a business district by day, Silom transforms into a lively nightlife hotspot after sunset, with locals and visitors alike flocking to enjoy great food and entertainment.
In recent years, Silom has evolved into one of Bangkok’s most LGBTQ+-friendly areas, with many gay bars and clubs attracting large crowds nightly. Patpong, once known primarily for its adult entertainment, is gradually becoming more focused on gay nightlife venues.
Beyond that, Silom is home to some of the city’s best rooftop bars, including Heaven Rooftop Bar, Yao Rooftop Bar, Hi-So Rooftop Bar, and Vertigo and Moon Bar. These spots offer stunning views of the city skyline and are perfect for a more upscale night out.
One of Bangkok’s most popular venues, Club at Koi, is also located in Silom, offering a trendy spot to enjoy the night.