Entertainment Overview

Although the law requires that bars and nightclubs close at 2 AM, Bangkok is a city that never sleeps. Many restaurants and other establishments stay open for late-night carousing. The city is awash with bars catering to all tastes, from classy watering holes to sleazy strip clubs. Off Sukhumvit Soi 55 (also called Soi Thonglor) there are several good bars and nightclubs. Soi Sarasin, across from Lumphini Park, is packed with friendly pubs and cafés that are popular with yuppie Thais and expats. Narathiwat Road, which starts at Surawong, intersects Silom, then runs all the way to Rama III, sees trendy bars and restaurants opening every month.

Many tourists, most out of curiosity more than anything else, take a stroll through the city's most infamous neighborhoods. Live sex shows, though officially banned, are still found in three areas. Patpong is the largest, and it includes three streets that run between Surawong and Silom roads. Lining Patpong 1 and 2 are go-go bars with hostesses by the dozen. Shows are generally found one flight up. The Patpong area is well patrolled by police, so it is quite safe. It even has a Night Market patronized by Thais.

Soi Cowboy, off Sukhumvit Road at Soi 21, is a less raunchy, more easygoing version of Patpong. Some bars have go-go dancers, while others are good for a quiet beer (with or without a temporary companion). Nana Plaza, at Soi 4, is popular with expats. The plaza is packed with three floors of hostess bars. The newest bars have spilled out along Soi 4.

Most gay bars and clubs happen to be located near Patpong on a pair of dead-end alleys off Silom Road. Soi 2 is filled with thumping discos, and Soi 4 is a bit more sedate. Other gay establishments are found near Sukhumvit Road.

A contemporary arts scene is relatively new to Thailand, but the last decade has seen great changes in the fine arts: artists are branching out into all kinds of media, and modern sculpture and artwork can be increasingly found decorating office buildings, parks, and public spaces. Bangkok also offers an eclectic range of theater and dance performances such as traditional khon drama dances, and masterful puppet shows. Music options range from piano concertos and symphonies to rock concerts and blues-and-jazz festivals. Thai artists and performers are always exploring new styles and techniques and are definitely turning Bangkok into a hot-spot for artists.

For Thais, classical dance is more than graceful movements. The dances actually tell tales from the religious epic Ramakien. A series of controlled gestures convey the stories. Performances are accompanied by a woodwind called the piphat, which sounds like an oboe, as well as a range of percussion instruments. Many restaurants also present classical dance performances.

The English-language newspapers the Bangkok Post and the Nation have the latest information on current festivals, exhibitions, and nightlife. The Tourist Authority of Thailand's weekly Where also lists events. Monthly Metro magazine has an extensive listings section and offers reviews of new hot spots.