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Bangkok has always had notorious reputation for its vibrant nightlife and exciting parties. In recent years, the 1 or 2 am curfew on entertainment venues has dampened the spirit somewhat, but a great party can still be had. Most places start to fill up around 10 to 11pm and the party really takes off around 11.30pm. Happening areas at the moment are RCA which stays open till 2am. Other nightlife zones include Ratchada which also has a license to open till 2am. After the clubs close on Ratchada, the party continues on the streets of Soi 6 where tables are setup at restaurants and you can inconspicuously order drinks and party until late. Closing hours change depending on police moods. If you do find yourself here at such an hour, be careful and mindful of Thai customs and traditions. Remember you are in a foreign country.
RCA was once considered a teen hangout and was to be avoided at all costs. However, since the government’s zoning laws were implemented, clubs in RCA as one of the designated night spots, are permitted to open until 2am. Many new clubs have opened up and the gaudy superclubs have managed to revamp their image to draw a new crowd. Once again, on weekends, this long stretch of road fills up with thousands of young Thais who love to drink whisky. Most clubs play the usual hip hop which has dominated the scene so far. Signs of change are emerging and you can find house music at Flix, Techno at Ezze and a diverse music schedule at our favorite, Club Astra . Almost all clubs have no entry fee. We recommend club hopping until you find one to your liking. Just be warned that places on RCA will be completely packed by around 11pm and it will be difficult to find a table unless you come early. Many of the clubs do not have a dance floor license so the space will most likely be dotted with tables and chairs.
Sukhumvit used to be a hot spot for nightlife but has recently taken a nose dive because of the zoning. There are still good parties to be had at Bed Supperclub , Q Bar , or Glow on special occassions.
Ratchada is similar to RCA, large clubs, lots of young people and a 2am license. Ratchada Soi 6 is usually home to after-hours parties on the street where you sit at wooden tables, order a bottle of whiskey, and listen to loud music. The predominantly Thai crowd and atmosphere can get a little crazy as as everyone will already be drunk. Beware, traffic will be heavy and most of the drivers shouldn’t be on the road so we recommend taxis.
Khao San is considered an alternate universe to Bangkok. This stretch of road is basically the crucible of Southeast Asia traveling backpackers . People of all nationalities and persuasions stroll along the strip, drinking Chang beer and telling the usual travel stories about where they have been and where you should go. This place is also supposed to close at 1am but you can usually sit in many restaurants and order drinks way into the morning hours.
Silom/Sathorn Silom Soi 4 was the place to be about 3 years ago but now seems like a ghost town. The fault is not the small clubs and bars on the soi, but their 1 am license that has drive the customers away. On the weekends, you can still expect a decent party at Tapa's which has some of the best house music in the city. The other bars draw enough customers to have a good time or a nice drink but the place will never be like it used to.
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