Bangkok After Dark: Craft Cocktails, Drag Shows, and Underground Beats

Bangkok’s nightlife truly showcases the city’s dynamism. Whether you're in the mood for cocktails high above the city, diving into Asia’s vibrant LGTBIQ+ scene, or exploring the indie music landscape, the Thai capital offers a diverse array of venues to suit every taste, budget, and style. 

Here’s our selection of must-visit places when night falls and the neon lights illuminate Bangkok.

1. Mahaniyom

Ideal for craft cocktails with a Thai twist Opening days/times: Tue-Sun, 5pm-midnightNeighborhood: Charoenkrung

Ranked 18th on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2024, Mahaniyom is a must-visit for anyone eager to delve into Bangkok’s vibrant cocktail scene. The talented bar team skillfully plays with Thai flavors, often spotlighting a single ingredient and showcasing it in various innovative forms—an approach that has garnered praise for sustainability as well. Imagine a savory mezcal drink featuring dried squid and squid ink, or a unique blend of brandy and red wine infused with browned butter, beef fat, and blue cheese foam. The cocktails are imaginative, the design is visually captivating, and the overall experience is essential for any drink enthusiast.

2. The Stranger Bar

Ideal for drag shows and an LGBTIQ-friendly atmosphere Opening days/times: Mon-Sun, 5pm-1am (or later)Neighborhood: Silom

Under the guidance of Chakgai Jermkwan, also known as Drag Race Thailand alum M Stranger Fox, this lively nightclub is all about having a blast. The Stranger Bar features electrifying drag shows starting at 10pm nightly—now in a spacious new location at the end of Silom Soi 4, right in the heart of Bangkok’s LGTBIQ+ district. The venue's expansion has nearly quadrupled its size while maintaining the cheeky, intimate performances that made it famous, ensuring it remains a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. If you’ve yet to experience drag, The Stranger Bar is the perfect spot to dive in.

3. Jack’s Bar

Ideal for riverside ambiance with no frills Opening days/times: Mon-Sun, 11am-11:30pmNeighborhood: Riverside / Sathorn

This rustic dive bar has become a beloved riverside staple. There are no frills here—seating is cramped, the wooden beams may creak underfoot, and it can get quite warm. Yet, there’s something unbeatable about enjoying a cold beer or glass of wine beside the Chao Phraya River while watching the boats drift by. No other riverside bar combines prime location (next to the Shangri-La hotel), affordability (drinks starting around US$3), and vibrant energy (a lively mix of expats, travelers, and locals). Plus, the food—especially dishes like larb moo tod (crispy pork balls)—is fantastic.

4. Sing Sing Theater

Perfect for clubbing and innovative performances Opening days/times: Tue-Sun, 9pm-2amNeighborhood: Sukhumvit

In the bustling nightlife scene of Bangkok, Sing Sing shines for its artistic flair. The venue's decor is truly distinctive, featuring an opium den vibe rich with deep reds and intricate wooden details. At the heart of the space, an grand staircase descends to the DJ booth and dance floor. Here, women dressed in qipao often swing above the crowd, where the city’s stylish crowd gathers to revel throughout the week. This striking design paves the way for immersive themed events and performances—including burlesque—and a diverse range of DJ sets spanning house, EDM, hip-hop, and global rhythms.

5. Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar

Ideal for breathtaking rooftop vistas Opening days/times: Mon-Sun, 5pm-2amNeighborhood: Sukhumvit / Thonglor

Bangkok boasts an abundance of rooftop bars, making the choice of where to spend your time and money a challenge. For a guaranteed great experience, visit Octave. Located on the 45th to 49th floors of the Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, this bar provides sweeping views of the upscale Thonglor area, along with excellent cocktails, wines, and light snacks. As the sun sets, DJs take the stage to keep the energy alive until late into the night. Octave also has a more laid-back atmosphere compared to other rooftop bars, so you can skip the formal attire.

6. Saxophone Pub

Best for live blues, jazz, and more Opening days/times: Mon-Sun, 6pm-2amNeighborhood: Victory Monument

Since 1987, this cozy spot near Victory Monument has been serving up live blues, jazz, and rock and roll. Saxophone isn’t just one of Bangkok’s oldest music venues; it’s also among the finest. Each night, three or four acts perform, featuring a rotating cast that includes ska legend T-Bone and jazz stars Koh Mr. Saxman and the Takeshi Band. The two-story venue is intimate, and the best ground floor seats fill up quickly, so it’s wise to reserve ahead. Come ready to eat, too. While the cocktails may not impress, dishes like yam pla duk foo (crispy fried catfish with mango salad) and German-style pork knuckle are fantastic.

7. United Peoples Brewery

Ideal for locally crafted Thai beer Opening days/times: Tue-Sun, 5pm-11:30pmNeighborhood: Nonthaburi / Chatuchak

Brewing beer in Thailand presents significant challenges. Until early 2023, small-scale brewing was illegal, and even now, only a handful of fortunate brewers have obtained licenses. Against these odds, United Peoples Brewery (UPB), a collective of former home-brewers located in Nonthaburi just north of the Chatuchak district, has established a thriving scene for Thai beer that continues to evolve. UPB features 12 beers on tap, the majority of which are brewed on-site. From IPAs and wheat beers to meads, stouts, sours, and more, there's a diverse selection available, including special collaborative brews from Thai and international brewers.

8. Studio Lam

Top spot for Thai and global music Opening days/times: Mon-Sun, 6pm-2amNeighborhood: Thonglor

Established by the iconic DJ, record store owner, and musician Maft Sai, this distinctive bar has become Bangkok’s go-to venue for all music that strays from the mainstream. Each night showcases a variety of sounds from across the globe, including funk, jazz, disco, and live molam—traditional music from the Thai and Lao countryside. For upcoming shows, check out the weekly schedule on Studio Lam’s Instagram page and join the city's underground scene, where you can enjoy cold Beerlao and cocktails infused with ya dong (Thai herb liqueurs) while dancing.

9. De Commune

Ideal for indie performances and vinyl nights Opening days/times: Thursday-Monday: 6pm-2amNeighborhood: Khao San

This club, dedicated to the underground scene, has evolved and relocated over the years. Now situated on Phra Sumen Road, just around the corner from the backpacker hotspot of Khao San, its indie vibe feels perfectly at home. De Commune features live performances from a diverse lineup, including the renowned Thai ska-reggae band Srirajah Rockers, dream-pop group Yonlapa, and international artists like Alice Phoebe Lou. Although the stage area is intimate, the sound system and lighting are top-notch, ensuring high-quality shows. If you’re keen to immerse yourself in Thailand’s indie music scene, this is the spot to be.