Enjoy The Views at Sky Bar
There’s no better place to be in Bangkok for the sunset than the top of a skyscraper’s rooftop bar. There’s no shortage of them in the city but none more famous or with better river views than the Sky Bar at Lebua. If you’ve seen the Hangover 2 movie you’ve already seen the Sky Bar, where the helicopter scene goes down.
At 820 feet high the Sky Bar is one of the tallest in the world. At about 10 minutes walk from the nearest BTS station it’s easy to get there any time before the sky train closes at midnight. The views are incredible during both daylight and night hours. Be warned though, there is a dress code to get in, the drinks are not cheap and it can be crowded – all small prices to pay for the unforgettable sights of the city. Two great alternatives are the Octave Rooftop and Above Eleven.
The Backpacker Mecca – Khao San Road
No self respecting backpacker travels to Thailand without having a beer at the world famous Khao San Road. The street is filled with shopping stalls and massage parlors during daylight hours. Once night falls makeshift bars and street food vendors crowd onto the street. Thousands of tourists from across the globe descend upon the 1km stretch of closed road to eat and to drink as much as possible. A jolly, anything-goes atmosphere attracts party goers night after night all year round.
Take a seat and have a drink with your travel companions, such as the best selling beer in Thailand, Leo. In addition to cheap beers, hard alcohol can be ordered by the bucket for discounted prices at many places. There is no particular bar or establishment to seek out here, the road itself is the destination. If you grow tiresome of the crowded streets and plastic furniture there are some bars worth checking out.
The Brick Bar – One of the few places on Khao San you’ll find more locals than tourists. With live bands and lots of dancing it’s worth popping in for a drink or two.
Day of the Dead Bar – if you have a craving for Mexican food or you want to escape the pop music for a little rock stop by the well decorated Day of the Dead Bar for some tequila shots.
Gulliver’s Traveler’s Tavern – When you need to escape the heat and cool off head over to Gulliver’s. The big bar is air-conditioned and well stocked with food and drinks including all the popular imported beers, cocktails and spirits. Western music and DJ’s keep the bar hoppin until late at night. If you’re a sports fan you’ll enjoy the games playing on large TVs. They also have pool tables.
Go Underground at Maggie Choo’s
If you want an escape from sweltering humid air of Bangkok with unique, intriguing decor and stylish atmosphere then Maggie Choo’s in Silom is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is located in the basement of the Novotel Hotel; which was once the East India Company’s underground vault. The exposed brick walls and vault doors mixed with dimmed lights give an impressive recreation of the underground 1930’s Shanghai cabarets.
The restaurant serves tasty authentic Cantonese food, seating is limited and reservations are recommended. The bar has a live music, a dance floor, velvet seats and leather sofas and a fully stocked bar. Mix and mingle with a crowd of upper class Thais, expats, and tourists at Maggie Choo’s.
Be Entertained by Muay Thai Fighters
Grab some tickets to a watch live Muay Thai fights at Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium (or alternatively, Lumpinee Stadium). Built in 195 the Rajadamnern Stadium has a storied past and has been converted from open air to indoors. Fighting matches are held every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Start times vary depending on the day of the week you attend. Ticket prices for foreigners range from 1,000-2,000 baht with ringside seating being the best and cheaper seating in the stands.
The excitement of live fights, betting, and a joyous atmosphere make the stadium a memorable place to catch a drink and enjoy your night.
