Nightlife Tour in Bangkok

A thriving paradise for nightlife lovers, Bangkok is world-renowned for its myriad of dodgy venues where you can drink until dawn, be dazzled by go-go girls' skills and drool over starry-eyed Thai ladies. However, there are also many other places that offer ultimate fun that doesn't require any naughtiness.

Here's the lowdown on what's hot and hip in Bangkok's nightlife scenes. Some are sophisticated, refined and stylish and some can be super seedy. Make your choice well and your nightlife tour in Bangkok will be a blast.

Hitting the clubs right after the sunset might be too early (and too eager). Heading to one of many swanky rooftop restaurants is a good idea to start your night. Try the Sky Bar (Sirocco) on Silom road (tel: +66 2 624 9999) on the 64th floor of State Tower or Moon Bar (Vertigo) (tel: +66 2 679 1200) on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree Hotel, on Sathorn road.

Both offer breathtaking, panoramic views of the city. Another interesting option is Three Sixty at Millennium Hilton Hotel (tel: +66 2 442 2000) where you can listen to your favourite jazz, drink a glass of cocktail and gasp at the sweeping 360° views.

If there's any road in Bangkok that you shouldn't miss, it's Sukhumvit. The longest and the most popular among locals and tourists, Sukhumvit is home to a variety of venues including red-light areas, Nana Plaza on Sukhumvit soi 4 and Soi Cowboy, off Sukhumvit soi 23, where you can find girls in slinky outfits showing off their pole dancing skills. Bangkok go go bars are numerous in these two areas. Sois, by the way, are the local lingo for lanes.

Trendy and stylish clubs and bars are also located on this famous road. Bed Supperclub (tel: +66 2 651 3557) and Q Bar (+66 2 252-3274), two of the most must-visit ritzy, international venues located on Sukhumvit soi 11, usually attract a great number of tourists, expats and a lot of long-legged Thai and international models.

Sukhumvit is not only home to international venues, many funky local pubs and bars are also scattered along the road. If you want to observe how locals party, a visit Escudo on Sukhumvit soi 55 (tel: +66 2 381 0866) or Escobar on Sukhumvit soi 63 (tel: +66 2 711 6565) might be worthwhile. Gullivers, on soi 5 is a cavernous pic up place which is full of 'friendly' locals but escapes the tag of 'sleazy'.

The heart of Bangkok boasts two notable nightlife areas, Siam and Silom. Siam is where you can find the notorious CM2 (tel: +66 2 209 8888) located Novotel Siam square. Known to be the haunt of dodgy girls, CM2 has a live band playing in the main area, which is probably the only zone you can see anything.

Not far from Siam area is Silom, possibly more famous than Sukhumvit among tourists as it's here where you can find the legendary Patpong (Silom soi 2) and its go go bars. In Bangkok there are a plenty of naughty shows imaginable while drinks are unbelievably cheap. It's a good tourist attraction and place to pick up fake Rolexes at the night market. When you get bored of the pole dancing and 'ping-pong' exhibitions, there are some really decent trendy bars on Soi 4, and a couple of popular pubs on Silom road.

One of the areas worth exploring when you are in Bangkok, especially at night, is Khao San, a heaven on earth for backpackers. The atmosphere is vibrant while you can observe the crowds from one of many trendy bars. Some of the most popular are Buddy Beer (tel: +66 2 629 4477) equipped with pool tables; Brick Bar (tel: +66 2 629 4477), a stylish western-styled bar; and Silk Bar (tel: +66 2 281 9981) located in a hip wooden house.

Serious clubbers should hop in a taxi and ask for RCA (Royal City Avenue) which looks nothing like it's name suggests but is a magnet for clubbing Bangkokians with money to burn. There are plenty of clubs here to choose from, all right next to each other, the music is cutting edge, offering all sorts of tastes, age groups, crowds and drinks prices. You'll find them full any night of week.

Hedonistic choices aside, Bangkok also features many cultural shows which offer you an opportunity to learn more about Thailand's history and culture. Try Siam Niramit, one of the most impressive performances, which features fascinating stories about Siam (Thailand), Thai spiritual beliefs, lessons about karma and religious festivals. The show is always praised for its sophisticated production as well as remarkable sound and visual effects. Catch this spectacular performance everyday at 20:00 at the Ratchadda Grand Theatre (tel: +66 2 649 9222).

A nightlife tour in Bangkok is something you should plan ahead. There's so much fun to be had so explore your choices well and you will be just fine. Remember to bring your passport or ID card everywhere you go. Some clubs can be very strict. Try your luck. You might be able to charm the hostess away with your super-star smile and a knowing wink.