Where Locals Go Out in Bangkok at Night (Not Khao San)

Bangkok’s buzzing nightlife scene is legendary, but if you think Khao San Road is the only place to party, think again. Locals and expats know the city’s real energy lies beyond the backpacker crowds—in trendy rooftop bars, underground live music venues, sophisticated cocktail bars, and happening party streets where young Thais and in-the-know visitors mingle. This guide uncovers where locals go out in Bangkok at night (not Khao San), from hidden beer bars and street food stalls to upscale venues with stunning city views. Whether you want cheap drinks, hip hop beats, or panoramic views, Bangkok delivers.

Spot	Vibe	Must-Try	Pro Tip
RCA	EDM Central	Route 66 (3 dance floors!)	Bring ID & dress sharp!
Thonglor	Rooftop Chic	Octave’s sunset cocktails	Book ahead for sky-high views
Silom	️‍ LGBTQ+ HQ	DJ Station’s drag shows	Go late (2AM peak!)
Soi 11	Expat Party	Cheap Charlie’s $2 beers	Hit street food carts after
Chinatown	🥢 Hidden Gems	Ba Hao’s secret cocktails	Come hungry for midnight noodles

Hot Tip: Use Grab instead of taxis after midnight! Book stays at Cuddlynest.com ️

1. Royal City Avenue (RCA) – Bangkok’s #1 Local Party Street

Why it’s special:

Unlike Khao San Road, RCA (Royal City Avenue) is where young Thais go to party. This long strip of clubs, live music venues, and bars is packed with university students and young professionals dancing to hip hop, EDM, and Thai pop.

Best Clubs & Bars in RCA

Route 66 – The most famous club, with different zones (EDM, hip hop, live bands).

Onyx – Bangkok’s top EDM club with international DJs.

Slim/Flix – Great for hip hop and R&B lovers.

Live RCA – A live music venue featuring Thai indie bands.

What to Expect:

No backpackers – Mostly locals and expats.

Strict dress code (no flip-flops or tank tops).

Entry fees (300-500 THB, usually includes a drink).

Open until 2-3 AM (but some after-parties go later).

How to Get There:

Taxi – Best option at night (around 150 THB from Sukhumvit).

BTS Skytrain – Nearest station is Phra Ram 9 (then a short taxi ride).

Where to Stay Nearby:

Avani+ Riverside Bangkok (luxury, stunning city views)

The Quarter Chaophraya (mid-range, trendy)

girls partying in RCA Clubs

2. Thonglor & Ekkamai – Upscale Bars & Trendy Rooftop Lounges

Why it’s special:

If you love sophisticated cocktail bars and trendy rooftop lounges, Thonglor (Sukhumvit Soi 55) and Ekkamai (Soi 63) are the best neighbourhoods for upscale nightlife.

Best Bars & Clubs in Thonglor/Ekkamai

Rabbit Hole – A hidden speakeasy bar with creative cocktails.

Iron Fairies – A magical steampunk bar with live jazz.

Maggie Choo’s – A 1930s-inspired underground lounge.

Octave Rooftop Lounge – One of Bangkok’s best rooftop bars.

What to Expect:

Higher prices (cocktails 300-500 THB).

Dress smart (no shorts or sandals in upscale bars).

Reservations recommended for rooftop bars.

How to Get There:

BTS Skytrain – Take the Sukhumvit Line to Thong Lo (E6) or Ekkamai (E7).

Where to Stay Nearby:

The Okura Prestige Bangkok (5-star luxury)

Hotel Clover Asoke (affordable, great location)

3. Silom Road – Live Music & LGBTQ+ Nightlife

Why it’s special:

Silom Road is the heart of Bangkok’s LGBTQ+ scene, with live music venues, go-go bars, and cheap beer bars.

Best Nightlife Spots in Silom

️‍ DJ Station – Bangkok’s most famous gay club.

Brick Bar – A live music spot for ska & reggae lovers.

Tapas Room – Great for hip hop and Latin beats.

Patpong Night Market – Street food after partying.

What to Expect:

LGBTQ+ friendly & diverse crowd.

Cheaper drinks than Thonglor.

Open until late (some clubs until 4 AM).

How to Get There:

BTS Skytrain – Get off at Saladaeng Station.

Where to Stay Nearby:

W Bangkok (luxury, party-friendly)

Ibis Bangkok Silom (budget option)

W-Hotel-Bangkok

4. Sukhumvit Soi 11 – The Ultimate Party Street

Why it’s special:

Sukhumvit Soi 11 is where expats and fellow travelers go for a mix of bars, clubs, and restaurants in one street making it the best party street.

Best Bars & Clubs on Soi 11

Levels Club – High-energy club with international DJs.

The Alchemist – A hidden cocktail bar.

Cheap Charlie’s – A legendary beer bar with cheap drinks.

What to Expect:

Lots of foreigners (but still fun).

Street food stalls for late-night eats.

Easy access via BTS Nana.

Where to Stay Nearby:

Hotel Indigo Bangkok (stylish rooftop pool)

Adelphi Suites (affordable & cozy)

5. Chinatown – Hidden Bars & Street Food Feasts

Why it’s special:

Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) transforms at night into a street food paradise with secret speakeasy bars.

Best Nightlife Spots in Chinatown

Tep Bar – Live music with Thai folk vibes.

Ba Hao – A hidden cocktail bar in a shophouse.

Street food stalls – Try grilled squid, noodles, and more!

What to Expect:

No clubs – Just relaxed bars and amazing food.

Great for late-night eats (open until 1-2 AM).

Where to Stay Nearby:

Shangri-La Bangkok (luxury riverside)

Loy La Long Hotel (boutique & charming)

Chinatown-Secret-Bars

Final Verdict: Where Should You Go?

Best for clubbing: RCA or Sukhumvit Soi 11.

Best for cocktails: Thonglor or Chinatown.

️‍ Best LGBTQ+ scene: Silom (DJ Station).

Best for street food & bars: Chinatown.

Experience Bangkok’s Best Nightlife – Book Your Stay with CuddlyNest!

Now that you know where locals go out in Bangkok at night (not Khao San), it’s time to plan your adventure! Whether you want to dance until dawn at RCA, sip craft cocktails in Thonglor, or explore Chinatown’s hidden bars, you’ll need the perfect place to stay—close to the action but comfortable enough to recharge for another epic night.

Girls-enjoying-nightlife-in-Bangkok

Ready to book? Find the best hotels, hostels, and apartments near Bangkok’s hottest nightlife spots on CuddlyNest. With curated stays for every budget, you’ll wake up right where the party is—or peacefully away from it!