Joanna James
Bangkok - the Asian version of New York, the city that never sleeps! If your daytime activities do not exhaust you out, or if it is too hot to venture out, there's still the night, full of exciting opportunities to shop, dine, party and be entertained.
When everything else shuts down, Bangkok's night markets spring to life. There are many dotted across the city offering every imaginable item your heart desires. Some better-known night markets include:
Rot Fai Market 1 (Srinakarin Road) in the eastern suburbs of Bangkok is one of the original night markets. It's a huge open-air bazaar specialising in vintage items, collectables, memorabilia, antique furniture, hippy fashion and so on. Open 5 pm - midnight (Thu-Sun).
Patpong Night Market is one of the go to night shopping destinations. Located in Silom, it's a bustling focal point in Bangkok's notorious nightlife district. You can make a full evening's outing of this venue. Open 6 pm- 1 am daily.
Chatuchak Weekend Market is a shopper's paradise full of variety and good deals. Open Sat and Sun 9 am – 6 pm, Fri 6 pm-midnight.
There's no place like Bangkok for extremes. Though better known for its bustling street life and seedy night spots, there is also a very refined music scene featuring the best of local and international jazz musicians. The better-known jazz bars include:
Saxophone Bar (Ratchathewi) is a blues and jazz bar with live music. One of the oldest jazz clubs in Bangkok it attracts the cream of performers. Open daily 6 pm – 2 am.
Brown Sugar (Phrasumen Rd) is another well-established venue that was once rated one of the 'best bars of the world' by Newsweek magazine. Open Tue, Thu, Sun 5 pm -1 am, Fri - Sat 5 pm – 2 am.
The Bamboo Bar Riverside (Mandarin Oriental Hotel) is an upmarket venue located in this famous 19th-century hotel. This is where to go for classic jazz and a roster of renowned singers. Open Mon to Sat with live music from 9 pm.
Bangkok's famous 'ladyboys' or transvestite performers have evolved their performing art to world-class standards. This is a unique spectacle that you must experience. Here are some of the top-rated shows:
Calypso Cabaret is considered one of the cabaret show pioneers having commenced in 1988. You can choose from Thai classical dance, Chinese ballads, Geisha acts and Broadway-style shows including great Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley impersonations. Nightly shows at 8.15 pm and 9.45pm.
Playhouse Cabaret's show is considered more family-friendly. Their acts include Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and Christina Aguilera 'performances' as well as some ballet and comedy rolled up into a 1-hour 15-minute show at 7 pm and 8.25 pm daily.
Bangkok is undoubtedly one of the world's best-known clubbing cities. There are so many venues to choose from with every genre of music catered to. Here are some of the most talked about clubs:
Ce La Vi (Sathorn Square Tower) is a large venue, known as the 'highest in the sky club' for its 39th-floor location. It is, therefore, an upscale party place with top DJs, sound and light systems.
Onyx Main Stage (RCA) is Bangkok's mega-club with a 2000-person capacity and all the show style gimmicks and affects one would expect. Open 9 pm onwards.
Insanity Nightclub (Sukhumvit) is an international standard mega club, which can accommodate up to 1,500 clubbers on a weekend night.
If you choose to stay in a studio apartment in Bangkok, in Sukhumvit for instance, Adelphi Suites would be a good choice; you can party hard and get home conveniently!
Asiatique located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River is a combined night bazaar and shopping mall boasting over 1500 stores and 40 restaurants. Constructed as a warehouse complex it is laid out in four main categories - souvenirs, handicrafts, jewellery, and clothing. A complimentary map that you will receive helps find your target stores and products. Once you're done with the shopping, relax with a drink and meal in one of the huge selection of restaurants. Open 5 pm-midnight
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