Bangkok.Baronbonk.com: Nightlife, bars and gogos in Bangkok, Thailand

B a n g k o k

Let the Baron introduce you to the nightlife: to the gogos and bars of Bangkok, where the Thai girls await you.

I think there is little to write about Bangkoks nightlife that has not been already written a dozen times. This is a city with bars and gogos a plenty, as well as good music, exciting discos and everything else for the party animal. The City of the Angeles is an appropriate tag, although beware of angels being angelic!
The Big Mango, or Big Chili, is a thriving teeming metropolis, one of the pivotal cities of Asia, Bangkok is an experience that no one, who claims to know the world, can afford to miss.
Much has been made of the traffic, however in recent years the addition of several freeways, mainly elevated over other roads, has transformed the traffic flow. In addition the Sky Train and now the Underground (metro) have made cross town movement a great deal less stressful. That does not mean there are no jams in the rush hours, quite the reverse, but even they eventually move. Airport to Sukhumvit is, on average, about 40 minutes using the toll highway.

Arriving at Bangkok

Bangkok International Airport is always busy and like all large international airports it has it's frustrations and the usual band of touts. There are ATM machines and plenty of change booths, although, generally speaking, change away form the airport for a (marginally) better rate.
To get into Bangkok the cheapest-easy method is by Taxi Meter (Bangkok City Taxi). Outside the arrival hall
(to the left in both terminals) is a taxi stand.
Get a ticket from the booth at the head of the taxi queue. They will ask where you are going.
Pay the driver what is on the meter plus Baht 50. Ask to go by the highway and pay an extra Baht 60 for tolls.
There are also buses and executive limos available.

Bars and Nightlife

There are several nightlife areas in Bangkok, the main ones being Patpong (Silom Road) and several areas off the Sukhumvit Road. Sadly the reality is that Patpong has become too much of a thieves’ den for most people and thus is best avoided. So Sukhumvit Road with gogo bars on Nana Plaza (Soi 4) and Soi Cowboy (Soi 23) are the areas to see the raunchier side of Thai nightlife. For those who just want bars and girls, Sukhumvit Soi 4 and nearby Sois of 5, 7 and 7/1 are good, as is the friendlier Queen’s Park Plaza in Soi 22 and of course the saloon bar options of Soi 33, although there I fear the difference in prices is more than just a pence or two. However for the first-timer looking for that unforgettable "one night in Bangkok" experience, ‘gogo’ on over to Nana Plaza or Soi Cowboy.
Elsewhere in the city there are bars, restaurants and great music (Bangkok Gig Guide). Khao San Road is often talked about, but is really strictly a backpackers’ area as well as containing several Thai discos. Outer areas like RCA, Ratchada, Thonglor and Ekamai are mainly directed at locals rather than tourists.
Regulation has been confusing over the last few years with new rules coming in frequently, however many of those seem to be relaxing with the exception that proper bars must close at about 1pm. Then it is take to the streets and join the vast party therein - especially on Sukhumvit Road.
For your help we have put links which lead to the latest published articles on each area below.

Security

On the whole Bangkok is a safe city. But that does not mean there is no street crime. Crime will always catch the unwary, even in the ‘safest’ of places. The general rule is keep to well-lit tourists areas, and under no circumstances let yourself be talked into going in a vehicle with somebody you do not know (even if they say they know you!). Avoid crowds (and thus pickpockets), watch out for over-friendly katoys (Lady Boys) and generally be aware of what is what, why and when. See recent article on Bar Fines.

Getting around

Taxi Meters are readily available and very cheap by Western standards. The main rule is: make certain that the meter is turned on. If not: find a taxi driver who will use the meter. This problem occurs near nightlife areas where taxis park up illegally. Try and take a taxi that is cruising.
The Sky Train runs between major areas and is a very good daytime option. And in recent months the Metro (underground) has opened making cross town travel that much easier.

Baronbonk.com - http://www.baronbonk.com (c) 2006 Baronbonk.com, Copyright notice
If you have any questions or comments, please dont hesitate to contact us