Nightlife
From fantastic costumes and gorgeous girls, pumping beats
and delicious cocktails to simply relaxing under the stars,
Thailand offers a wide range of entertainment options
for those out and about in the evening. Most of the more
vibrant nightlife can be found in Bangkok, but there are
also colourful options in Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai
and large towns. On the islands, wild beach parties and
bar hopping form the main types of entertainment. It is
worth remembering that most bars, restaurants and clubs
have a 1 am curfew. However, there are usually one or
two places around where you can continue drinking if you
want. Here is a run down on some of the types of entertainment
available. Cabaret Shows can be found in the cities and
large tourist areas. This is an extremely colourful affair
where dozens of stunning women dance on stage in dazzling
sequin covered outfits. Thailand also offers Tiffany Shows,
a own unique twist on the traditional cabaret show. Now
world famous, these transvestite or ‘lady boy’ shows are
extremely entertaining. The performers are stunning and
the shows contain comedy and dramatic displays as well
as singing and dancing. Bangkok is by far the best place
to go clubbing in Thailand. There is an incredible variety
of clubs where you can dance the night away, from the
classy Bed Supperclub in Sukhumvit, to the male-orientated
DJ Station in Silom. Another great option is Royal City
Avenue (RCA), where there are dozens of clubs and bars
playing everything from Thai disco music to hardcore Drum
and Bass, Hip Hop and Techno. Expect to pay a cover charge
at most clubs (300 baht+) and take a photocopy of your
passport for identification. Go-Go bars can be found in
most cities and large towns, especially Bangkok, Phuket
and Pattaya. They are generally located in special areas
and can be easily identified by the flashy neon signs
and scantily dressed women in the doorways. In Bangkok,
head for Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza or Patpong. Karaoke Bars
can be found all over Thailand. Imported from Isaan, these
bars specialise in loud Isaan music, flashing coloured
lights and sexily dressed women crooning on stage. Many
bars also have a selection of Western songs and Westerners
are welcome to sing, although be aware that a charge for
this is often included in your bill. Full Moon Parties
are another Thai speciality. The most famous of these
can be found on Koh Phangan, where is it so popular that
they now hold a half moon party as well. Other good places
to party on the beach include Koh Phi Phi and Raleigh
beach. Bars usually play loud music until dawn and you
can expect a selection of DJs, spectacular decorations
and fire shows. Alternatively, if you just want to take
it easy, there are movie theatres all over Thailand. All
show movies in English with Thai subtitles, even in small
villages. When booking, make sure you ask for the ‘subtitle’
movie. A tribute to the king is played at the start of
the movie, and you are expected to stand and show respect
along with everyone else. The movie theatres are highly
air conditioned and can be a bit chilly, so it is a good
idea to take along a light jumper or jacket.
Thailand
Northern Thailnd
Chiang Mai
| Chiang Rai
| Mae Hong Son | Sukhothai | Lumpang | Petchaboon | Phitsanulok
| Tak North
North Eastern Thailand
Khon Khen | Buriram | Loei | Nakhon Ratchasima | Nong
Khai | Nakhon Phanom | Ubon | Ratchthani |
Udon Thani | Uthai Thani
Eastern Thailand
Pattaya | Chonburi | Rayong | Trat
Central Thailand
Bangkok |
Ayutthaya | Sukothai | Kanchanaburi | Phetchaburi
| Prachuap | Khiri Khan | Lop Buri | Nakhon Nayok | Nakhon
Pathom | Ratchaburi | Samutprakarn
Southern Thailand
Koh Samet \ Phuket \ Krabi \ Phang-Nga Phuket \ Ranong
\ Songkhla \ Surat Thani \ Trang \ Chumphon \ Nakhon Si
Thammarat \ Narathiwat
