10 Crazy Things to Do at Night in Bangkok

Everybody knows Bangkok is famous for its transgender cabaret shows. You may as well get it out of your system early on, so going to see a ladyboy show is a perfect way to satisfy that burning curiosity inside.

If you only have 1 night in Bangkok, head to the popular Calypso Cabaret to see some of the most beautiful and talented katoeys in town, who dance, sing, mime and parade around a stage for 90 fun-filled minutes.

Branded ‘Chang’ vest? Check. Flip-flops? Check. Wallet full of mysterious monopoly-looking money? Check. You’re suited and booted to hit the most famous backpacking strip in the world, Khao San Road, and there’s no better way of starting off a raucous night out than ordering yourself Thailand’s most famous cocktail: the whiskey bucket. 

At around 300 baht you get a neon bucket full of (usually) Sangsom whiskey, M-150 energy drink,  and Coca-Cola. The street-side bars such as Khao San Center and Golf Bar are hot, fun and cheap, while The Club is the best place rave the night away.

The iconic tuk-tuk really is the only way to get around town if you’re an unashamed tourist and is a definite must-do at night in Bangkok. Sure, the BTS Skytrain is faster and taxis are cheaper, but whizzing around the city streets in these 3-wheeled rickshaws is as fun as it is scary. 

A tuk-tuk technically seats 3 people, although the hilarity of the journey directly correlates with the number of extra passengers you manage to squeeze in.

Everybody knows that lining your stomach is important before a night out on the town. What better way to do so than with a bag of deep-fried insects? Although more of a tourist gimmick – rather than being a true reflection of traditional Thai cuisine – you can easily find these creepy-crawly vendors at Khao San Road, Patpong Market, and Nana Plaza. 

Popular choices include bamboo worms, cockroaches, grasshoppers, red ants, and our personal favourite, deep-fried scorpion (tastes just like chicken!).

With only one night in Bangkok, ending up in one of the city’s go-go bars is almost an unavoidable inevitability. Make it a more memorable experience by ‘ringing the bell’, which buys all the girls in the bar a drink.

You’ll probably have to spend around 1,000 or 2,000 baht, but you’ll be the most popular guy (or girl) in the place for a good 30 minutes. Simply head to go-go bar districts of Patpong, Soi Cowboy, or Nana.

Bangkok’s rooftop bar scene has been booming for years, with big-hitters like Vertigo and Lebua (as seen in the 2011 movie, The Hangover 2) both favourite for first-time visitors. While these venues are worthwhile stop-offs, they can be a bit pricey if you order a few rounds. 

Thankfully, there are scores of other high-rise bars offering slightly more sensible prices, but still serves tasty cocktails and impressive city views. Hit up at least 5 in a night to win the imaginary "King of the Bangkok Rooftops" crown.

This Sukhumvit Soi 50 spot has earned legendary status among Bangkok’s substantial expat community with their ludicrously low prices (Chang from 80 baht and shots from around 90 baht) and rather rustic decor. 

Describing the seating options as sparse would be being overly-generous, and most people have to stand up in the enclosed area. It all sounds like a complete dive bar, and it is, but with cheap drinks and a famously friendly clientele, Cheap Charlie’s makes our 1 night in Bangkok itinerary.

Most massage parlours in Bangkok are air-conditioned havens, with soothing Thai music and aromas to lull you into a blissful state of half-consciousness. Then there are ones on the street, sitting next to passing crowds, noisy bars and busy restaurants. 

Most of these outdoor venues specialise in foot and leg massage, meaning that there is less of the fuss involved compared to having to go inside and get changed. Find the best of these on Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri, with 1-hour sessions starting from around 250 baht.

Most clubs in Bangkok close relatively early, but if you start your night early enough, the 2am kicking-out time will seem much later. Most of them can be found around Sukhumvit Road, such as Levels (Sukhumvit 11) and Funky Villa/DEMO (Thong Lor 10) as well as a massive strip of clubs at RCA, such as Route 66 and Onyx.

Those looking to keep the party going until later can try their luck at Mixx Discotheque (at the basement of Intercontinental Hotel) which sometimes stays open until 4am, depending on the mood of the local authorities.