How to Fully Experience Vibrant Bangkok by Night

Matthew Stanley

Last updated 9 Jul 2021

How to explore Bangkok's Nightlife

A bustling city with friendly locals, exceptional cuisine and an electric nightlife scene, Bangkok hosts thousands of travellers from all around the world every year. This eclectic capital of Thailand offers a variety of fun activities for all age groups – from enormous shopping centres and romantic dinner cruises, to ladyboy cabaret shows and world renowned night clubs.

If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, then here are some of our favourite after-dark things to do in the city this year, for a night you absolutely won’t forget.

1. Visit Chang Chui Plane Night Market

Night markets are a quintessential part of any Bangkok holiday. Chang Chui Plane Night Market is one of the new kids on the block – a mix of artsy, urban and ecocentric all rolled into one.

Riding high on its theme of sustainability, the different zones of the night market are built from repurposed scrap materials for that rustic-industrial aesthetic.

The centrepiece of this night market is the huge decommissioned L-1011 TriStar Lockheed military plane, which has been turned into a museum and reservation-only Thai restaurant.

With street food vendors, artisan crafters, live music, vintage clothing boutiques and even Insects in the Backyard – Thailand’s first edible insect fine-dining restaurant – you won’t be short of things to do in this quirky new night market.

Address:

460/8 Sirindhorn Rd, Khwaeng Bang Phlat, Khet Bang Phlat, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10700, Thailand

Find it on Google Maps here.

Opening Hours:

Weekdays 4pm to 11pm

Closed on Wednesdays

Saturday & Sunday 11am – 11pm

2. Dine at Bangkok Sky Dining Buffet in Baiyoke Sky Hotel’s 76th & 78th Floor

Enjoy the Bangkok city lights from the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, alongside an extensive buffet of seafood, Thai dishes, sushi, salads, pizza, pasta, cheese and desserts. After your meal take the elevator to the panoramic Observation Deck floor and then to the Revolving View Point with its 360-degree rotating view.

Book your Sky Dining Experience

Address:

Bangkok Sky Restaurant, 76th & 78th Floor Baiyoke Hotel, 222 Ratchaprarop Rd., Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400

Find it on Google Maps here.

Opening Hours:

Daily 5:30pm to 11pm

3. Experience one of the best shopping centres in the world at Asiatique by The Riverfront

Located on the banks of the renowned Chao Phraya River, the Asiatique is a massive night bazaar & shopping mall with over 1500 boutique stores and 40 restaurants all under one glamorous roof. Its convenient design and organisation into four main categories, and a complimentary map of its stores & restaurants, makes it easy to navigate the enormous shopping area. With charming storefronts and a wide range of fashionable Thai brands, affordable stores selling inexpensive merchandise, an upscale dining selection of restaurants, you are sure to find something you enjoy at Asiatique.

The Asiatique is also home to the famous Calypso Cabaret show, one of the best ladyboy shows in Bangkok. With colourful burlesque performances by Thai ladyboys and impersonations of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, it’s a performance not to be missed. Book it by clicking the button below.

Book the Calypso Cabaret Show

If you like an adrenaline rush, don’t miss the Muay Thai Lives: The Legend show at The Stage. It’s your classic action movie in real life – an up-close spectacle of Thai martial arts, sword fighting and impressive acrobatics, tied in with a riveting storyline.

Explore the many things to do at the Asiatique shopping centre before and after the shows, and then take a late night walk along the promenade for a splendid view of the Chao Phraya river.

Address:

2194 Charoenkrung Road, Wat Prayakrai District, Bangkor Laem, Bangkok 10120

Find it on Google Maps here.

Opening Hours:

Daily 10am to midnight

4. Party until dawn at the Route 66 Club

Perfect for all-night party goers, Route 66 Club hosts some of Bangkok’s most electrifying parties seven nights a week, catering to every musical taste from dance pop and 70’s American soul music to the latest Thai hits. With an energetic, lively atmosphere and a wide menu of cocktails, beers and liquor, don’t miss this party spot on a trip to Bangkok.

There is no entry fee for locals but foreigners have to pay 300 THB, which can later be redeemed for drinks.

Address:

29/33-48, Royal City Avenue Building, Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd., Bangkapi, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 1031

Find it on Google Maps here.

5. Cruise the Chao Phraya River

Surrounded by small huts, majestic temples and churches and modern luxury hotel buildings, the Chao Phraya river is a perfect depiction of traditional and modern Bangkok. Cruise in comfort on the King of Rivers while enjoying a sumptuous Thai and international dinner on the Princess Cruise. With a live band playing soft saxophone tunes during dinner and 80s and 90s music including songs by Donna Summer and ABBA after dinner, and a splendid view of historical landmarks such as the Emerald Buddha Temple and the Grand Palace from your dinner table, this cruise is one of the best ways to explore Bangkok.

Get a Dinner Cruise Ticket from the ICONSIAM Pier, and spend the day at ICONSIAM. With the ICONSIAM Tourist Privilege Card, enjoy exclusive discounts and extra perks at Bangkok’s enormous new shopping mall.

Book your Chao Phraya Princess Cruise

Chao Phraya Cruise Terminal Address: ICONSIAM Pier, 299 Soi Charoen Nakhon 5 Charoen Nakhon Road Khlong Ton Sai Khlong San Bangkok 10600

Address:

ICONSIAM Pier, 299 Soi Charoen Nakhon 5 Charoen Nakhon Road Khlong Ton Sai Khlong San Bangkok 10600

6. Get a taste of Bangkok with a midnight dinner Tuk-Tuk food tour

Immerse yourself in Bangkok’s unique culture and culinary heritage with this four-hour Midnight Supper Tuk-Tuk Food Tour. Meet up with your guide at the Sam Yan MRT station before hopping on a tuk-tuk that’ll take you on an incredible Thai food adventure.

Start off at 24-hour flower market Pak Klong Talad and explore the Wat Pho Temple, before hitting up a string of food vendors for a taste of seven of Thailand’s most iconic dishes. Apart from sampling Phai Thai and Som Tam, you’ll even learn about how the iconic dish Guay Tiew Kua Gai is made at one of the food stalls. End the night at a hidden rooftop bar, and soak in the city lights.

7. Watch a classic Bangkok show at Siam Niramit

Performed on the world’s largest stage – as reported by the Guinness Book of World Records – Siam Niramit contains every element of entertainment, from replica villages and dancers and acrobats suspended from the ceiling, to advanced sound and light systems and a stage that transforms into a river towards the end of the show.

Enjoy a delicious pre show Thai dinner and watch as hundreds of dancers, musicians and performance animals take your breath away with incredible performances. An engaging and entertaining way to understand the traditions of Thailand, this show is a dramatic depiction of Thailand’s historical and cultural heritage.

Address:

19 Tiamruammit Road, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10320

Nearby Station:

MRT Thailand Cultural Center, Exit 1

8. Ride off into the sunset

Exploring Bangkok on a bike is an interesting way to familiarise yourself with the culture, culinary traditions and the lifestyle of the city. Embark on a Bangkok Sunset Bike Ride and spend your evening riding through the Thonburi area along the renowned Chao Phraya River, while discovering quaint street food and flower markets selling a variety of gorgeous plants and flowers.

Enjoy a breathtaking sunset as the sun goes down, before taking a break from all that pedalling for dinner at a local Thai restaurant. Then, your journey continues along the river with some of the most magnificent landmarks of the city, including the Temple of Dawn, the Grand Palace and the Temple of Reclining Buddha.

Bangkok Sunset Bike Ride Address: 2 Charoen Krong Road Soi 30, Bang Rak, Bangkok

Find it on Google Maps here.

Book your Bangkok Sunset Ride

9. Watch fireflies onboard a long tail boat at the Amphawa Floating Market

The second-most popular floating market after the sprawling Demnoen Saduak, the Amphawa Floating Market is more quaint and rustic than its famous counterpart. You’ll find more locals milling about the riverbanks, along with a wide selection of food stalls selling seafood, sweets and Thai snacks, which stretch from the boats to the street-sides.

The magic begins after dusk. Many visit Amphawa for an evening boat ride to catch sight of the fireflies. At around 6pm, you’ll hop onto a classic longtail boat, which takes you to different parts of the river for nighttime firefly viewings. The trees that line the canal are home to colonies of fireflies that emerge after dark. Catch this spectacle after an afternoon of market and temple exploration – the perfect end to a long day.

Amphawa Floating Market Address: Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailand

Find it on Google Maps here.

10. Catch a first-class late-night movie

After a day of shopping at Central World, indulge in a first-class SF World Cinema movie experience.

Catch the latest blockbusters in style after a hectic day out – with two dedicated first-class theatres complete with luxury sofa recliners, all-you-can-eat popcorn, charging points, blankets and even private luggage space. You’ll also have VIP access to the First-Class lounge before your movie, which has a mini-buffet of small bites and soft drinks.

SF World Cinema CentralWorld Address:999/9, CentralWorld, 7th Floor, Ratchadamri Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Nearby Station: Chit Lom Station

Other Bangkok Travel Essentials

Experience Bangkok in a different light with these after-dark activities! For a hassle-free holiday in the capital of the Land of Smiles, don’t forget these travel essentials: