Thrilling Bangkok: 8 Wild Things to Do at Night

Bangkok nightlife offers a wild mix of sights, sounds, and experiences that makes this possibly the craziest city in the world. Known for its non-stop energy, the capital will help you ride out your jet lag, keeping you awake well past midnight. This guide isn’t about majestic temples or bargain hunting at night markets. This list of nighttime activities is all about what happens when the sun goes down.

From tuk tuk rides through the Old City to sipping Thai whiskey buckets on Khao San Road, if you have only one night in this city, follow this guide for quintessential experiences in Bangkok. Expect late hours, bright lights, and plenty of stories to take home from the journey.

1. Tuk tuk ride

A thrilling way to weave through the city at 3 am

Good for: Adventure, Nightlife

The iconic tuk tuk ride 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 weaving through city streets in these three-wheeled rickshaws is as fun as it is scary.

A tuk tuk technically seats three people, though the hilarity of the journey directly correlates with the number of extra passengers you manage to squeeze in. Get ready for the ride of your life.

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2. Scorpion snack

A midnight bite that’s as crunchy as it is daring

Good for: Food, Nightlife, Unusual

Trying a scorpion snack in Bangkok is one of the city’s most unusual late-night treats, served by street vendors who specialize in deep-fried insects and arachnids. Though more of a tourist gimmick than a true reflection of traditional Thai cuisine, you can easily find these crunchy bags of protein around Khao San Road, Patpong Market, and Nana Plaza.

Popular choices include bamboo worms, cockroaches, grasshoppers, red ants, and, of course, deep-fried scorpions (tastes just like chicken). Dare to eat what others only photograph?

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3. Ringing the bell at a lively bar

The fastest way to make a hundred new friends at once

Good for: Couples, Nightlife

When ringing the bell at a lively bar, you instantly become the center of attention. With only one night in Bangkok, ending up in one of the city’s bars is almost inevitable, but this quirky tradition makes the evening unforgettable. Ringing the bell buys everyone in the bar a round of drinks and guarantees you instant popularity.

The cost can add up, but the fun is hard to beat. Simply head to the nightlife districts of Patpong, Soi Cowboy, or Nana, and listen for the next bell. Ready to be the hero of happy hour?

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4. Rooftop bars

Sky-high drinks and bragging rights above the city lights

Good for: Nightlife, Photo

Bangkok rooftop bars have been booming for years, with big-hitters like Vertigo and Lebua popular with first-time visitors wanting to visit locations made famous in Hollywood movies. While these venues are worthwhile stop-offs, they can be expensive if you order a few rounds.

Thankfully, there are plenty of other high-rise bars offering more affordable options, while still serving tasty cocktails and impressive city views. Visit at least five in one night and claim the imaginary “King of the Bangkok Rooftops” crown. Read more

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5. Getting a tattoo

An unforgettable way to mark a night out in Bangkok

Good for: Adventure, Nightlife, Unusual

Getting a tattoo in Bangkok can turn one night out into an unforgettable experience, quite literally, with a permanent reminder of your adventures.

Classic Bangkok tattoos include Buddhist inscriptions made famous by celebrities, a small gecko on your ankle, or even Thai phrases such as mai pen rai (note the irony of the meaning, “Don’t worry,” when you wake up the next day). If you’re brave enough to let Bangkok leave its mark, head to one of the many tattoo parlors in the city.

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6. Cheap Charlie’s

The dive bar where Bangkok’s expats feel right at home

Good for: Budget, Nightlife

Cheap Charlie’s is a Sukhumvit Soi 50 spot that has earned legendary status among Bangkok’s expat community for its ludicrously low prices 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 deserves a spot on your night out in Bangkok. Check out Bangkok nightlife at its most cheap and cheerful.

Location: 2/2 Sukhumvit 50 Aly, Khwaeng Phra Khanong, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 5 pm to 1 am (closed on Mondays)

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7. Street-side foot massage

Massage chairs, neon lights, and a front-row seat to city chaos

Good for: Nightlife, Unusual

Street-side foot massage in Bangkok offers a contrast to the air-conditioned parlors with soothing music and aromas that lull you into a blissful state. Here, you’ll sit among passing crowds, noisy bars, and busy restaurants, in the middle of it all.

Most of these outdoor venues focus on foot and leg massage, meaning there’s less fuss than going inside and changing. Some of the best spots are found on Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri. Grab a chair and get recharged.

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8. Club crawl

Nightlife to keep your heart pounding

Good for: Couples, Nightlife

Start your club crawl in Bangkok early to make the most of the city’s popular nightlife spots before the kicking-out time. Most of them can be found around Sukhumvit Road, such as Levels Club (Sukhumvit 11) and Funky Villa 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 after closing time, depending on the mood of the local authorities. Read more

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This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.