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Bangkok's best bars and pubs

Our nightlife reporter bids weekend a fond farewell with a recap of her seven favourite watering holes

Bangkok is such a fun place for clubbers. Though, to some, the clubbing scene here might  appear to be inferior to the livelier ones in Singapore and Malaysia, there are plenty of  places for good vibes and fun after dark. Every night in any part of town, there is always a party kicking off or maybe a new club. And most importantly, the night scene is intensified and hyped up by series of big music events and party themes that take place in Bangkok more and more each year. Whether you're out to dance, drink or chill, Bangkok delivers.

For a cool, relaxed night out, I would recommend the "old town" area where all the bars are small yet grand in their presence and charisma. Ruay Rin Krin Chiva, a five-year-old wooden shophouse bar, is one spot not to be missed. Lost in the '60s, the bar is decorated with memorabilia and movie posters from that era, with booming music from the likes of Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and The Beatles. Cheap drinks and tasty Thai-style snacks are attractive deals. This goes especially for what is claimed to be Bangkok's first whiskey smoothie, at Bt150 a jug.

Another joint where I always get carried away by the music is Happy Monday on Ekamai Soi 10. All night long, all you hear is this alternative Britpop from the late '80s till early 2000s - Depeche Mode and New Order to Suede, Blur, Keane, and Travis, and the play list goes on. The small, cosy place is comfortable anywhere you sit, either inside the air-conditioned room or outside in the little garden. Also they serve good food and drinks in moderate price plus the staff is attentive and friendly.

For live music, Brown Sugar on Sarasin is where I often head. In addition to its 20-year-old quirky and relaxing ambience, the live music here is outstanding. Live bands, a random mix of local and international professional musicians, take the stage every night from 10pm with cover versions of Thai and English songs in blues, funk, jazz and sometimes reggae and ska. Located on a quiet road, a table on the footpath outside where you can watch the night go by is not a bad idea. Drinks and food can be a little pricey, but it's worth it as patrons find good vibes and energetic music.

Another fun venue for live music is O'Reilly's Irish Pub on Silom Road, especially on Tuesday and Thursday nights when Johnny the One-Man Band performs. One of the most original cover singers in town, his playlist encompasses jazz, rock, R&B, pop and even hip-hop, from the 1970s to current hits. He makes brilliant use of an electric guitar, his excellent voice and a computer. It feels so natural to unwind and enjoy the night with him.

When it comes to having a blast on the dance floor, one of the first places I think of is the Moroccan-inspired Tapas Room Club on Silom Soi 4. Chill-out house tunes are delivered early in the night. Later, the beats heat up with deep house and funky mix sets with live percussion every Saturday night.

Normally when I'm out along Silom, I slip back to Soi 2 to catch the midnight drag show at DJ Station. The three-story club is packed and heaving with gay men in full swing. At 12am sharp, Bangkok's favourite 30-minute drag show begins with transvestites lip-syncing and dancing to classic or current hits. The cover charge is Bt100 on weekdays and Bt200 on Friday and Saturday, inclusive of a drink.

For the real deal with electro beats, Q Bar on Sukhumvit Soi 11 is still my go-to venue. For years, the New York-style club has been bringing good DJ acts from around the world. Though rather upmarket and pricey, music-wise Q Bar serves the best, whether it's hip-hop, house, dance or even drum and bass. Now with the new lounge upstairs, music can never sound better when you're reclining on a sofa with a drink in hand. Plus, Q Bar is also known for its stiff drinks!

Manta Klangboonkrong   

Link: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/29/entertainment/entertainment_30066852.php