Description: This is one of Bangkok’s trendiest bars and restaurants. Diners share a room-length white-sheet bed and eat from a set menu. The restaurant often has special shows, so check the website for what’s up. On the other side of the same spaceship-looking building is the bar, and the music can be loud enough to make conversation difficult.

 

Description: One of Bangkok’s first and still one of its better bars for live music and a night out. Small and comfy, it’s in the midst of the many new places springing up along Sarasin, making it a good starting point for a night’s bar-hopping.

 

Description: Along the river and near Khao San Road, this street is a laid-back version of the latter with a heavy mix of Thai university student culture. Thammasat University is a five-minute walk away and this picturesque street is the local place of leisure. Much of the one-block street is lined with little bars playing live music and restaurants serving up good food. At the north end, next to the remains of Phra Sumen Fort, is a park that was built during the reign of King Rama I in the late 1700s. It’s full of activity during the day, but this all moves onto the street in the evening. Many of the buildings housing the restaurants and bars are over 100 years old.

 

Description: Two or three bands take the stage here each night, ranging from jazz, blues and rock to occasionally beyond description. For good music in a comfortable setting this is a good choice, which makes it popular with Thais and expats both.

 

Description: Popular for its live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights long before Soi 55 (Thonglor) became the fashionable street it is today, this bar serves good pub food and remains one of the trendiest in the area.