Let the Baron introduce you to the nightlife: to the gogos and bars of Bangkok, where the Thai girls await you.
I think there is little to write about Bangkoks nightlife that has not been already written a dozen times. This is a city gogos all day and night with bars and agogos a plenty, as well as good music, exciting discos and everything else for the party animal. The City of the Angeles is an appropriate tag, although beware of angels being angelic!
The Big Mango, or Big Chili, is a thriving teeming metropolis, one of the pivotal cities of Asia, Bangkok is an experience that no one, who claims to know the world, can afford to miss.
Much has been made of the traffic, however in recent years the addition of several freeways, mainly elevated over other roads, has transformed the traffic flow. In addition the Sky Train and now the Underground (metro) have made cross town movement a great deal less stressful. That does not mean there are no jams in the rush hours, quite the reverse, but even they eventually move. Airport to Sukhumvit is, on average, about 40 minutes using the toll highway. The taxi meters are generally speaking a relaible, cheap and easy way to move around. If they refuse to use the meter simple get out and find one who does: most do. Except around nightlife areas at closing time: but walk a one hundred yards and there will be plenty willing to use the meter.
Arriving at Bangkok
The Suvarnabhumi airport has had its well publicised problems but most are now solved with the possible exception of the taxi mafia. It is a long way from the gates to the arrivals and departure halls. The arrivals area to meet and greet is very small and there are two exists from International (B & C) which makes meeting people complicated.
There are meter taxi (recommended) straight out from arrivals. You will need to pay what is on the meter (about 200 Baht to Lower Sukhumvit) plus tolls (65 Baht) and 50 Baht airport fee (not on meter).
There are airport buses as well as plenty of limos. At some stage there will be a rail connection very soon: we are assured.
The old Airport: Don Mung, is open for domestic flights and is positive joy compared to it's newer big brother.
Bars and Nightlife
There are several nightlife areas in Bangkok, the main ones being Patpong (Silom Road) and several areas off the Sukhumvit Road. Sadly the reality is that Patpong has become too much of a thieves’ den for most people, although many old timers still rate it. So Sukhumvit Road with gogo bars on Nana Plaza (Soi 4) and Soi Cowboy (Soi 23) are the areas to see the raunchier side of Thai nightlife. For those who just want bars and girls, Sukhumvit Soi 4 and nearby Sois of 5, 7 and 7/1 are good, as is the friendlier Queen’s Park Plaza in Soi 22 and of course the saloon bar options of Soi 33, although there I fear the difference in prices is more than just a penny or two. However for the first-timer looking for that unforgettable "one night in Bangkok" experience, ‘gogo’ on over to Soi Cowboy, as I fear Nana Plaza is on its last legs, and it shows.
Elsewhere in the city there are bars, restaurants and great music (Bangkok Gig Guide). Khao San Road is often talked about, but is really strictly a backpackers’ area as well as containing several Thai discos. Outer areas like RCA, Ratchada, Thonglor and Ekamai are mainly directed at locals rather than tourists.
After a period disjointed opening hours much seems to have settled down in the last year with 2am reasonable normal, however elections, the odd Buddha day or a bad tempered autocrat can still cause bar closings, although there will be a bar open near you, if you know where to look!. Needless to say there are places that stay open much later: try Sukhumvit soi 4. Or take to the streets and join the vast party therein - especially on Sukhumvit Road – however be wary among the night people.
For your help we have put links which lead to the latest published articles on each area below.
On the whole Bangkok is a safe city. But that does not mean there is no street crime. Crime will always catch the unwary, even in the ‘safest’ of places. The general rule is keep to well-lit tourists areas, and under no circumstances let yourself be talked into going in a vehicle with somebody you do not know (even if they say they know you!). Avoid crowds (and thus pickpockets), watch out for over-friendly katoys (Lady Boys) and generally be aware of what is what, why and when. One rule here is do not under any circumstances get into a fight: the locals do not fight fair and the police will have no hesitation in blaming you even if you did not start it! That included arguing in a bar when you have been over charged: just do not go back and tell your friends all about it. See recent article on Bar Fines.
Credit and cash cards
Be wary as cloning cards happens and happens a great deal. When using an ATM look out for watchers and indeed devices that might record your numbers. Many card companies wnat to know before you arriv that you will be here and they have a habit of suspending cards that suddenly turn up in Thailand! The simple rule is that if you have more than one card: only carry one and be careful where you use it.
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