You want to have a fun night in the Thai capital, but not sure where to go? This list includes 13 ideas of Bangkok things to do at night, this way you will never have a boring time!
Bangkok is known to be a vibrant city, and this is no different at night. It is easy to end up at the (in)famous Khao San Road, even though there are so many other and nicer things to do at night. Here are some ideas for you that we gathered after staying 2 months in Bangkok. Try them yourself and make the best out of your stay!
This post is all about “Bangkok things to do at night”.
Bangkok things to do at night:
1. Wat Arun sunset
We are starting with a banger: a sunset over Wat Arun. Find yourself a spot at the east riverbank, to see the temple turn beautifully golden. When the sun starts to set and the sky gets a bit darker, that is when the temple lights up. You can see this magic happen every night. You will not regret watching it.
There are a few locations to have a sunset view over Wat Arun, all accessible from the street. To find them, search for “Riva Arun Pier” on Google Maps, “Public View Point” or “Viewing Point” are pinned next to it. For that last one, you’ll go through the street (Soi Tha Suphan) that directly looks out on the beautiful temple.
Another option is to enjoy it from a bar or restaurant. Be aware the food and drinks are a little pricier, but you get a great view during dinner:
– Eagle Nest Bar (rooftop cocktail bar)
– Rongros (Thai restaurant)
– Tha Arun (Thai restaurant)
– View ARUN Restaurant & Bar (rooftop bar, Thai food)
– Sala Arun (hotel with bar)
– ViVi The Coffee Place (coffeebar)
The riverbank can get busy (it is no secret spot) since it is quite central and close to other famous sights. If you want to be certain of a spot, think about making a reservation. Best is to arrive about 1 hour before sunset.
How to get there? Sanam Chai is the closest MRT station (blue line).
2. Jodd Fair Night Market
A fun Night Market to have a drink, eat and/or do some shopping. It is located in the bustling neighborhood of Rama 9, with big buildings surrounding you.
Jodd Fair has around 700 stalls from clothing, decoration, souvenirs, to quick bites, cocktails and dessert. Some stalls really function as a restaurant with a proper seating area. There is also a bar and chill area, with live performances happing at night. The vibe is fresh and young, and it really was one of our favourite evening activities in the city!
Opening hours: 4pm – 1am
How to get there? The market is easy reachable via the Phra Ram 9 MRT station (blue line).
3. Asiatique The Riverfront
The perfect location to have an evening stroll, right at the riverbank. It is a “new” (since 2012), large open aired mall filled with stalls for shopping and eating. There is also a night bazaar with souvenirs and decor.
Even though Asiatique The Riverfront is quite new, they kept the original colonial style warehouse (from 1897) located on the riverbank, which makes for a unique and vintage look. It is also a place for entertainment with shows featuring the Muay Thai legends, calipso ladyboys or cabaret. Lastly, it is known for a big skywheel, the largest in Thailand.
Opening hours: 11am – 12am
How to get there? Take a Chao Phraya Boat to the ferry station “Asiatique”.
4. Chinatown Night Market
An absolute must when you are in Bangkok, is Chinatown. And this neigborhood at night, is really something else.
The Chinatown Night Market is located on the popular Yaowarat road and side streets. They are filled with foodstalls and restaurants, from skewers to noodle soup, ice cream sandwiches and fruit shakes. It is a very busy area at night, with both tourists and locals, but it is so worth it. The signs all light up and together with tuktuks and the local buses, it is an amazing sight, iconic to Bangkok.
Opening hours: 4pm – 9pm. The market sometimes closes on Tuesdays.
How to get there? Take the blue line until MRT station Wat Mangkon.
5. Skyscraper Rooftop Bar
Fight us on this; but the most impressive view over the city, is at night on top of a rooftop bar! It is a stunning scene to see all the skyscrapers and city lights surrounding you. If you can, go right before sunset to see the contrast of day and night. Most of the bars have some nice cocktails, that are a bit pricier on average. But so worth it with that killer view. For drinks you don’t have to make a reservation, however since it is a popular activity, you might have to wait in line a bit.
Best rooftop bars Bangkok: Octave rooftop, Vertigo, Tichucha
6. Iconsiam
The mallest of em all! You will be blown away by everything here. This fancy mall was opened in 2018, and is located across the river. Iconsiam is actually not only a mall. The development concludes of the shopping area, residential buildings, a museum, an exhibition hall and a riverside park.
Iconsiam has their own ferry’s, specifically to drop you off at the mall and take you back across the river afterwards. At night Iconsiam shines stunningly, and becomes even more extravagant. You can visit the top floor for free, which gives you a nice view of the city and the river. Start or end your night in the basement, where the food court is.
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm
How to get there? Take the ferry from Si Phraya Pier to Iconsiam
7. Chao Phraya River Cruise/Canal Tour
A river cruise is quite a popular activity to do at night. However, there are many different ones and ways to do it. We would personally not recommend the large yachts with flashy lights and buffet dinners. However if that is your wish, the most popular and well reviewed one, is Chao Phraya Princess cruise.
Instead, opt for a traditional wooden boat that picks you up before sunset, and enjoy seeing the city turn from day to night. If you want a more fancy experience, but still an authentic feel; Supatra Boat, has different tours to choose from (also wooden). You could even charter a boat.
How to get there? For the local boats, go to the central pier of Tha Tian Pier and ask for a canal tour. There are local boats leaving from different piers in Bangkok.
8. Movies at SF cinema
Watching a movie during your trip, might seem like a “too regular” activity. But, going to a cinema in a Bangkok mall, is a premier experience. SF cinema has multiple locations, we loved the Central World one.
If you are into anime, SF cinema will always have some playing. They of course have their local movie production, or they play Hollywood movies too. Just make sure you choose one with English subtitles.
Fun fact: before the start of the movie, they play the national anthem with clips of the king and you’re supposed to stand up during it.
How to get there? The SF world Cinema is located on the top floor of Centralworld. Chit Lom (green line), is the nearest MRT station.
9. Lumphini Park
Another popular spot for sunset is Lumphini park. This city park was the first of its kind in Bangkok, and has since been the perfect spot to relax, do a fun activity, go for a walk, play sports, etc. There is a large lake and you will find ducks, cats and water lizards hanging around.
Lumphini Park is a central place where local friends and families come together. If you are lucky with the weather you will have a good sunset, and the sky will turn orange/pink all around you. Once it is dark you will see the surrounding buildings light up.
Opening hours: 4:30am – 10pm
How to get there? Take the blue line until MRT station Lumphini Park.
10. Benchakitti Park
Benchakitti Park is a fascinating, beautifully designed urban park. It is actually connected with Lumphini Park via a long walkway. It was recently renovated and the full expansion reopened only in 2022. The walkway (similar to a ‘high line’) runs above the park and it makes for a great walk at night.
Benchakitti Park seems to be less popular, however it is very well curated with running tracks, amazing fauna and flora, and dedicated spots for leisure time.
Opening hours: 4:30am – 9pm
How to get there? Take the blue line until MRT station Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
11. Trendy bars
Besides the cool rooftop bars, there are many trendy bars allover Bangkok. There really are some unique ones, all in different ways. They can be special because of the type of music they play, because they are hidden, or because of the drinks they serve. You won’t have time to do them all, but we selected the most special ones for you.
- – Find The Locker Room (hidden bar)
- – Rabbit Hill (Beers & live music)
- – Very Nice Bar (modern Izakaya)
- – Foojohn Jazz Club
- – TEP BAR – Cultural Bar of Thailand (local music)
- – Wallflowers Cafe (small rooftop bar)
- – Havana Social (Important! You can not enter with shorts)
- – PrumPlun Umeshu Bar (Japanese wine)
12. Thonglor/ Thong Lo
Thong Lo is an upcoming neighborhood with many new apartment buildings and cool initiatives. It is a popular area for expats, who decided to move to the Thai capital for business. It is full with cool bars, restaurants and hip hangouts. Come here at night and you will certainly find a funky place to hang out.
You will find almost every cuisine in Thong Lo, but there are especially lots of Japanese restaurants.
Where to go? The commons (food & community centre), Find The Locker Room (hidden bar), Rabit Hole (cocktails)
13. Soi Nana
There are 2 areas with the name Soi Nana. The most popular one, and the one you will instantly find on google (near Sukhumvit), is filled with cheap bars and clubs. Don’t get us wrong, you can have the night of your life here, but it is quite similar to Kao San Road.
Instead, we are talking about a few alleys around Chinatown. It is home to some very nice restaurants and bars. Soi Nana (in Chinatown) is probably, together with Thong Lo, one of the hippest neighborhood in Bangkok. Some of the trendy bars we previously mentioned, are located here.
Where to go? Ba Hao (restaurant & bar), Independence Cocktail Bar, TAX (cocktails), TEP BAR – Cultural Bar of Thailand (local music), Wallflowers Cafe (small rooftop bar)
The next time you are in Bangkok and have no idea what to do or where to go… Open up this list and choose out of 13 Bangkok things to do at night! Have an amazing time in the Thai capital.
