Sukhumvit is an area where many foreign embassies are located and a large number of expatriates reside.
It is known as one of the most upscale residential areas in Bangkok. It also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene that rivals the bustling entertainment districts of Patpong and Thaniya in downtown Bangkok.
Here, we introduce 5 particularly recommended nightlife spots.
1. Nana Plaza
Nana Plaza is the most famous nightlife spot in Sukhumvit. It's a three-story building with an open-air interior, and every floor is lined with bars, making it a mall-style nightlife destination.
Inside some of the bars, you'll find stages where sexy women in swimsuits dance. While this might make it sound like a place just for men, women are welcome too. In fact, it's become a tourist attraction, so you can enjoy it as well. Also, many of the bars don't have a table charge and bill you for each drink, so you won't get overcharged. You can also buy drinks for the girls on stage and chat with them while you drink. It might be a good idea to leave a tip in addition to the drink cost.
Besides go-go bars, there are also places exclusively for ladyboys and bars with a show-pub atmosphere. In the courtyard, there are bars called beer bars that only have counters.
If you're spending a night in Sukhumvit, it's a good idea to visit this famous nightlife spot.
However, be aware that there are many customers who come here for the purpose of prostitution, and you may encounter aggressive touts, so please be careful.
Name: NANA PLAZA
Address: 3, 1 Sukhumvit Rd, Phnom Penh, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 Thailand Official
/related website URL: https://nanaplazabkk.com/
2. Soi Cowboy
Soi Cowboy is another famous nightlife spot in Sukhumvit, just like Nana Plaza.
You can walk to Soi Cowboy from Asok Station on the Skytrain or Sukhumvit Station on the subway. It's a short street, less than 200 meters long, but both sides are lined with go-go bars.
Compared to Patpong, which is in the center of Bangkok, the regulations in Soi Cowboy seem to be looser, and you'll find many women in sexy outfits outside the bars on the street.
Just like Nana Plaza, there are also aggressive touts, so be careful even if you're just going for a look.
Name: Soi Cowboy
Address: Khlong Toei Nuea, Wattana District, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
3. Sukhumvit Night Market
Between Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy, the two representative nightlife spots in Sukhumvit, there is a lot of foot traffic, so every night, street food stalls line the streets. On the Skytrain, the area from Nana Station to Asok Station is the center of this street food area. This street food area itself is another fun nightlife spot.
Just like the street food area in Patpong, there are many shops selling souvenirs for foreigners, so it's also fun to stroll around and look at things. Although counterfeit brand-name products are sold here, please don't buy them as they might be confiscated when you return to your place of origin. Also, due to stricter regulations by the Bangkok city government, this street food area may be reduced in size in the future. Be sure to visit while you still can.
4. Bangkok's Arab Quarter
Between Nana Station and Phayathai Station on the Skytrain, around Soi 3 of Sukhumvit, is an area known as Bangkok's Arab Quarter. Many people of Arab descent have gathered here from outside of Thailand, and the shops and atmosphere have an Arabian feel. While the overall color and atmosphere of the street remain Thai, the signs are written in Arabic, and there are many people of Arab descent walking around.
Although there aren't many souvenir shops, there are plenty of restaurants serving Arabian and African cuisine. Visiting this area at night offers a unique and mysterious atmosphere, making it a fun nightlife spot. Since it's located very close to Sukhumvit's two major nightlife areas, it's a fun place to stop by if you're interested.
Name: Soi Sukhumvit 3/1
Address: Soi Sukhumvit 3/1, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
5. Sukhumvit Soi 11 Area
So far, we've introduced the more flashy nightlife spots like Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy, but the Sukhumvit area itself actually has a more relaxed atmosphere. Sukhumvit Soi 11 and its surrounding area would be considered a more typical Sukhumvit-style nightlife spot.
The area around Sukhumvit Soi 11 is popular with Europeans and has many restaurants. You can enjoy flavors and atmospheres from all over Europe, such as Irish pubs, German beer bars, American steakhouses, and Italian bars. This is a testament to the diversity of people who gather in Sukhumvit. There are also many sports bars, making it a great place to go if you want to watch a sporting event during your trip.
Name: Around Sukhumvit Soi 11
Address: 11 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110 Thailand
◎Summary of night spots in Sukhumvit
What did you think of Sukhumvit's nightlife? Since Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy are such strong images associated with the area, many people may feel hesitant to visit. But in reality, there are many nightlife spots with different country-specific atmospheres, and you can also enjoy the street food market, making it a highly recommended area. Especially if you're staying in the Sukhumvit area, be sure to check out the nightlife spots in this area.