Entertainment in Bangkok – Best Things to Do Picks
Bangkok is one of the world’s great entertainment capitals. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a long-term visitor, or a local looking for something new, this guide highlights some of your best options for entertainment in Bangkok.
Live Music
Bangkok’s live music scene is centred around bars rather than large standalone venues. Most nights, you’ll find jazz, blues, soul, rock covers, acoustic sets, and occasional indie performances woven into the city’s nightlife – often changing by day of the week rather than by venue.
Live music is especially common in areas like Sukhumvit, Silom & Sathorn, Victory Monument, Khao San Road, and parts of Chinatown, with styles and atmospheres varying widely between neighbourhoods.
→ For an easy guide on where to find live music in Bangkok – and which areas suit different styles and moods – see our Live Music in Bangkok guide.
Jazz Bars
Bangkok has a small but high-quality jazz scene, with dedicated venues ranging from intimate clubs to elegant hotel lounges. Areas like Charoen Krung, Sukhumvit, and the Riverside are home to some of the city’s best jazz nights, including well-known venues such as FooJohn Jazz Club and the Bamboo Bar.
→ For an easy guide to Bangkok’s jazz bars – and where to go depending on style and setting – see our Jazz Bars in Bangkok guide.
Rooftop Bars
Bangkok is one of the world’s great rooftop bar cities, known globally for dramatic skyline views, sunset cocktails, and high-rise venues that stay lively well into the evening. From sleek hotel rooftops to more playful, design-led bars, the city offers an unusually wide range of rooftop experiences.
Rooftop bars are spread across the city rather than clustered in a single area, with particularly strong concentrations in Sukhumvit, Silom & Sathorn, and along the Chao Phraya River. Atmosphere, dress code, pricing, and music can vary significantly from venue to venue, making it worth choosing carefully depending on the experience you want.
→ For a practical guide to Bangkok’s best rooftop bars – including where to go for views, sunsets, cocktails, or atmosphere – see our Rooftop Bars in Bangkok guide.
Muay Thai Shows
Muay Thai
Watching live Muay Thai is one of Bangkok’s most authentic and exciting cultural experiences. Fights range from traditional, high-level bouts followed closely by local fans to more theatrical, tourist-friendly shows designed for first-time visitors.
Historic stadiums such as Rajadamnern and Lumpinee host elite-level fights several nights a week and offer a raw, traditional atmosphere. For a more casual introduction, free events at Channel 7 Stadium or occasional exhibition bouts at MBK Center offer an accessible way to experience Muay Thai.
→ Check out our full guide on Where to Watch Muay Thai in Bangkok.
Nightclubs
Nightclubs
Bangkok’s nightclub scene ranges from large, high-energy EDM venues to more niche or design-led clubs popular with a stylish local and international crowd. Most clubs are concentrated around RCA, Thonglor, and lower Sukhumvit, with music styles and dress codes varying significantly by venue.
Big-room clubs like Route 66 on RCA focus on multiple music zones and consistently busy nights, while venues such as Sing Sing Theater in Thonglor are known as much for visual spectacle and atmosphere as for music. International-friendly clubs like Levels on Sukhumvit Soi 11 attract a mixed crowd and themed party nights.
Cabaret Shows
Cabaret Shows
Cabaret performances are a long-standing part of Bangkok’s entertainment scene, known for glamorous costumes, choreographed dance routines, and upbeat musical numbers. Shows are polished, light-hearted, and designed to be enjoyable even if you don’t speak Thai.
Calypso Cabaret at Asiatique is the most famous and longest-running option, while venues like Golden Dome Cabaret and the Mirinn Theatre offer modern productions with strong stage design and multimedia elements. Cabaret shows are popular with couples, groups, and first-time visitors looking for a classic Bangkok night out.
Cinemas
Cinemas
Bangkok is famous for its high-quality cinemas, many of which rival or exceed those found in Western cities. Reclining seats, premium sound systems, IMAX Laser, 4DX, and luxury cinema lounges are widely available, often inside major shopping malls.
Major complexes such as Paragon Cineplex, EmQuartier CineArt, and ICON CINECONIC combine state-of-the-art screens with dining and shopping, making cinemas an easy and comfortable evening option. English-language films are widely shown, usually with Thai subtitles.
→ A detailed Cinemas in Bangkok guide is coming soon.
Comedy & Stand-Up
Comedy & Stand-Up
Bangkok has a small but lively English-language comedy scene, with regular stand-up shows, open mic nights, and touring international comedians. Most performances take place in bars or small dedicated venues around Sukhumvit and Khao San Road.
The Comedy Club Bangkok is the main hub for international headliners, while smaller venues like the Khao San Comedy Club and rotating RAW Comedy events offer a more casual, grassroots feel.
Indoor & Group Activities
Indoor & Group Activities
For groups, families, or rainy-day entertainment, Bangkok offers a growing range of indoor activities. Escape rooms are especially popular, with story-driven experiences available around Siam Square and Chatuchak. Bowling alleys, laser tag arenas, arcades, and VR gaming centres are commonly found inside major malls, making them easy to combine with shopping and dining.
These activities are best suited for relaxed evenings, group outings, or visitors looking for something different from nightlife-focused entertainment.
Other Entertainment Ideas
Other Entertainment Options
Beyond the main categories above, Bangkok also offers:
- Board-game cafés
- Karaoke rooms
- Magic shows and small theatre performances
- Art workshops and creative studios
- Indoor surf parks and activity centres
These can be fun additions to an itinerary depending on your interests and travel style.
Entertainment in Bangkok – FAQ
Is Bangkok safe for nightlife and entertainment?
Generally yes. Entertainment districts are well-policed and busy late into the night. Use normal big-city precautions: keep valuables secure, use licensed taxis/Grab, and avoid overly persistent touts.
What time do entertainment venues close?
Most bars close around 1am, though some nightlife zones have extended hours. Live music venues often finish earlier (around midnight), while cinemas and bowling alleys commonly run late. Check the social media of the venue you plan to visit.
Do I need to book tickets for shows or Muay Thai in advance?
For major Muay Thai stadiums, cabaret shows, and popular rooftop bars, advance booking is recommended, especially on weekends. Smaller venues usually accept walk-ins.
Is there a dress code for nightlife?
Rooftop bars and higher-end nightclubs typically require smart casual (closed shoes for men, no beachwear). Live music pubs and casual bars are more relaxed.
Are entertainment venues family-friendly?
Yes: cinemas, bowling alleys, arcades, indoor playgrounds, and some themed attractions cater to families. Nightclubs and bars are for 20+ only, and ID checks are common.
How expensive is entertainment in Bangkok?
There’s a wide range: bowling, cinemas, and casual shows are affordable; cocktails at rooftop bars or VIP nightclub tables can be significantly higher. Most visitors find the overall value excellent.
What’s the best way to get around at night?
Grab is the easiest option. If you’re near the BTS or MRT, they run until around midnight. Tuk-tuks are fun but should be agreed on with a price beforehand.