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 has a rich live-music scene covering jazz, soul, rock, indie, and acoustic sets in bars across the city.
Top Picks
• Saxophone Pub (Victory Monument)
Bangkok’s legendary home of live jazz and blues. Big sound, great musicians, and a vibrant nightly atmosphere.
• Brown Sugar (Old Town)
A long-running, intimate jazz club with warm lighting and quality bands playing across the week.
• Adhere the 13th Blues Bar (Old Town)
Tiny, authentic, and atmospheric. Known for relaxed blues sessions and friendly jam-night energy.
→ For the full guide check out: Live Music in Bangkok
Jazz Bars
Bangkok also has several dedicated jazz venues with more refined, performance-focused atmospheres.
Top Picks
• The Living Room (Sukhumvit)
A polished hotel jazz lounge with high-level musicians and nightly sets.
• Foojohn Jazz Club (Charoen Krung)
An American-style jazz club with excellent acoustics and strong weekend line-ups.
• Bamboo Bar (Riverside)
An iconic, award-winning jazz bar with a sophisticated cocktail program and atmospheric décor.
→ For the full guide check out: Jazz Bars in Bangkok
Nightclubs
Bangkok’s club scene ranges from EDM megaclubs to stylish Thonglor bars and Sukhumvit lounges.
Top Picks
• Route 66 (RCA)
Huge, multi-room nightclub with EDM, hip-hop, Thai live bands, and a reliable crowd every night.
• Sing Sing Theater (Thonglor)
A visually spectacular nightclub styled like a neon-lit Chinese opera house — unique and energetic.
• Levels (Sukhumvit Soi 11)
A popular international club with themed nights, commercial dance music, and a friendly, mixed crowd.
→ Full guide coming soon: Nightclubs in Bangkok
Rooftop Bars
Bangkok’s rooftops are world-famous for skyline views, cocktail culture, and photogenic sunsets.
Top Picks
• Mahanakhon SkyBar (Silom/Sathorn)
Thailand’s highest bar/restaurant with sweeping views and a stylish modern interior.
• Octave Rooftop Lounge (Sukhumvit)
A 3-level rooftop with 360° views – one of the best places in the city for sunset cocktails.
• Tichuca Rooftop Bar (Sukhumvit)
Trendy, jungle-themed rooftop known for its glowing “tree” centerpiece and lively atmosphere.
• Sanay Rooftop Bar (Khao San Road)
A sophisticated yet somewhat low-key rooftop bar on Thanon Tani near Khaosan Road.
→ Full guide coming soon: Rooftop Bars in Bangkok
Muay Thai Shows
Watching live Muay Thai is one of the most exciting cultural experiences you can have in Bangkok.
Top Picks
• Rajadamnern Stadium (Ratchadamnoen Road)
Historic and world-renowned. High-calibre fights several nights per week.
• Lumpinee Stadium (Ram Inthra)
A legendary venue for elite-level Muay Thai and major fight nights.
• MX Muay Extreme / Muay Thai Live
Tourist-friendly events that are fast-paced and accessible for first-time viewers.
→ Full guide coming soon: Where to Watch Muay Thai in Bangkok
Cabaret Shows
Bright, glamorous, theatrical, and fun – cabaret shows are a Bangkok classic.
Top Picks
• Calypso Cabaret (Asiatique)
Long-running and polished, with colourful costumes and upbeat musical numbers.
• Golden Dome Cabaret (Ratchada)
Energetic shows mixing pop music, dance, and theatrical flair.
• Mirinn Theatre (Ratchada)
A modern multimedia cabaret performance with strong stage effects.
Cinemas
Bangkok’s cinemas are famous for comfort – recliners, premium sound, and IMAX or 4DX options.
English-language films are widely available.
Top Picks
• Paragon Cineplex (Siam Paragon)
Bangkok’s largest cinema complex with IMAX Laser, 4DX, and luxury lounges.
• EmQuartier CineArt (Sukhumvit)
Stylish, comfortable, and convenient for dining and shopping before or after.
• Icon Cineconic (ICONSIAM)
A modern luxury cinema with impressive auditoriums and a great riverside location.
→ Full guide coming soon: Cinemas in Bangkok
Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are increasingly popular in Bangkok, especially for groups and indoor fun.
Top Picks
• Escape Room Bangkok (Siam Square)
A mix of spooky, detective and adventure-themed rooms with varying difficulty.
• Ticket to Mystery (Siam Square)
High-quality, story-forward escape rooms with clever puzzles.
• Lost Room (Chatuchak)
Immersive sets and challenging puzzles — great for experienced players.
Bowling Alleys
Bowling is a fun, accessible activity popular with both locals and visitors. Many alleys are located inside major malls with dining and arcades nearby.
Top Picks
• Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl (Siam Paragon / many branches)
The city’s most modern bowling brand with glowing lanes, upbeat music, and premium seating.
• Major Bowl Hit (Central World)
A centrally located bowling alley with good lanes, casual vibes, and easy access for visitors.
• SF Strike Bowl (MBK Center)
Affordable, friendly, and great for groups — classic bowling in a convenient location.
Laser Tag
Laser tag is another fun indoor choice, especially for families, groups of friends, or team activities.
Top Picks
• Lazgam Laser Tag (Sukhumvit / Gateway Ekkamai)
Bangkok’s most popular laser-tag arena with multi-level maps and good equipment.
• Playsquare Laser Tag (CentralWorld)
Easy to reach, well-maintained, and located inside one of Bangkok’s biggest malls.
• The Rink x Laser Tag (Central Pinklao)
A combo ice-rink and laser-tag venue — fun for a half-day trip.
Comedy & Stand-Up
Bangkok has a small but lively English-language comedy scene.
Top Picks
• The Comedy Club Bangkok (Sukhumvit)
The main hub for English stand-up with international headliners and weekly shows.
• Khaosan Comedy Club
Small, friendly room with open mic nights and guest acts.
• RAW Comedy (Sukhumvit bars)
Rotating stand-up events hosted at various bars around lower Sukhumvit.
Other Entertainment Ideas
Bangkok also offers plenty of fun activities you can add to your itinerary:
- VR and AR gaming centres
- Board-game cafés
- Magic shows and small theatre performances
- Karaoke rooms
- Indoor surf parks
- Arcades and claw-machine halls
- Art workshops and creative studios
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.