Live Music in Bangkok – What to Expect & Where to Go
Live music in Bangkok isn’t hard to find – but the music scene is a little different to what many visitors might expect.
Rather than having dozens of dedicated concert-style venues, most live music in Bangkok takes place in bars, hotel lounges, and nightlife areas, with bands and musicians performing several nights a week.
This page explains how to get the most from Bangkok’s live music scene, and where to go depending on what you’re looking for.
What “Live Music” Means in Bangkok
In Bangkok, live music usually falls into one of these categories:
- Jazz & blues venues with resident bands and rotating guest musicians
- Bars with live bands, often playing covers, pop, rock, or acoustic sets
- Hotel bars & lounges featuring polished evening performances
- Casual nightlife areas where multiple bars host live music nightly
Fully dedicated, stand-alone music venues are relatively rare – which is why knowing where to look matters more than knowing specific venue names.
Best Areas for Live Music in Bangkok
Rather than focusing on individual venues, live music in Bangkok is best explored by area:
- Sukhumvit – The widest variety, from jazz lounges to rooftop bars with live bands
- Silom & Sathorn – Strong for jazz, blues, soul, and late-night live performances
- Victory Monument – Home to one of the city’s most iconic jazz & blues venues
- Khao San Road & Old Town – Casual, high-energy live bands, reggae, acoustic, and rock
- Chinatown (Yaowarat & Soi Nana) – Smaller, creative venues with indie and alternative nights
- Riverside – Hotel bars and scenic venues with lounge-style live music
Dedicated Live Music Guides on Essential Bangkok
For more focused recommendations, explore these dedicated sections:
- Jazz Bars in Bangkok – The city’s strongest and most consistent live music scene
- Bars in Bangkok – Including venues that host live bands several nights a week
- Khao San Road Bars – A major hotspot for casual live music and backpacker energy
- Bangkok Entertainment Guide – Nightlife areas, shows, and evening experiences
Is Bangkok Good for Live Music?
Yes: especially if you enjoy jazz, blues, lounge music, and live bands in social settings.
While it may not rival major Western cities for large-scale concert venues, Bangkok excels at intimate, atmospheric live music nights, often combined with great food, cocktails, and city views.