Thailand is a vacation destination like no other. The days here merge into nights, and tourists never fall short of things to do. During the day, you can escape to the rolling mountains, evergreen jungles, and turquoise waters. And as the sun sets, Thailand transforms into the place that buzzes with music and joyous nightlife.

Here are five top places you cannot miss for the perfect nocturnal experience complete with a dizzying array of beach parties, clubs, shows and cultural festivals:

1. Bangkok

The capital of Thailand offers a myriad of options to spend your night on. Whether it’s watching the Asiatique shows or busting some moves on Onyx’s dance floor, visiting Bangkok after the sun sets should be on your list. And this guide will ensure that you capture a memorable experience of this city’s nightlife.

Bangkok is well-known for its outdoor markets and the most iconic Market that you absolutely cannot miss is the Chatuchak Weekend market. Chatuchak is huge! Like you could get lost shopping and enjoying huge! Head to Chatuchak on a Friday night where it is open until midnight and shop the whole day over the weekend from 9 am – 6 pm. Buy original art from artists, indulge in Thai desserts and buy everything from clothes to accessories and spices. Another market that you can enjoy post sunset is the Talat Rot Fai Ratchada or Train Night Market.  The market opens at 5 pm and continues until 11 am and is easily accessible. The atmosphere of the market is buzzing with excitement. Head to pop up shops to buy handicrafts, fancy drinks and take home Thai souvenirs. You absolutely must try the unique street food invented by Thai locals at the market.

Also, make sure to visit the Asiatique shows for a family-friendly night out. The scintillating view of the flamboyant artists is a sight to behold. You can check out the nearby restaurants and markets located in this open-air mall for a one-stop-shopping experience.

Bangkok’s most famous rooftop bar is the Octave Bar. It is the perfect place for a romantic candlelight dinner overlooking the glittering city at night. Equipped with a dance floor, signature cocktails and a view from the 45th floor of the Marriott hotel, the rooftop bar will give you a luxurious experience with your significant other. Alternatively, you can take part in a dinner cruise onboard the Chaophraya river for an unforgettable night. This cruise comes with an authentic Thai cuisine buffet and live music to accompany you.

For a more upbeat night, check out the Onyx club. The international DJs, laser lights, and huge crowds make it a perfect nightclub experience with options from general to a VIP that gives you a private balcony. Do head over to Ce La Vi for multiple bars, clubs, and restaurants all along Bangkok’s twinkling skyline. And ladies, you get free entry and wine here on Wednesdays!

The icing on the cake is the ‘Hangover Tour’. This tour takes you through a dizzying number of bars and pub-crawls for a fun night out. Yes, in case you were wondering, it is themed around the movie ‘Hangover’. Whether you’re visiting Thailand for the first time or not, Bangkok will always keep you on your toes!

2. Phuket

   
   

The nightclubs in Phuket’s Patong require no exaggeration. Clubs line the streets with a relaxed vibe and party-goers revel in the exciting atmosphere!  One of the more popular clubs is Illuzion. This club’s capacity of 4500 guests, theatrical performances and jaw-dropping acrobats means you get all you need for an unforgettable night out. 

 For 70 minutes of glamour, glitz, and fashion, add the Simon Cabaret to your itinerary. The multicultural act comprising Thai, Korean, Vietnamese and English performers is a talented, high craft set. Established in 1991, Simon Cabaret has proved to be one of the best spots for entertainment and theatre in Southeast Asia.

You can also try the Cafe Del Mar – a sophisticated cafe straight out of Ibizia for an eating experience. Or, you can try Phuket’s original beach club, The Catch Beach Club, for a lively crowd with lip-smacking cocktails!

If you thought all Phuket’s nightlife had to offer were beach parties and nightclubs, you were sorely mistaken. Muay Thai boxing matches rightfully deserve your time. These kickboxers’ skill, coupled with the raucous cheers from the excited crowds gives you the festive sports vibe immediately. Watching Thailand’s national sport live is truly a unique experience.

Phuket also offers a beautiful range of spas that can relax you to your core, if this idea calls out to your heart, you must try out the De Flora, Pranvera and Orientala spa on Patong beach.

If shows are your thing, you have to check out ‘Fantasea’ – a Thai cultural show that incorporates latest technology, incredible sets and live animal performances. And if you love animals, there are other amazing things for you to do like visiting Aquaria, Phuket tiger kingdom and dolphin show amongst loads of other fabulous options.

Are you vacationing for a couple of weeks? If yes, then see this bucket list and check your favourites off right away!

3. Pattaya

   
   

No guide for the ultimate nightlife experience in Thailand would be complete without mentioning Pattaya. 

Have you heard of the Hard Rock Foam Party? If not, then let us help you out here a bit. This poolside party is famed across Thailand for providing a unique feature – Beach Foam X. It starts with a family-friendly foam party at 5 PM and then ups the ante for the adults. And it would not be a ‘Hard Rock’ experience without the signature food and live music from talented musicians touring across the countries. This party truly has a lot to offer.

For a more private night, you can explore the half-kilometre beach stretch known as the Walking Street. There’s a bar, restaurant or a pub everywhere that you can look at. But if you’re not seeking food, there are authentic Thai spa getaways and Muay Thai matches, amongst other indulgences.

Pattaya also has many high-end hotels and clubs for an elite party setup; The Horizon Bar and The Siam being the most noteworthy on our list. After all, what’s better than infusing five-star Thai experience to round off your trip?

Along with this, the beautiful island of Pattaya is home to some of the Tiffany Cabaret Show which takes place in the grand theatre which is just as remarkable as the show.

Pattaya is also well-known for the Four Regions Floating Market; the subsections of this huge market represent the four major areas of Thailand – the north, northeast, central and south. This representation comes in the form of shops and stalls selling souvenirs, fruits, food, art, handicrafts, postcards and clothing as well as regular cultural shows and demonstrations.

Last but not the least, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum is just the stop for you if you are up for a twisted night of awesomeness! It has over 300 exhibits which will boggle the mind and tell you all the most unbelievable truths and facts of the world. It also has a 12D theatre and various fun rides!

4. Koh Phangan

   
   

If there is one thing Koh Phangan is known for, it’s the Full Moon Party. Join 30,000 random strangers for the wildest night out under the full shining mood, along the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Ri! This is truly a celebration with jugglers and fire-eaters wowing you to the beat of techno, reggae, and bass. 

There are multiple programs and packages available if you want an action-packed shorter stay that you will never forget!

Koh Phangan is also known for the glorious Thong Sala Night Market. This market might be the haven for the foodie inside you. if you love eating- you will never forget the night you spend here. People in Thailand simply love night markets – they are a big part of their culture and besides that, you can buy pretty much anything there while haggling your heart out!

Nature is also one of the strongest suits of Koh Phangan with the mesmerizing Koh Phangan Waterfalls, Chaloklum Beach, Mae Haat Beach and the world-famous turtle island, Koh Tao.

If you love adventure, this island might blow you away with the best kayaking, snorkelling, hiking, diving and boating adventures all through the island, all through the day and the night as well!

5. Krabi

   
   

This spot is a league apart from the parties of Phuket and Pattaya. Dive into the beauty of the Phi Phi islands and Railay with one party ending at dusk and another one continuing till dawn! The Tew Lay Bar is our honourable mention for its hidden potential.

Krabi is one of the most popular island-hopping destinations and turns into a night of revelry and fun in no time. The Arty Mama Resto-bar oozes with the hippie-traveller lifestyle, and you can visit the Hobby Hops Craft Beer Bar for refined beer cocktails and drinks.

Another place to visit for amazing food and fine-dining would be Grotto- the best dining experience on the island. Placed surprisingly in a cave under a limestone cliff on Phranang Beach, it provides a breath-taking setting and even more amazing food and drinks to spark a fire between you and your loved ones.

 If you’re in Krabi, you must also hop aboard “Pla Luang”, the last of the Siamese sailing junks – the boat sails around stunning islands like Poda, Chicken, Si and Ta Ming. You can spend a romantic night on the deck after eating a nice dinner or you could just dive off the deck and snorkel in the water!

This place is a must-go for those who are a big fan of shows. Check out Illumanorah – a cultural show that uses music and dance to tell old Thai folk tales. Another recommendation would be the Blue Dragon Cabaret show which brings entertainment, dance, music and fun to an entirely new and enriching experience.

This guide just skims over the nightlife in Thailand. There’s so much more to do, so many places to explore. But wherever you might go, you will surely have the best nights of your lives here. So get ready for an adventure that will set foot in your heart and make a place in your soul like no other – Thailand awaits you!

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