Bangkok during the day is a treat for those looking to explore Thai culture, be it its monuments, temples, museums and art galleries. However, Bangkok is, arguably, best enjoyed at night! The city’s nightlife is one of the best in the world, so it’s no surprise that the nighttime is the best time to explore Bangkok in a completely new light – pun intended! So, team unstumbled’s coming to your rescue and guiding you on the top things to do in Bangkok at night!
Things To Do In Bangkok: Rooftop Bars, Street Food, Night Markets, And More
Rooftop Bars: Night Time Bling And Parties Galore
Bangkok has a hundred different rooftop bars scattered across the city, and each one of them is distinctly unique. These bars are part of what makes Bangkok such a happening destination for night parties. Here are some of the top rooftop bars in Bangkok!
Vertigo – Banyan Tree
Why: Chic, cosmopolitan space that’s an alfresco bar-cum-restaurant – perfect for sundowners and laidback vibes.
Address: S Sathon Rd, Khwaeng Thung Maha Mek, Sathon 10120
Above Eleven
Why: Central Park-inspired rooftop bar, decadent cocktails, and unique Peruvian-Japanese fusion food
Address: Fraser Suites Sukhumvit 33rd Floor, Sukhumvit Road Soi 11, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana 10110
CRU Rooftop Champagne Bar
Why: Exclusive champagne selection, global delicacies, and a color-changing arc right at the center of the rooftop bar!
Address: Centara Grand at Central World, 999/99 Rama 1 road, Phatumwan 10330
Sala Rattanakosin
Why: A comparatively less popular yet majestic bar offering unparalleled views of the Wat Arun Temple, especially around sunset
Address: 39 Maha Rat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon 10200
Skybar – Lebua Sky Tower
Why: One of the most famous, happening, and iconic rooftop bars in Bangkok that offers stunning views of the Chao Phraya River from the top of the 63rd floor!
Address: Lebua at State Tower, 1055 Si Lom, Silom, Bang Rak 10500
River Cruises: Dining Made More Luxurious
Why dine in restaurants and cafes when you can do so atop a luxurious cruise? River cruises in Bangkok are one of the most famous things to do in Bangkok at night. There are plenty of cruise operators and restaurants that offer guests customizable packages. These include multi-course dinner, free-flowing drinks, and even live entertainment and games! Float past illuminated temples and iconic Bangkok landmarks as you sail your way through the city!
Here are some of the best recommendations for night cruises in Bangkok:
Bangkok: Opulence Luxury River Dinner Cruise
Price: INR 4765 per person on GetYourGuide
Smile Riverside Cruise Luxury Buffet Dinner
Price: INR 3008 per person on Viator
Meridian Dinner Cruise
Price: INR 1587 per person on Klook
Royal Princess Chao Phraya River Cruise
Price: INR 2225 per person on GetYourGuide
Chao Phraya White Orchid Cruise
Price: INR 1848 per person on Klook
Bangkok Carnival Party Dinner Cruise
Price: INR 3528 per person on Viator
Night Markets: Quirky Souvenirs And Steal Deals
Retail therapy and that too at night is a unique experience you must partake in when in Bangkok. The city’s night markets are a haven for shopaholics – offering you some of the best steal deals and never-seen-before merchandise. There are plenty of night markets, shopping malls, and streets where you’ll find everything from thrifted clothes, unique souvenirs, quirky phone cases, and everything in between!
Siam Square
A well-known shopping and entertainment neighborhood filled with thousands of shops, restaurants, and rooftop bars. Often fondly referred to as the ‘Shinjuku of Thailand’. Siam Square is the perfect destination for those shoppers who prefer the blingy shopping malls and stores over local night markets.
Rot Fai Night Market
Also known as the Srinakarin Train Market, this night market isn’t very popular among tourists. This makes it perfect for enjoying the city’s local life and getting exclusive offers and deals. The Rot Fai Night Market is the best place in Bangkok to get your hands on vintage finds, quirky souvenirs, and delicious street food!
Huamum Night Market
Another lesser-known night market, this place has some of the trendiest collection of shoes, handbags, accessories, and handicrafts. The Huamum doesn’t have many tourists, making it perfect for those looking to explore Bangkok without the usual tourist chaos.
Indy Market
Located in the Thonburi district, the Indy Market is a fairly new night market that sees more locals than tourists. Here, you’ll find colorful stalls selling everything from bags, footwear, and souvenirs to delicious Thai street food.
Other must-visit night markets in Bangkok:
- Saphan Phut Night Market
- The One Ratchada
- Srinagarindra Train Night Market
- Yaowarat Road Chinatown Market
- Mahadthai Night Market
Street Food Hunting: Thai Food At Its Finest
Did you even explore Bangkok if you didn’t even try out authentic Thai street food at night? Bangkok is known for its vibrant street food markets that are often located within night markets. There are also plenty of standalone food markets, food lanes, and cafes and eateries that serve delicious, heartwarming local food. And not just Thai food, you’ll get to try delicacies from around Asia at these vibrant food markets!
Here are our top picks:
Yaowarat
Also known as Bangkok’s Chinatown, this is one of the most famous places to try out street food in Bangkok. The neighborhood is filled with big and small eateries and upscale restaurants, promising a delightful experience for all kinds of travelers.
Khao San Road
Let’s agree that Khao San Road is one of the most famous streets among backpackers in Bangkok. The vibrant market is a haven for cheap bites, live music, and a vibe that can only be found on Bangkok’s streets.
Wang Lang Market
A delightful view of the Chao Phraya River paired with delicious Thai street food – Wang Lang Market is one of the best destinations to explore in Bangkok. From small roadside stalls to legacy eateries, the market comes to life in the evening to serve the authentic taste of Bangkok.
Must-try street food in Bangkok:
- Moo Ping: Charcoal-grilled smoky pork skewers that can also be accompanied with rice and salad.
- Hat Yai Style Fried Chicken: Fried chicken dipped in fish sauce and little to no cornstarch that can even give American-style fried chicken a run for its money!
- Khanom Krok: Similar to a Japanese takoyaki, this sweet dish is filled with decadent coconut cream and topped with green onion, taro, and corn.
- Tod Mun Pla: Fried fish patties marinated in red curry paste, kaffir lime leaves, chillis, and other spices.
- Kluay Tod: Fried banana fritters with a crispy, crunchy exterior and a soft, mushy interior. These are also made from taro and sweet potato.
Cultural/Sports Performances: A Confluence Of Art, Traditions, And Heritage
Bangkok’s diverse culture is reflected not only through its decadent street food, rooftop parties, and shopping streets but also through its cultural performances. Here are some of the best cultural experiences to be a part of when in Bangkok.
Calypso Cabaret Show
These cabaret shows are performed by transgender ‘ladyboy’ artists who don glitzy costumes and entertain guests with song and dance. The Calypso Cabaret Show is one of the most popular shows of its kind in Bangkok. Also, worry not, this is a family-friendly experience that will have you shaking a leg and busting a move!
Where: Asiatique – The Riverfront, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a form of Thai martial art that combines elements of boxing and combat sports. It is also known as the ‘Art of Eight Limbs’, referring to the eight points of contact primarily used in Muay Thai. Watching a Muay Thai match is one of the must-try experiences in Bangkok, and we can’t stress it enough!
Where: Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium, 8 Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd, Pom Prap Sattru Phai
Summing Up
Here we reach the end of all the amazing things to do in Bangkok at night! Be it watching a scintillating cabaret performance, gobbling delicious Thai street food, or bargaining at the night markets, each of these activities in the city is a unique experience in itself. So, which one are you excited to try out when in Bangkok?
