Old Town Nightlife: 10 Exciting Places to Get Drinks in Bangkok’s Old Central
Thonglor, Ekamai, RCA, and Ratchada have long been famed for their nightlife scene. These areas are the first places where people who know Bangkok after dark will point you towards when the question of where to grab a drink pops up. But it is only normal. These famed nightlight haunts are so easily accessible - maybe a BTS/MRT station pops by it or taxis know exactly where they are. They are a sure shot that you just cannot miss. Sticking to these famed addresses will ensure you have a good time, but where is the adventure in trying something the majority of the crowd will also have tried too?
Being the vibrant city that Bangkok is, there is always more out there if you are ready to explore. In fact, Bangkok’s Old Town area has been slowly developing its very own catalog of hip places to go and grab some cold ones. Some may ask what constitutes as “Old Town” - simply put, anything across the canal that runs along Krung Kasem Road can be considered as located in “Old Town”. For the purpose of this list however, we will exclude the places in Khao Sarn Road and central Yaowarat (China Town) - those areas are diverse enough to have a list of their own.
Without further ado, here are 10 exciting places to get drinks in Bangkok’s old central.
Adhere 13th Blues Bar
With a name like Adhere 13th Blues Bar, there is definitely something unique about this place. Located in a converted townhouse along Sam Sen Road, the classic design of the place really adds character to the live Blues music being played on a nightly basis. Normally packed beyond capacity with expats and some locals, this is the place to check out when you need something hip but simple.
Brown Sugar
Jazz bars are a dime a dozen. They are often fads that quickly come and quickly go. That is because most Jazz bars lack the most important element any jazz bar needs - and that is soul. Brown Sugar has been opened since 1985. They were the first place where Bangkok found its groovy jazz sounds. Today, the classic place still exists as a haunt for jazz lovers from all over the world to listen to amazing live jazz while enjoying a drink.
Dialogue Coffee and Gallery
If you enjoy art (literally) or just the “art of drinking” then Dialogue Coffee and Gallery is the place for you. The vibe at this local hotspot combines creativity and good food and drinks so that you and your friends can enjoy a homey night out. Enjoy this “free space for slow life” and really feel the warmth from the owners as the live band entertains you all night long.
Hanu Bar
Bringing together a hostel and a welcoming bar where you can hang out and enjoy good company is not an easy task, but HANU Hostel & Sky Bar has done it with flying colors. The bar is open to the public and is perfect for hanging out if you want to meet people from all around the world who happen to be staying in the hostel. Great people, great drinks, and an awesome view of Old Town - you found the place.
Jham-Jun Phranakorn Rooftop Bar & Bistro
Jham-Jun Phranakorn Rooftop Bar & Bistro is unintentionally a hidden gem. Situated on the rooftop of an old (almost deserted) building, the way up in the sliding elevator already adds to the place’s allure. Add to that the cheap drinks that range from cocktails to cold draft beer and a large selection of Thai bar foods and this may become your favorite haunt. Not to mention, the clear view of the Chao Phraya River and Pom Phra Sumen - what more can you want?
Phranakorn Bar & Gallery
The awesome part about old town is that if you position yourself right, you can find yourself situated to stare at some awesome views of the beautiful city Bangkok is. At Phranakorn Bar & Gallery this is exactly what you get from the rooftop bar with the Golden Pra-Prang Temple and the Government House in clear sight. Select from local Thai foods and tasty cocktails to enjoy with the view, or you can just venture indoors and take a look at the items on show in the gallery.
Rabbit Hill
You know you are near Chinatown when you walk into Rabbit Hill because everything about the red lanterns and specially shaped glasses screams “CHINATOWN”! But do not let the decor fool you, this serious bar has serious drinks, and the founders behind it make sure that they maintain their vision through carefully selected offerings like the Moonzen craft beer they brought over from Hong-Kong. Prepare your cameras as well; this place is definitely ‘gram worthy!
Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar
Sala Rattanakosin is no newcomer to any list as such. This well-known restaurant and bar is located in the luxurious accommodation complex of the same name. Situated right along the Chao Phraya River, the eatery overlooks Wat Arun making for an awesomely romantic place to have a drink with that special someone. The food is also a highlight as the good views are no excuse to make mediocre dishes. This is one place in Old Town you cannot miss.
Sheepshank Public House
There is a saying that hip places cannot exist along the Bangkok riverbank because hotels and mall developers have already snapped up all the prime locations. In comes Sheepshank Public House that is located right next to the water near Pra Atit Pier. This chic hangout spot has multiple beers on tap and makes the perfect place to sip your drink intimately close to the Chao Phraya. The food and live music is also a highlight making this the perfect 1-2-punch for any night out.
Swing Bar by Ching Cha
Swing Bar is located on the rooftop of ChingCha Hostel (which also means Swing in Thai). The bar has a unique vantage point where you can enjoy your drink as you admire the large red swing landmark in the middle of Bangkok. Hang out (literally) at the bar while you swing your legs away in their special seating area that makes you feel like a grown kid again. Prices are extremely fair for both the finger foods on offer and the strong drinks they make.