Cafè Democ
Open: 11:00 - 01:00 Tuesday - Sunday
Location: Next to the Democracy monument, Ratchadamnoen Road
Contact: +66 (0)2 622 2571
Around for years, this diminutive little restaurant-cum-café by day, is a defining force in Bangkok's club scene by night. During any one of its events, its graffiti-sprawled walls are regularly and rather expertly filled with all breeds of dance music - house, electro, pop, new rave, breakbeat, progressive house, trance, hip-hop and drum & bass. Located on Ratchadamnoen Road smack-bang next to the famous Democracy Monument (a ten minute walk from Khao San Road).
The Club
Open: 20:00 - 02:00
Location: 123 Khao San Road
Contact: +66 (0)2 629 1100
Relive the days when trance music, not Black Eyed Peas, ruled Khao San! Offering the full-on hands-in-the-air 'rave' experience (complete with complimentary glow-sticks), The Club is the sort of sleek, snazzy joint you'd expect to find in Ibiza Town - only minus the vain DJs and drug-addled masses. What it does have is a big dance floor with high-ceilings, agitated lasers, UV lights, oversize disco ball, and - the piece de resistance - a raised DJ booth with trippy visuals working the backdrop.
It makes for a near-on hallucinogenic spectacle. Laser beams flicker through louvered Mediterranean doorways while travellers high on life and Thai whisky bounce through clouds of dry ice. Others lounge on chic sofas, awaiting the arrival of their chosen tipple. Tough electro house and trance doesn't so much fill the air, as pummel it into submission - don't come here for that talky first date. Do come here to dance like a lunatic or for one of their full-moon beach parties, when this often half-empty venue comes alive with sand, deck-chairs and bigger crowds.
Immortal
Location: 1st floor of the Bayon Building, 249 Khao San Road
Contact: +66 (0)5 812 9111
A legendary player in the Khao San music scene, Immortal has cracked the secret for longevity: play the music you love, and crank it very, very loud. With drum & bass, punk, rock, metal and nu-metal sometimes played, the music policy has a distinct alternative, industrial edge. However, this is a hip-hop club at heart. Has various Happy Hour offers, and the price of entry (which varies according to the night) includes a drink. Dark, shady and unglamorous, but often very fun.
Lava Club
Location: basement of the Bayon building, 249 Khao San Road
Contact: +66 (0)2 281 6565
Drenched in dim scarlet light and located in a long dark modern basement, this hip-hop dungeon is the closest thing to a subterranean netherworld you'll find on Khao San Road. Half-naked backpackers and pretty locals are served by suggestively dressed waitresses, while kids with attitude, baggy pants and bling, bump and grind. Wannabe hustler DJs play moody hip-hop to rival the setting. Only gets busy after 11:00 and entry is free.
Learn more about Clubbing: What's On, Regular Club Nights, Sukhumvit Clubs, Silom Clubs, RCA & Ratchada Clubs, Ploenchit & Chidlom Clubs
Learn more about Khao San Road: Overview, List of Hotels, Where to Stay, What to See & Do, Nightlife, Bars & Pubs, Shopping, Where to Eat, Getting Around |
