RCA Clubs in Bangkok

808

One of Bangkok’s better clubs, it attracts a regular crowd, eager to get inside and reap the benefits of the mega-sound system. 808, is synonymous with international DJ’S, including the likes of Goldie, Grandmaster Flash and Judge Jules, who all played there during 2009.

With cutting edge visuals the club can proudly boast to having the biggest sound system in Bangkok. Split into two floors, the upstairs has a smoking bar and balcony which tends to be enjoyed by the crowd shy, while the first floor is literally shaking as a dance floor. Admission varies depending on the night.

Flix and Slim Clubs

If in doubt about the ability of the younger generation to make a lasting impression, head for this brash two-zone clubbing colossus. Cast in modernist steel and glass, we promise you'll never ever forget the ever-preening mass that accumulates here each night. Mainly because their sheer volume means within seconds of entering you're unsure if you'll ever emerge alive.

This near-death crush is best felt in Slim - a hip-hop and R&B zone that seems better geared towards mass casualties than it is to throwing down break-dancing moves. Fortunately you can sooth your nerves over a bottle in the usually less populated Flix - the electro/house quarter. Stylistically both are rather stunning, just like the dressy, predominantly local crowd. Entry is free, bring ID.

Inch

In the midst of this popular nightlife district, sits this suave mega-club catering to over 2,500 pleasure-seekers, most of them moneyed young Thais. Architecturally it's a treat, sleek steel and glass combining to give the exterior an absorbing ultra-modern face, while inside is comprised of two chic, softly lit zones separated by curving glass partition.

Each area is similar in style but offers a different flavour: the first has high-ceilings, gigantic disco balls and a cool retro vibe and caters to live music lovers, while the second and main room pumps the latest hip-hop tracks. Behind the bar, creative mixologists blend cocktail concoctions, both beloved classics and adventurous new creations.

JazzIt Bangkok

A small Thai-Italian disco featuring an impressive Italian wine list, Italian and Thai dishes, as well as Italian and Thai DJs spinning deep house, Latin house, and Brazilian house. Live vocalists and percussionists are thrown in the mix between sets. The club's live band also plays the latest pop and rock hits as well as popular classics every night.

Overtone Music Cave

More of a music club and mini-concert hall than a party house, this funky venue is where to go to meet like-minded music lovers – and of course down a few bottles of beer or cocktails. The place keeps its concert schedule eclectic and diverse, welcoming all music genres, whether mainstream rock, punk, ska, blues, pop, jazz , folk, fusion, hip-hop, electronic, or world. The live jamming sessions are the most fun, as they bring together spontaneous acts between local and international artists as well as various indie bands. Sunday evenings, the floor is open for aspiring local bands to perform their gigs. Cover charge applies (inclusive of a drink).

Route 66

North, south, east and west... no matter where you head in this sprawling super-club, the sound of mainstream R&B and hip-hop is inescapable. Still, since that seems to be what RCA's undiscerning night crawlers want, who are we to complain?

Split into two main zones, get ready for something very snazzy: sleek white interiors robbed wholesale from Bed Supperclub, mega-decibel sound systems, dazzling lighting and animation screens. Oh, and did we neglect to mention: no dance floors. That's right, 'Route 66' dropped the all important space to boogie - the whole point of a dance club - in favour of tables to plant your whisky glass. Never mind. The place is jumping pretty much every night, mainly with randy young Thais out to liquidate their salary and collect digits.