Bangkok University Students: Partying Hard And Smart

Bangkok is known for its vibrant nightlife, with streets that transform after sundown into a lively hub of entertainment and parties. The city's university students are no strangers to this scene, and they sure know how to party! From clubs to bars and everything in between, Bangkok's university students have a diverse range of options to let loose and have fun. So, where do they go and what do they get up to? Let's dive into the world of Bangkok's university student nightlife and explore their favourite haunts and traditions.

Popular clubs and streets for Bangkok University students

Bangkok's nightlife scene is vibrant and energetic, with a range of clubs, bars, restaurants, and shops. The city has something for everyone, from swanky rooftop bars to backpacker havens.

Royal City Avenue (RCA):

RCA is Bangkok's largest and most popular entertainment area, packed with nightclubs and bars. It is a favourite among college students from Bangkok and is known for its heavy-hitter clubs such as Route 66, Onyx, and Spaceplus. The clubs here play a range of music, from EDM and techno to hip-hop and trap. RCA also hosts epic events, festivals, and concerts featuring famous DJs and artists from around the world.

Sukhumvit Soi 11:

This 700-metre strip is one of Bangkok's most famous streets for nightlife. It offers a mix of legendary clubs and bars, including Sugar, Levels, Havana Social, and Oskar. The street is constantly evolving, with new venues opening and some shutting down. Sukhumvit Soi 11 attracts a diverse crowd of locals, expats, and tourists, making it a great place to meet people and party.

Thonglor:

Thonglor is known for its upscale and trendy nightlife scene, attracting wealthy and famous locals, university students, and expats. The main Thonglor Road (Sukhumvit Soi 55) features rows of upscale bars and restaurants, but the best clubs are on and around Thonglor Soi 10, including Funky Villa, DEMO, and Escobar. The crowd here is mostly Thai, with glammed-up university students and affluent young professionals, so it's a good idea to dress to impress.

Khaosan Road:

Khaosan Road is a wild party zone and a popular backpacker hub, attracting people from all over the world. It offers a mix of beer and cocktail bars, clubs, and rooftop lounges. The street is known for its cheap alcohol buckets. While it is popular among tourists and backpackers, young Thai locals and university students also frequent the bars and clubs, especially on weekends.

Silom:

By day, Silom appears to be a commercial hub filled with office blocks and banks. But at night, the street transforms, with market stalls, bars, and tuk-tuk drivers congregating around Patpong. Soi 2 and Soi 4 are known for their gay scene, with the former home to the DJ Station club and the latter offering camp and laid-back bars. Further west, towards the river, is the unique Maggie Choo's club. The crowd on Silom varies, attracting a mix of gay patrons, couples, and groups of girls.

The culture of drinking and partying in Bangkok

Bangkok's nightlife scene is vibrant and diverse, with something to offer for everyone, from university students to young professionals and tourists. The city's party culture is centred around its many streets and neighbourhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere and attractions.

One of the most popular areas for university students to party is Royal City Avenue (RCA), which is known for its wall-to-wall clubs, including the legendary Route66 Club, and the more European-style Onyx Bangkok. The clubs on RCA attract a mix of Thai students and well-off locals and Asians, and the street often hosts epic events, festivals, and concerts featuring famous DJs and artists from around the world.

Another popular area for students is Khao San Road, a well-known backpacker party hub with a range of budget-friendly bars, clubs, and restaurants. While it has long been a magnet for travellers, Khao San Road is also increasingly attracting young local crowds, who join the travellers in downing buckets of alcohol and dancing along to live music.

For those seeking a more sophisticated vibe, the neighbourhood of Thonglor is the place to be. Known for its upscale venues, Thonglor attracts Bangkok's wealthy and glamorous crowds, including university students. The area boasts chic bars, elite clubs, lounges, and incredible rooftop bars, offering a more exclusive party experience.

In addition to these popular hotspots, Bangkok also has several other neighbourhoods with vibrant nightlife scenes. Sukhumvit Soi 11, for example, is known for its variety of entertainment venues, from sophisticated cocktail bars to live music and beer bars, as well as legendary clubs. This street attracts a mix of expats, tourists, and locals. Silom, meanwhile, transforms after dark, with market stalls, bars, and tuk-tuk drivers congregating around Patpong, and a noticeable gay scene on Soi 2 and Soi 4.

Bangkok's university students also tend to frequent areas near their campuses during the week, such as Chula's Chamchuri Square and Thammasat Rangsit's City Park. These student zones offer a more low-key social experience, with game cafes, sweet shops, and food stalls.

Transport to clubs in Bangkok

Bangkok's nightlife scene is varied and vibrant, with many options for university students to party. Transport to clubs in Bangkok is made easy by the city's extensive public transport system and taxi services. Here are some transport options for getting to clubs in Bangkok:

BTS Sky Train

The BTS Sky Train is a convenient way to get around Bangkok. It has two lines: the Light Green Line (Sukhumvit Line) and the Dark Green Line (National Stadium-Bang Wa). The train runs daily from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., with fares ranging from 16 to 59 baht, depending on the distance travelled. The BTS provides access to popular nightlife areas such as Sukhumvit Soi 11, known for its bars, clubs, and restaurants.

MRT Subway

The MRT Train, or subway, is another transport option for getting to clubs in Bangkok. It has two lines: the Blue Line (Hua Lamphong-Bang Khae and Bang Sue-Tha Phra) and the Purple Line (Khlong Bang Phai-Tao Poon). The subway operates daily, with the Blue Line running from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and the Purple Line from 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Fares range from 17 to 42 baht, depending on the distance. The MRT can take you to areas such as Silom, which transforms at night with market stalls, bars, and tuk-tuks.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Bangkok and can be a convenient way to get to clubs, especially if travelling in a group. Fares start at 35 baht and increase based on distance. It is important to note that using a taxi service from Don Mueang Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport incurs an additional 50 baht service charge.

Motorcycle Taxis

For a quicker option through Bangkok's busy streets, motorcycle taxis are an option. Fares start at 10 baht and increase depending on the distance. The Ministry of Transport has set a maximum fare of 25 baht for the first 2 kilometres, with a maximum increase of 5 baht per kilometre thereafter. For distances over 15 kilometres, both rider and client must agree on the fare beforehand to prevent excessive charges.

Bus

Bangkok also has an extensive bus network, with regular buses and air-conditioned buses serving various routes. Fares for regular buses are 8-10 baht, while air-conditioned buses range from 12-25 baht, depending on the distance. Buses operate daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with some routes offering a 24-hour service.

Dress codes for clubs in Bangkok

Bangkok's nightlife scene is vibrant and diverse, with something to offer everyone, from university students to young professionals and tourists. The dress code for clubs in Bangkok can vary depending on the area and the type of establishment. Here is a guide to help you navigate the dress codes and ensure you have a great night out:

RCA (Royal City Avenue):

RCA is Bangkok's most popular clubbing hotspot, with a mix of wall-to-wall clubs and a vibrant street-party vibe. The crowd is mostly young and dressed up, with a good balance of males and females. While there is no strict dress code, it is recommended to dress to impress. Entry for foreigners is typically around 500 baht, which includes drinks coupons.

Khao San Road:

Khao San Road is known as the ultimate backpacker party hub, attracting budget-conscious travellers, gap year students, and young locals. The dress code here is more relaxed, and you can get away with wearing whatever you have in your suitcase that is passable for clean. Drinking on the street and dancing to live music in bars are encouraged.

Sukhumvit Soi 11:

This area has transformed from its once seedy image and now boasts sophisticated rooftop bars, trendy nightclubs, and chill drinking spots. While there is no strict dress code, it is recommended to go for a smart-casual look and avoid shorts or flip-flops.

Thonglor:

Thonglor is a playground for Bangkok's prettiest and wealthiest residents, including glammed-up university students and young professionals. The dress code here is definitely to dress to impress, with trendy and upscale venues lining the main road and its surrounding sois (side streets).

Silom:

By day, Silom appears to be a commercial hub, but at night, it transforms into a bustling nightlife district. Soi 2 and 4 are known for their noticeable gay scene, with popular clubs like DJ Station. The dress code here is varied, with something for everyone.

In general, it is recommended to avoid wearing shorts, sandals, t-shirts, or sleeveless vests when going out to clubs in Bangkok, especially in upscale establishments. Thais tend to dress trendy and stylish, and while some places may not have a strict dress code, your appearance will impact the service and respect you receive. So, when in doubt, it is always best to dress to impress and avoid looking like a slob.

Where to meet locals in Bangkok

Bangkok's buzzing nightlife scene is varied, ranging from swanky clubs to rooftop bars, backpacker havens, and local student hangouts.

If you're looking to meet locals, Pra Arthit Road is a great place to start. Located near Khao San Road, it attracts local students from nearby universities and tourists staying in the surrounding guesthouses and cheap hotels. Bars along this road are pretty affordable and often have live music, with talent from nearby Silpakorn and Thammasat Universities. There's also a park with an old fort on the corner, a popular spot for locals to relax by the river.

For a more downtown experience, Coco Walk is a covered walkway with around a dozen bars and restaurants, popular with university students. You'll find the quirky Skate Café, with its skate ramp and funky skateboard furniture, as well as Retro Bar and Guts Bar, which offer lively Thai music and cheap beer promotions.

Bangkok's most famous clubbing hotspot, Royal City Avenue (RCA), also attracts a mix of Thai students and locals. The clubs here get packed after 10 pm, with the epicenter at Route66, a huge club with various zones dedicated to hip-hop, EDM, and live Thai music.

For a more laid-back evening, Silom is a commercial hub by day that transforms after dark, with market stalls, bars, and tuk-tuk drivers gathering around Patpong. Soi 2 and Soi 4 present Bangkok's most prominent gay scene, with the huge DJ Station club and several fun, camp bars.

If you're looking for a more upscale experience, Thonglor is the place to be. This area is known for its upscale bars and restaurants, with the best spots on and around Thonglor Soi 10, including the popular Funky Villa and DEMO, a 2-in-1 club offering live Thai bands and techno/house music.

So, whether you're looking to dance the night away in a club, enjoy live music in a bar, or simply relax in a park, Bangkok offers a variety of locales where you can meet locals and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture.

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