Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most vibrant cities. It contains the majority of Thailand’s wealth and is ten times bigger than the country’s next biggest city. From crowds of people and its famous traffic congestion, to its exciting and fabulous nightlife, there is never a shortage of things to do. And although some bars close at 1am, informal sidewalk bars do stay open all night. Called the gateway to Asia, Bangkok is one town that is just humming with nightlife.
Where We Went
Before you head out on the town, pick up yourself a yellow shirt. It’s the color of royalty in Thailand and wearing it is an expression of loyalty.
- Dennys Corner – In the entertainment district known as Sukhumvit, you’ll find this open air bar with a plethora of local drinks. Try Thailand’s #1 beer, Chang Draught or the Chang Light. Though it’s exported to the US, it’s made differently in Thailand: with the additional ingredient of rice. Or get yourself some of the local spirits like SangSom Rum or Mekhong Whiskey. The latter, known as “the Spirit of Thailand” is made from the alcohol blend of 95% sugar cane and 5% rice. Its color comes from the addition of caramel and it’s about 70 proof. If you’re in the mood for something more fruity, try a traditional Mai Thai, and a potent drink made with dark rum, light rum, cherry liqueur, orange juice, lime juice and grenadine.
- Rajadamnern Arena – Built in 1941, this arena is the home of Muay Thai Boxing, the national sport of Thailand. Beer is the drink here so get yourself a Chang Beer on draft. It’s actually made differently than their bottled beer. It’s non-pasteurized and uses malted barely as the grain.
- Noodle Shop — After a big night on the town, head to the Pat Pong neighborhood and drop into the local noodle shop for some Pad Kee Mao (translated to Drunken Noodles). Popular theory says it’s called this because it’s so spicy that only a drunk person would eat it.
Bangkok Facts:
- Never touch a Thai on the head, even a child. This is where the soul resides and is considered sacred.
- Chang Beer is actually pronounced “chong.”
- Bangkok is bisected by the Chao Phraya river which is Thailand’s longest and is fed by a watershed of four main rivers in Northern Thailand
- The Siam Paragon shopping centre in Bangkok is home to Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium – SiamOceanworld.
- Bangkok is sinking at the alarming rate of 2 inches per year.
- Barbers are usually closed on Wednesday because Thais think it will bring bad luck to cut their hair that day of the week
- The actual name of what Westerns refer to as Bangkok is KrungThepMahaNakhonAmonRattanakosinMahintharaAyutthayaMahadilokPhopNoppharatRatchathaniBuriromUdomRatchanietMahasathanA monPhimanAwatanSathitSakkathattiyaWitsanuKamprasit.
- SangSom Rum is a sugar cane based spirit. It’s aged in oak barrels and blended with grain alcohol and infused with mystery herbs and spices. The Thai people call it whiskey because it’s a brown alcohol, but it’s actually rum.
- Many believe that the Mai Thai was actually created at the Trader Vic’s in Oakland CA.
- “Choc-tee” is cheers in Thai.
How to Toast in Bangkok
Choc tee ka when saying it to women
Choc tee khap when saying it to men
