Friday, July 18th was Buddhist lent and therefore, Nana Plaza was closed. So, I decided to go out with Sanook Shaun to survey the nightlife scene in Bangkok. I soon discovered that most of the bars were indeed closed for Buddhist lent. I took a motorbike taxi from Ratchada to Soi Cowboy. The roads were very quiet for a Friday, so this gave me an indication of what to expect. I arrived outside Soi Cowboy in no time at all. There I was standing alone in the darkness, which was a strange feeling. But, the Go-Go Guru had no fear of the “pee lok” or Thai ghosts. Sanook Shaun was hoping to sit outside Tilac Bar, but the stools were sitting on top of the tables. Shaun had not arrived yet, so I thought I had better check what was open. I heard some noise, but alas it was only builders busily renovating a bar. The photo shows the only bright light in Soi Cowboy, amid the eerie darkness. The vast majority of Soi Cowboy looked like Little Las Vegas had suffered a blackout. Some bars had their doors open, but it was usually just a case of cleaners lurking in the shadows. A couple of bargirls invited me into Jungle Jim’s, but I declined. I didn’t fancy entering the jungle, because there was nothing going on inside this dark and dingy place. (more…)
Archive for the ‘GO-GO BARS’ Category
Daves Raves - Friday Night Update
Friday, July 18th, 2008
FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE - BUDDHIST LENT
Asanha Bucha Day (July 17th) is deemed as a very important Buddhist holiday right across Thailand. In fact, some Thais tell me it is the most important Buddha Day. Today, Friday, July 18th it is Buddhist lent. All devout Buddhists should “tham boon” (make merit) at their local “wat” (temple). Devout Buddhists should also pray and give offerings to monks, while abstaining from consuming alcohol. I wish you good luck. Chok dee kap!
BANGKOK BARS - Some bars will be closed tonight, but others are serving as normal. Nana Plaza and the surrounding area is closed. For example, Bully’s Pub is open and they are serving booze. Woodstock Bar in Tonglor are also open. Therefore, I suggest that you try Soi Cowboy, Patpong and Bangkok pubs.
PATTAYA BARS - The beer bars and go-go bars across Pattaya will try to open tonight. However, I am not sure how many will be allowed to open. Have a look around, because some bars will definitely be serving alcohol. Cheers!
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, July 16th, 2008A GO-GO BAR FOR ALL SEASONS
Opening a successful go-go bar is a lot harder than it looks. Prior to establishing a successful go-go bar, there are inevitably some important factors to consider. Today, we will look at two of the most important aspects. Firstly, acquiring the right location is the first priority. The three L’s of marketing are; location, location, location. As long as you are in the heart of the action, people can find easily you. I always sigh with disappointment, when a go-go bar name card has a detailed map on the back. We don’t want to waste time doing a map orientation exercise! After establishing a prime location, probably the next consideration is the size and design. You might be surprised how many people overlook these things. I dare say some naïve newcomers think that they just have to open the doors and the customers will arrive in droves. It is not that simple, as any go-go bar boss will tell you. Great care and consideration should be taken in deciding on the size of the go-go bar. If it is too tiny, you will never be driving around in a brand new Mercedes Benz in this lifetime! You just cannot generate enough profit to lead that kind of lifestyle. Besides that who enjoys being boxed in? Those poky places are only fun for those who like the hands-on approach. (Call me old fashioned, but I thought hanky-panky was for the privacy of the hotel room). I find that most Westerners like to have their own personal space. Lord forbid if anyone invades that personal space. Small bars usually make small profits. (more…)
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, July 9th, 2008
The Bull’s Head Pub has introduced a Ladies Night. Starting this month, there will be a special evening dedicated to the fairer sex. Ladies Night runs from 7:00pm-10:00pm every Thursday. Be there or be square! (more…)
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008
LOW SEASON HIGH TREASON
The frugal folks among us sometimes misinterpret the low season with regards to Thailand’s nightlife scene. They automatically think that the low season is time to come out of social hibernation. With a sigh of relief they will say, “At long last the tourist season is over.” Meanwhile, us party animals enjoy Thailand’s vast nightlife scene all year round. We are so pleased to merrily party 12 months of the year. But alas, the frustratingly frugal folk think that low season becomes their territory. This can and often does backfire on them. Are you sitting comfortably? Then let’s begin… (more…)
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
CLUB ELECTRIC BLUE HOSTS BIRTHDAY BASH
Club Electric Blue in Patpong will celebrate its own Birthday Bash this Saturday, June 28th. Big Andy is throwing a party to celebrate Club Electric Blue’s 5th birthday. Make your way down to Patpong for some Saturday Night Fever. There will be a FREE TEQUILA SHOT with every drink you buy (not applicable during happy Hour). Just the thought of all those tequilas makes my head spin! (more…)
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, June 18th, 2008
HOW LOW CAN IT GO!
Many a bar boss in Thailand is singing the low season blues this June. Similar to a scary rollercoaster ride, bar trade suddenly took a steep drop. There are several factors contributing to this quiet period. In fact, some people are labelling it, “The lowest of low seasons.” Firstly, many people outside of the bar business in Thailand, are unaware that June ranks as one the worst months of the whole year. As per usual, the low season arrives promptly every year. It’s not called “low season” for nothing folks! Secondly, we have had some very heavy rain. In Bangkok on Monday and Tuesday, the rain came hammering down for several hours. It’s a fact that some bargirls are not easy to motivate at the best of times. Give them an excuse like heavy rain, and they won’t bother to leave their apartments. However, this time around it was a valid excuse, because the rain was so heavy. The sky wept intensely and those residing in remote areas were literally left stranded. The timing of the rain was not at all favourable. Well blow me! Just as I’m writing this, silvery bullets hammer onto the ground. Bangkok suffers torrential rainfall for a second consecutive day. A loud clap of thunder from an angry sky makes my dog jump. Parts of Bangkok are now flooded by several inches… (more…)
Thailand Night Fever
Thursday, June 12th, 2008GETTING MARRIED TO A THAI
There are some decisions in life that require serious consideration. One such decision is whether to get married. If we make the wrong decision, it can cause us extreme emotional and financial suffering. This suffering might last for many years to come. By taking a closer look at this subject, we can all remind ourselves how important the commitment of marriage really is. It would be very foolish not to take marriage seriously. Despite the fact that it has almost become a trend to get divorced, marriage is about entering a partnership with the person you love and care for. The vows that one recites, emphasise a special commitment to a loved one, who is to become (theoretically speaking) our life partner. It is a sad fact that in Farangland most marriages fail. This is so often such a worrying problem, because children are caught up in the crossfire. In some extreme cases, the children are used as ammunition to win divorce cases. This is nothing short of sick, but in this era of dog-eat-dog, it is often a matter of “win at all costs.” These are the facts of the matter, which is a sad reflection of today’s society. (more…)
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, June 4th, 2008
Some people have talked about Bangkok’s nightlife scene being in decline. But, do these people realise the vast scope of Bangkok’s nightlife? Many of us humans often tend to be creatures of habit. Some of us tend to habitually frequent the same venues and rarely wander away from our favourite places. Quite often, the only time I see my resident farang friends doing a whistle-stop tour of the Bangkok bar scene, is when their friends visit them. There are thousands of nightlife venues in Bangkok. The variety of nightlife includes multitudes of beer bars, go-go bars, discos, theme pubs, karaoke bars, coyote bars, live music venues, gentlemen’s clubs and highly sophisticated nightclubs. The likes of Bed Supperclub, The Tunnel and Q Bar are among the very best in South East Asia. There is plenty of action packed nightlife in the City Of Angels, but sometimes you just have to be more adventurous. It comes as little surprise that the most popular venues remain busy all year round. Perhaps consider going to an area that you rarely go to, or you have never seen before. Like the old saying goes, “Variety is the spice of life.” When I joined the recent Stephen Hendry Roadshow in Bangkok, we probably visited more pubs in one week than many people do in a year. Venture out there and party! (more…)
Daves Raves - It’s Party Time!
Friday, May 30th, 2008
BIRTHDAY BASH AT THE ROBIN HOOD PUB
The Robin Hood Pub celebrates its anniversary on Saturday, May 31st. The Robin Hood is located right on the corner of the entrance to Sukhumvit Soi 33/1. If you want to enjoy a party, then pop along to Robin Hood’s birthday bash tomorrow night. Party on!
FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER AT THE BULL’S HEAD PUB
Tonight it’s “Friday Night Fever” at the Bull’s Head Pub. The Bull’s Head is located on Sukhumvit Soi 33/1 and they are hosting their last Friday of the month disco. DJ Paul Jackson will be spinning the tunes, so make sure you put your disco dancing shoes on!
BIG MANGO BAR SOFT OPENING PARTY
The Big Mango Bar have just announced that there will be a Soft Opening Party this Tuesday, June 3rd. The reopening of the Big Mango was scheduled for Sunday, June 1st, but not surprisingly the Thai builders overran the proposed date. The new Big Mango is located in the tiny alleyway between Jools Bar and The Tavern on Soi Nana. Jools Bar is opposite the 7 ELEVEN near the Rajah Hotel car park.
NEW START FOR TRICKY RICKY AT BABY DOLLS
Pattaya can be an unpredictable place at the best of times, but the hiring and firing of bar managers can happen at a whim. Some Pattaya guys refer to one particular bar boss as Rambling Ricky! Shortly after the partners of Sisterz Go-Go Bar decided to release Rambling Ricky, he was on the move again to secure another go-go bar. Following a period of negotiations, he has now become the manager of Baby Dolls Go-Go Bar. For those who are unsure, Baby Dolls is located in the increasingly popular Soi 15. Ricky commented that although Baby Dolls has now changed ownership, it will continue to operate with the current format. Rambling Ricky’s following now know where they can find him. I know one thing for sure Tricky Ricky’s show concepts are hot stuff. I hope Ricky settles in at Baby Dolls, and that things work out well for him. Let’s face it, we are all getting dizzy trying to follow Rambling Roaming Ricky! If you are in the neighbourhood, please visit Baby Dolls and pass on my regards to Ricky. Cheers!
The following pages have been updated today – Nana Plaza Review, Soi Cowboy Review and Pattaya Go-Go Bar A-Z. Also, the “All Contents Page” has been updated today.
THAILAND NEWS - THAKSIN ALLY QUITS THAI CABINET
A Thai cabinet minister has resigned after being accused of criticising the monarchy. Jakrapob Penkair is an ally of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The full BBC news story is on this LINK HERE
Email Dave The Rave – davetheravebangkok@gmail.com
Thanks for visiting. Reporting live from the heart of Thailand…
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, May 28th, 2008THAILAND’S CLIMATIC CHANGE AND ITS EFFECTS
Regarding the weather, there appears to be some serious climatic changes going on around the world. Initially, I used to class the three traditional Thai seasons alongside the tourist seasons. The ideal time to visit Thailand remains the cool season (akaat yen), which usually starts in November and goes through to the end of February. The vast majority of foreign visitors flood Thailand during this period. But, shortly after the flood of visitors, the drought begins. In March, the hot season (akaat rorn) commences and can last into June. Then there is an inconsistent period, where the seasons transcend from hot and dry to wet and humid. The rainy season (akaat fun) normally starts some time in June or July and lasts until the end of October. The transition from the hot season to the rainy season can cause quite a few locals to fall ill. Also, the temperature change from the rainy season into the cool season sees many natives nursing coughs, colds and fevers. After all these years living in Thailand, I now suffer the climate change almost as much as the Thai people do. (more…)
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, May 21st, 2008STEPHEN HENDRY MAKES AN IMPACT IN THAILAND
It is certainly not every day that a famous sports celebrity rolls into town. When did you last meet a living legend from the world of sport? This week it is an honour for a selection of pubs in Thailand to host Stephen Hendry. For some people who are not familiar with snooker, Stephen Hendry is deemed by many people, as the most successful player in the history of the game. In any sport, it is a fantastic achievement to become World Champion. However, Stephen has achieved this feat a record breaking seven times, which is truly remarkable. I am sure most of you know that snooker is an extremely skilful and highly competitive game. But, the “Flying Scotsman” made it look all so easy. For eight consecutive years, Stephen Hendry dominated snooker by remaining top of the world rankings. Stephen started playing snooker at the tender age of 12. At 16 years old, he became the youngest ever professional snooker player. Stephen then went on to become the youngest World Snooker Champion at the age of 21. It is fair to say that a very special sports celebrity has arrived in Thailand… (more…)
Daves Raves - An Open And Shut Case
Monday, May 19th, 2008
Due to today being a Buddhist Holiday some bars will be open and some will be closed. It is something of an open and shut case! Late last night I found out that most of the bars and nightspots in Bangkok and Pattaya will be closed tonight (Monday, May 19th). Furthermore, as already predicted, the Thai authorities have ordered beer bars, go-go bars, discos and nightclubs to close out of “respect” for Visakha Bucha, which is one of the most revered Buddhist Holidays.
However, there is some good news for those on a booze cruise. For those of you in Bangkok who won’t be rushing off to a nearby temple, there are at least two pubs open in Bangkok tonight. I am pleased to announce that the Stephen Hendry Roadshow will go ahead tonight as planned. Former World Snooker Champion Stephen Hendry will make appearances in Robin Hood Pub (Sukhumvit, Soi 33/1) at 18:00 and then in Bully’s Pub (next to the JW Marriott Hotel) at 20:00. I will be there to meet a living legend of the baize. Tonight John Smith’s Bitter and Strongbow Draught Cider will be available at a special discount price in Robin Hood and Bully’s Pub. Cheers!
Daves Raves - Buddhist Holiday
Saturday, May 17th, 2008
Hello Guys, I have been thinking about you recently. Hey, now don’t get worried, because I’m not getting gay here! I appreciate the large audience that this website has created over the past 18 months. Therefore, I want to keep you updated more regularly. Recently, I have been wondering about how I could update the website more often. You may have noticed that I have created several new pages. At first, I was so proud to see those new sections up online for the entire world to see. I thought, “Great stuff!” Then I thought about the time and effort involved to update them all. Oops! I hadn’t taken that into consideration. For example, if you look at the alphabetical listings, you will see that some are more updated than others are. Please excuse me for that, but there are only so many hours in a day! The good thing is that I can keep posting updates and those A-Z listings will eventually fill up with information. It just takes time that’s all. Last month this website received the most hits in over a year. Thanks for all your support; this is what makes it all worthwhile. Cheers!
BUDDHIST HOLIDAY – MONDAY, MAY 19th
You need to be aware that this Monday, May 19th is a Buddhist Holiday. Wan Visakha Bucha is one of the most important Buddha Days on the Thai calendar. From the information I have gathered, you will probably find that most nightlife areas across Thailand are likely to be closed on May 19th out of respect. But, if you ask around you might get lucky. Remember that restaurants and some pubs will still be open. In conclusion, remember that the vast majority of go-go bars, beer bars and nightclubs will be closed. If anything chances closer to May 19th I will post another update.
STEPHEN HENDRY ROADSHOW
From this Monday, May 19th until May 23rd seven-time World Snooker Champion Stephen Hendry will arrive as a guest of John Smith’s Bitter and Strongbow Draught Cider. Stephen who comes from Edinburgh in Scotland likes Thailand and he has accumulated many Thai fans. At one time, Stephen Hendry was top of the world rankings for a record eight consecutive years. Stephen was also the youngest ever World Snooker Champion at the age of 21. Stephen will be making a series of one-hour appearances at pubs in Bangkok, Pattaya and Koh Samui. Stephen will make himself available for a questions and answers session, as well as some exhibition frames. John Smith’s Extra Smooth Bitter and Strongbow Cider will be available for a special discount price at each venue.
WISHING STEPHEN HENDRY A WARM WELCOME
In association with Brian Sharp from Scottish & Newcastle Brewery and Rob Murray from Fluid Asia Pacific, Dave The Rave wishes Stephen Hendry a warm welcome to Thailand.
MONDAY, MAY 19th (BANGKOK) – Robin Hood Pub (18:00) - Bully’s Pub (20:00)
TUESDAY, MAY 20th (BANGKOK) – Dubliner (17:00) - Black Swan (18:30) - Hanrahans (20:30) - Jamesons (22:00)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21st (KOH SAMUI) – Elephant & Castle (17:00) – Islander (18:30) – Tropical Murphy’s (20:00) – PFC Bar (21:30)
THURSDAY, MAY 22nd (PATTAYA) – Flannigans (17:00) – Shenanigans (18:30) – Butchers Arms (20:00) – Queen Victoria (21:30)
FRIDAY, MAY 23rd (BANGKOK) – Soi 8 Pub (17:00) – New Wave (18:30)
DAVES RAVES
This is similar to an online journal, but “Daves Raves” also provides me with a platform to make additional announcements and/or newsflashes. These posts will pop up whenever I feel I have something to tell you.
NEWS & REVIEWS
Today I have updated the Nana Plaza Review Page and Pattaya Go-Go Bars A-Z Page. This will be an ongoing process, so please check throughout the week for updates. The latest news & reviews are listed with the date at the top of the page for your convenience.
NOTE THE QUOTE – LIFE’S A FUNNY OLD GAME
I spend so much time on the internet that the “trouble and strife” (the wife) is convinced that my “mia noi” is my Dell notebook! (Dave The Rave 2008).
Email Dave The Rave – davetheravebangkok@gmail.com
Thanks for visiting. Reporting live from the heart of Thailand…
Dave The Rave – Go-Go Guru
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, May 14th, 2008There is exciting news for sports fans, because Stephen Hendry will be in Thailand from Monday, May 19th until Friday, May 23rd. The record-breaking, seven-time World Snooker Champion will arrive as a guest of John Smith’s Bitter and Strongbow Cider. The “Flying Scotsman” will make a series of one-hour appearances, in what will be a whistle-stop tour of selected venues in Bangkok, Koh Samui and Pattaya. The Stephen Hendry Roadshow is sponsored by Scottish & Newcastle Brewery and is hosted in association with
Fluid Asia Pacific. Stephen will be making himself available for a questions and answers session at each pub. Stephen will also play some exhibition frames, so this could be your chance to play against a living legend. During the time available at each pub, he will try to meet everyone and have a chat. You are also welcome to bring your cameras along and have your photo taken with one of the most successful snooker players in history. In addition, Stephen will sign his autograph for you. Full details of the Stephen Hendry Roadshow will be posted closer to the date. (more…)