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…)
Archive for the ‘GO-GO BARS’ Category
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…)
Misty’s Go-Go Bar Opens May 9th
Friday, May 9th, 2008The new Misty’s Go-Go Bar will open Friday, May 9th. The bigger and better Misty’s will host a soft opening. Hey guys, I know you love a soft opening! Misty’s Go-Go Bar will relocate opposite Angelwitch Go-Go Bar in Soi 15 just off Walking Street. All are welcome. You really should go along… I mean, if you are invited, it’s only courteous to try a soft opening!
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, April 30th, 2008DAVE THE RAVE’S BIRTHDAY BASH
I will try to get Thailand Night Fever online as early as I can today, because it’s my birthday. Give or take the odd week here and there, my birthday coincides with several anniversaries. As coincidence would have it, my first trip to Thailand was 20 years ago in May 1988. On May 20th, I will have been in Angelwitch for 3 years. Also, this year sees me commence my 10th consecutive year in Nana Plaza, as the Go-Go Guru. As you can see guys, 2008 is a rather significant year for Dave The Rave. If you are in Bangkok, you are most welcome to help me celebrate my birthday tonight. I will be in Angelwitch Go-Go Bar in Nana Plaza. If you cannot make it don’t worry, because belated birthday wishes are always appreciated. I look forward to seeing some of you later tonight. I just hope that I manage to “survive” my birthday bash… Cheers! (more…)
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008NANA PLAZA – AN EARLY TREK INTO THE NEON JUNGLE
If you are looking for a place in Nana Plaza to start your “booze cruise” there are a few options. I think that most of you guys know that Big Dog’s Bar is a popular choice. Not just because of its location, but also because Big Dog’s is genuinely a good place to hang out. With two shifts of bargirls, why wouldn’t it be? Big Dog’s Bar is a favourite choice of oasis for bestselling author Stephen
Leather. For the uninitiated, Stephen Leather is the author of Private Dancer. While we are on the subject, if you enjoyed Private Dancer, you might want to read Confessions Of A Bangkok Private Eye. Steve was the ghost-writer for a series of real private eye investigations in Bangkok by Warren Olson. Some people are unaware that Steve is a bestselling thriller writer. His latest thriller is Dead Men. Steve has just returned to Bangkok for a break away from Farangland. (more…)
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, April 16th, 2008
Welcome to the Thai New Year 2551 and let’s all hope it is a good year for Thailand. Another Songkran has come and gone for most of us, but don’t forget that Pattaya will continue the water warfare until this weekend. I have to say that I thought the Songkran Festival was a bit quiet overall this year. If you question what I mean by that, then just ask a bar owner. The go-go bars in Bangkok had fewer go-go dancers, due to many bar girls deciding to go home this Songkran. Some go-go bars cut their girls as much as 2,000 Baht per day. This is a very severe cut for not working during Songkran. However, this can be counterproductive to the bar, because some bar girls will stop work for the rest of April. If a bargirl is cut 6,000 Baht that is over 50% of a go-go dancers salary. Of course, many Thais are on much lower salaries than go-go dancers are. Most service girls don’t earn 6,000 Baht. Therefore, a bargirl might well think; why should I work for nothing? I would hazard a guess that in most go-go bars in Bangkok, the takings were down on last year. Also, I couldn’t help but notice that fewer bargirls got into the spirit of things. (more…)
Celebrating Songkran - Thai New Year
Monday, April 14th, 2008
Sawatdee Pee Mai Kap! Or in English, Happy Thai New Year! For those of you who are in Thailand, I sincerely hope that you are having a happy and a safe Songkran. I say “safe” because every year hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries are reported. WATER WARFARE WARNING – Ensure that you are extra careful on the roads during the Songkran water festival. Most of Thailand celebrate Songkran from April 13th – 15th, but in Pattaya it started yesterday and it will continue until next weekend. I thought that I had better post this as a reminder. So guys, be aware that the Pattaya “water war” will last until April 20th. This year a lot of bargirls have gone home, leaving most go-go bars with fewer go-go dancers. Even though it is Thai New Year, the closing times in Bangkok remain between 1:00am and 2:00am. Down in Pattaya most of the go-go bars, pubs and clubs are closing late again. Good news for the Pattaya party animals. Party on! The Thai authorities announced that LARGE water cannons would be outlawed. However, although the supermarkets listened, there are plenty of big water guns for sale on the street. You can put that down to the idiosyncrasy of “Amazing Thailand” I guess. I dared to venture out onto the streets of Bangkok this afternoon. And, as per usual, it’s wild ‘n’ crazy out there folks! When that ice water hits you and you get cologne powder in your eyes; now that’s a killer!
ANGELWITCH GO-GO BAR WILL BE CLOSED ON APRIL 15th
To show respect to the staff in Angelwitch Go-Go Bar, the management have decided to close Angelwitch on April 15th. It will just be for the one night to allow the Thai staff to enjoy Songkran. Please note that Angelwitch in Nana Plaza will be closed tomorrow, but Angelwitch in Pattaya will be open.
THAI SONGKRAN HISTORY AND TRADITION
The traditional Songkran water festival is a very elegant ceremony, which originated from ancient Siam. The official Thai New Year is celebrated from April 13th - 15th. Orchid flowers were placed into silver bowls containing special scented water. Younger members of Thai families would gently sprinkle the Songkran water over their elder relative’s hands. This special water was also gently poured onto the shoulder of an elder. Your own body had to be thoroughly cleaned, along with your house. You could call it “religious spring cleaning.” Songkran in Thailand is not just a tradition of external cleansing, but also personal cleansing of the mind and spirit. Buddha images are thoroughly washed and sprinkled with special scented water. Flower garlands are hung around the necks of the Buddha images. This is then followed by respectful prayers. Throughout Thailand’s multitude of “wats” (Thai temples), you can here the humming tones of Thai people reciting Pali. (Pali is the ancient scripture of Theravada Buddhism).
AFTER DARK ASIA MAGAZINE VOLUME 6
I have been informed that the newest edition of After Dark Asia magazine will be on sale just after Songkran. Look out for After Dark Asia volume 6 on the newsstands throughout Bangkok and Pattaya. After Dark Asia has established itself as Thailand’s top go-go girly magazine. The photography is excellent. A copy of After Dark Asia will set you back 150 Baht. Check out the HOT go-go girls!
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, April 9th, 2008NANA PLAZA – WELCOME TO THE NEON JUNGLE
This news might come as something of a surprise to you, but the owners of Nana Plaza have been digging into their pockets. According to the Nana Plaza management (Nana Castle), the escalator next to Lucky Luke’s Bar inside Nana Plaza should be operational in about one week. The new escalator is now operational. Apparently, the job was finished before expected - that is a shock by Thai building standards! It has not been repaired, but instead it has been replaced by a brand new escalator. For those of you who are not keen on using lifts, or stairs, the new escalator will be an excellent alternative. By installing the new escalator, I think it will please everybody, but especially the disabled. Fellow internet columnist Baron Bonk should be thrilled with the new escalator. We can now send dear ole Baron Bonk up to greater heights! Combined with a clear pathway at the entrance to Nana Plaza, it will be much easier to enter and exit, plus go up to the middle level.
Recently I have spoken to Khun Num who runs Rainbow 1 and Rainbow 3, about the old Farang Connection. (If you cannot quite remember, Farang Connection was located next door to Rainbow 3 on the middle level in Nana Plaza). If you did not know, Khun Num has taken over the lease and is currently building a Thai restaurant there. The building work is progressing steadily as we speak. The new owner has hinted that he thinks he will just sell Thai food. I am sure that it is not easy, or cheap to hire a chef who can cook both Eastern and Western cuisine to international standards. More interestingly, with some of the hot babes that will be dining here, it definitely will not be your average Thai noodle shop! (more…)
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008DAVE’S NIGHTSEEING TOURS - SUNRISE TO SOI COWBOY
For some time now, my friend Nick has wanted to hit the town with me. Nick is currently based in Cambodia as a mine clearance specialist. Obviously, any day off from the minefields would be relaxing, but I wanted to introduce Nick to some places that he has not visited before. I took a night off from my duties in Angelwitch Go-Go Bar and I looked forward to the night ahead. I wasn’t feeling 100% but I was determined to meet Nick and spend some quality time with a good friend. Nick was about to experience one of my “nightseeing tours” and he seemed keen enough. We arranged to meet at Sunrise Tacos Mexican Grill, which is located in the Leader Price Complex. (For those not familiar with the Leader Price Complex, it is right next to Time Square Building between Sukhumvit, Soi 12 and Soi 14). Several months ago, the owners of Sunrise Tacos decided to take over a vacant space directly opposite their shop. At first, I was not sure what Greg Lange was intending to do with two Sunrise Tacos shops. Was Greg intending to open two branches of Sunrise Tacos in the same complex? This all became very clear when Greg explained the concept to me. The original Sunrise Tacos is a small place, and it now provides a 24 hour takeaway and delivery service. The new, larger premise has become a cosy restaurant that is stylishly designed and furbished. The credit for the interior design goes to Mrs Lange. Greg’s wife Nui has done a superb job! (more…)
