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…)
Posts Tagged ‘Stickman’
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 14th, 2008
There 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…)
Thailand Night Fever
Thursday, May 8th, 2008Later Closing Times Are Reinstated In Bangkok
Once again, later closing times have been reinstated across the nightspots in Bangkok. While some people might not care either way, later closing times are essential for Bangkok’s nightlife industry. Foreign visitors and expat residents alike want to go out and enjoy themselves. Regarding the bar owners, less trading hours means considerably less takings. It is no fun going along to your favourite bar only to see the boys in brown close it early. Similar to any other country, the nightlife areas do not get going until later on in the evening. Most people are looking to hit the town after their meal and some relaxation time. We humans are such creatures of habit; we just won’t go out any earlier, no matter what time the bars close. While Bangkok’s nightspots revert back to 2:00am closing, it’s evident that there is more on display in some of the go-go bars. (more…)
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 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…)
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, March 26th, 2008CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN BANGKOK (PART TWO)
In conclusion, Bully’s Pub has a relaxing atmosphere that appeals to many different types of people. Bully’s attracts singles, couples and even families. It is an ideal place to meet friends, unwind after a long day, and/or enjoy live sports on a large TV screen. Bully’s Pub is a bit more upmarket than other pubs in the area. The prices tend to be higher and you will pay government tax on all food and beverage items. Just to let you know where you stand. It was time to leave the cosy comfort of Bully’s Pub…
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, March 12th, 2008SOI COWBOY – WALK ON THE WILD WEST SIDE (PART 2)
After a few minutes of deliberation, the first go-go bar that we visited was Shark Go-Go Bar. For such a good go-go bar, Shark was quiet, and this was a Friday night. One positive thing about Shark Bar is that the drink prices are very reasonable. Most of the regular house beers are 125 Baht, which is very good by today’s prices. Shark Bar never feature any shows, but some guys might argue that the dancing dolls on stage is a show in itself. I think that Shark has a high level of attractive go-go dancers, but this does come at some price. Most of the dolly birds know that they are HOT and they will play on this. The hot babes here will not always approach guys (especially strangers) and therefore, they can appear standoffish. Furthermore, effort on your part is necessary if you want to meet and get to know the go-go dancers. (more…)
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, March 5th, 2008CHALLENGING WEEK FOR DAVE THE RAVE
This passed week has been very hectic. Unfortunately, my wife’s Grandmother (Yai in Thai) passed away. She was a very sweet old lady of 84 years old (RIP Yai). My wife was told to return home quickly and at least she was able to see Yai before she passed away. I could not go to pay my respects to Yai, because I had to take care of things in Bangkok. I have been busy being both dog sitter and housekeeper! Also, I had to run Angelwitch every night because Matt was in Germany visiting his family. This week’s “Thailand Night Fever” might be a bit shorter than usual. So, if it’s short and sweet, I hope you find it an interesting read… (more…)
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008THE SMOKING BAN DEBATE CONTINUES
I have to say that I am a bit surprised at how much of a debate the smoking ban has become. This seems to be a very important issue to some Westerners, while other people feel there are bigger problems to deal with. Down in Soi Cowboy, the smoking ban has been enforced in every bar. Smokers can be seen having a cigarette outside the bars in Soi Cowboy. Some smokers are openly displaying their disdain for the new law. Meanwhile, non-smokers are arguing that it is high time that smoking is banned in all bars right across Thailand. Non-smokers are clearly saying butt out! On the other hand, there are smokers who feel hard done by after all these years.
In Nana Plaza, the authorities have not enforced the smoking ban. Non-smokers should be aware of this fact. However, in Angelwitch Go-Go Bar they have banned the Thai staff from smoking inside the bar. This is something of a compromise to the situation. Customers are allowed to smoke in all of the four Rainbow Bars. Therefore, rival go-go bars do not want to lose customers to them. The smoking ban has to be a rule for all if it is going to work. (more…)
Thailand Night Fever
Wednesday, February 20th, 2008SMOKING BAN IN A STATE OF CONFUSION
With some bars allowing smoking and other bars not, it does make the smoking ban look like a farce. There are establishments where the so-called smoking ban has not been enforced whatsoever. Once again, go-go bars are at the centre of the controversy. In the Lumpini area (lower Sukhumvit Road), the Hotels and restaurants have been told they must enforce the smoking ban, but some bars in Nana Plaza are currently exempt. In stark contrast, further along Sukhumvit Road, the bars in Soi Cowboy have been told to comply to the new law. Down in Pattaya, a number of the go-go bar owners are allowing smoking, but they have been told to be discrete. Word from Thai sources is that the smoking ban will be enforced eventually, but currently there is a grace period. Understand that if you can! Thailand’s Ministry Of Health (rather than the police) will apparently be checking to see who is complying to the smoking ban. After May 31st, 2008 all hotels and public establishments must comply to the smoking ban, or face a 20,000 Baht fine. So far, it looks like the ban has gone up in a cloud of smoke. Meanwhile folks, it’s just another moment in the Land Of Make-Believe. (more…)
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