The Club at the Koi (former: CÉ LA VI)

Location: Sathorn

The Club at the Koi, also known under its former name CÉ LA VI, is as its exquisite name suggests, a high class, fancy club/lounge in the heart of Bangkok's central business district Sathorn/Silom. Due to its unique view (39th floor) over Bangkok's skyline and its extravagant interior it is the shiny pearl among Bangkok's nightclubs.

The clientele in this club is a mix of wealthy young expats and hiso and middle class Thais. You will notice this only by looking at the tables: Grey Goose bottles everywhere. Also, it is possible to encounter several high-class freelancers, looking for a customer willing to pay 5000THB up for the night. As it is typical for Bangkok, the predominant mucic played here is Hip Hop and EDM.
This venue has a large, long-stretched dancefloor and a terrace outside to smoke, relax and enjoy the gorgeous view over downtown Bangkok. On a busy night it might become unpleasant to dance or even move near the DJ, for a large crowd usually gathers at this section of the club. However, this doesn't spoil the great atmosphere, as the crowd cheers and dances to the beats.
There is no entry fee, but the prices for drinks are relatively high. For instance, a local beer costs 220 THB with additional service charge and VAT. A Jack Daniels Whiskey bottle costs more than 4000 THB and it is worth to mention that additional mixers (Coke, Redbull etc.) are pricy and add up to a large bill at the end of the night. You can keep an already opened bottle for maximum 30 days here. Nevertheless, this club is definitely worth a visit.

Shock39

Location: Petchaburi Road

While many clubs in Bangkok have to shut the music down at 2 AM, or keep closed entirely during curfews or religious holidays, for some reason, the party keeps going on as usual (until 4 AM) at Shock39. This nightclub may be the last option on a particular night, when no other club is open (the main reason why this venue is listed here).
Located at Petchaburi Road, this club is a 1-2 km taxi drive apart from the central and shiny Sukhumvit area. Usually, taxis go for free since they get commission for each guest they bring to the club. At first glance, the location might seem a little shady; however, it’s a safe area.

The crowd is fairly mixed between groups of Indian, Pakistani and Middle Eastern men on the one hand and (mostly) lower class local freelancers on the other hand. Western guests are a small minority. The most dodgy and shady stereotypes in town can be encountered here. Also, visitors should be aware that there is a fair percentage of ladyboys among the girls.
This 250 person capacity venue is divided into 2 areas: A dancefloor area with plenty tables around it, and a bar area with pool tables to chill out and smoke. For the most part, DJs play EDM, Techno, Hip Hop and Pop music.
The cover charge amounts 350 THB with a free drink included. Guests can enter in shorts and flip flops.

Hillary 2

Location: Sukhumvit (Nana)

Hillary 2 is located at Sukhumvit Soi 4, in the middle of Bangkok's red light district Nana. This venue is neither a night club nor a pub. Rather it has elements of both, with a stage for live music, dancefloor, tables and a cheering crowd.
Being well known as a hook-up place for professional ladies & freelancer girls, male guests are mostly Western, whereas the female part almost entirely Thai.

More than 90% of the girls are hookers, which makes it a popular fishing pond for those seeking (paid) company for the night. Naturally, you will encounter some “sex tourist” type of guys, but also people who just want to have a fun night and entertainment.

With respect to the music, most of the time local bands perform live, singing mainstream pop, rock and country music.
Due to the fact that most guests are foreigners, drinks are pricy. A beer is about 190 THB. Entry is free of charge, but the staff is (somehow rudely) pushing guests to buy a drink when entering.
There is no particular dress code, guests can even enter in shorts, tank tops or flip flops.

Sugar Club

Location: Sukhumvit (Nana)

More and more people complain about the fact that mainstream EDM and pop are the dominating music styles in Bangkok's nightclubs. Well, to those who only look for good old Hip Hop beats and RnB, Sugar Club is the place to go. This venue is located in Bangkok's entertainment district Nana, at Sukhumvit Soi 11 to be precise. Unlike Levels Club, which is only 150m further down the street, the party starts late and keeps going all night till 5 AM (Levels closes its doors at 3AM). However, it's considered as an afterhour club, as most guests pour in after 1AM. Especally on a weekend it's well visited.

The usual audience consists of mostly foreigner men (Western, Arab and Indian), and Hip Hop loving Thai (and some Western) girls. Typical for Nana District, more than half of the girls here are freelancers who seek to find a customer for the night.

Sugar Club extends over 2 floors, with the 2nd floor overlooing the dancefloor below. Often, sexy girls in hip hop style dance on the mini stage to animate the crowd and ensure a good atmoshere.
The entrance is about 300 THB for men and 250 for ladies, which includes a free drink for each. Prices are moderate starting with 180 THB for a local beer.
Since this venue is located on the upper floors of the building, guests use the stairs or an elevator to get there. Thus, it is hard to get an idea about how crowded it is inside, when standing at the entrance and trying to sneak a peek. You never know, even when there no guests at the entrance waiting to get in, the club might be already packed. There is no specific dresscode. However, men should not wear flip flops, tank tops or shorts.