Thai cultural bars offer more
Located in the back streets of ancient China Town in the Chareonkrung area of Bangkok lies Thailand’s first cultural bar. After exploring the small streets branching off from Hua Lampong train station, we stumble across the delightful Soi Nana (not to be confused with Soi Nana on Sukhumvit). Upon finding this charming bar guests can relax to the sounds of authentic Thai music. The melody is formed by therapeutic Thai chanting and a wonderful xylophone band. The preconceived idea that Thai music has to be formal and serious changes as you realize people are here simply to relax – especially if you decide to have one of their “up to you” cocktails where you decide what the contents should be. If you are really brave, sample some potent home infused Ya Dong (Thai herbal whisky).
Late night life in Lan Kwai Fong
Lan Kwai Fong’s legendary nightlife started 30 years ago when “California” restaurant opened, and it’s constantly opened up innovative concepts since. It is one of Hong Kong’s most popular nightlife hot spots and home to over 90 restaurants and bars. The atmosphere ranges from stylish wine pairings to raucous jelly shots and the food on offer is as diverse as the clientele. Thanks to Hong Kong’s dominance in Asian cinema, this centre of late-night revelry is so renowned that its official street sign is more photographed than many of the celebrities who haunt its clubs. Mostly, the area is crowded with people from the surrounding offices of Central, eager to shake off the working day or week.
Sophoan’s Khmer cocktails and temple town bar hopping
Enjoy a night in temple town exploring a hand-picked selection of its best venues and hidden alleyway cocktail bars on foot and by remork (tuk tuk). This is a great way to discover Siem Reap’s sophisticated, innovative and fun nightlife away from the disco bars and backpacker haunts! Start off with a truly authentic and local Khmer cocktail class at a small, wooden ‘Sala’ run by a friend of Destination Asia Cambodia, Ms Sophoan, where an expert mixologist will teach you some classic recipes. Then it’s on to Brew Pub, a spacious and contemporary venue hidden on a quiet street in the colonial quarter. Craft beer is the focus here which is all brewed on site. We then head downtown to a hidden alleyway close to Pub Street for cocktails and canapé’s at the upscale Miss Wong’s, before heading to the famous Triangle Bar (has a great Filipino band to round off the evening).
Bangkok night lights by tuk tuk
The tuk tuk is synonymous with travel in Bangkok, but most take these zippy three-wheeled vehicles around the city by daylight. Agreed that the Grand Palace and Wat Pho are stunning during the daylight hours, but not experiencing the old city or Chinatown at night is a great opportunity missed. Venturing across Bangkok after dark, travelers will see it burst into life with night markets, dazzling entertainment districts and all of its famous landmarks beautifully lit. We take you on a journey through the 24 hour flower markets and past sights such as the majestic Grand Palace. Then we weave our way past Chinatown before arriving at a charming restaurant that sells (in our opinion), the best Pad Thai (noodles) Bangkok has to offer!