How to Immerse Yourself in Bangkok's Nightlife Scene Safely

As a top Asian holiday hub for partygoers and night owls, Bangkok's nightlife scene is the envy of the region. Offering every type of sundown activity imaginable, the city's rooftop bars and nightclubs are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to entertainment options. Exploring the Thai capital after dark requires some safety measures, however, as there are inherent dangers in overindulging after hours. Here are some tips on enjoying Bangkok's night spots without risking one's security.

Preparation is Essential

Those who are visiting Bangkok for the first time would do well to look into nightlife hubs and conduct their own research. Although the capital of Thailand is home to hundreds of bars, nightclubs, comedy clubs and entertainment hotspots, the safety record of each venue will be drastically different. In addition to finding out the opening and closing hours of a pub or club one is hoping to visit, tourists would do well to find out more information about the neigbourhood it is located in and the general ambience of the venue. Consulting online reviews and reading travel blogs related to Bangkok's best bars, restaurants and discos can be invaluable in weeding out potentially unsafe locations.

Choosing the Right Activities

Although Bangkok is a bustling metropolis that never sleeps, it is not the ideal location to try out new experiences, especially if one is a solo female traveller. It's important to consider what types of sundown activities and experiences one is likely to enjoy as there's a wide variety of things to do in the city. Those with a penchant for Thai cuisine can make reservations at a fine dining restaurant while those who like to dance the night away can head to Silom's trendy dance halls. Tourists who would rather embark on a dinner cruise on the Chao Praya River are unlikely to relish drinking cheap beer in a cozy pub on Khao San Road. So it is really a matter of discerning what types of nightlife pursuits fits the bill for each traveller.

Watch Out for Personal Belongings

As when visiting Bangkok's iconic Grand Palace and street markets, minding one's belongings is essential during a night out. The large crowds outside Bangkok's top bars, clubs and restaurants and the partygoers jostling for space in the city's dance floors means that there are plenty of opportunities for thieves and pickpockets. Apart from travelling light and not carrying wads of cash, it's important to don a cross body bag that's difficult to snatch and  wear inexpensive jewellery and accessories. Smartphones and wallets are some of the biggest targets for Bangkok's petty criminals so keeping an eye on one's devices and purse is also crucial.

Tips for Bar Hopping in Bangkok

While all tourists should take care to drink responsibly on a bar hopping tour of Bangkok, it's also necessary to make safe choices when ordering cocktails and exotic beverages. Accepting drinks from strangers or using banned substances including party drugs can be dangerous not only for one's safety but also due to Thailand's strict laws on drug use and intoxicated behaviour. Drinking on an empty stomach is also a recipe for disaster, so bar hoppers should at least order a few snacks to lessen the impact of the alcohol intake. Although it's rare, there are instances where drinks are spiked by dubious individuals at local bars so minding one's drink is equally important to ensure that it hasn't been tampered with.

Emergency Contacts and Keeping Loved Ones Informed

Whether one is based at Pathumwan Princess Hotel or any other hospitality hub, its necessary have the hotel address or visiting card on hand, in case of an emergency. Families exploring some of the best things to do in Bangkok with kids should also have the phone numbers of the nearest police station, hospital, ambulance service and local cab companies on hand.