Any Alternative Music bars/venues in Bangkok?

[Kevin_Beethoven]

Title says it all.
Been reading a lot of threads on the site and all I read about are expat pubs, EDM, and Hip Hop themed night life.

 

Being sent over there for work so hopping to find decent Alternative music venues, hopefully not filled with prostitutes 🙂

[richard_smith237]

There was this place...  Speakerbox...   but, its now closed...  the owner is opening up a new project, though I'm not sure when.

 

... I'm guessing the new place will also be called Speakerbox to continue using the name and maintain the following.- so watch that space... 

 

 

https://bk.asia-city.com/nightlife/news/thonglors-favorite-live-music-spot-speakerbox-closes-its-doors-party-weekend

[RSD1]

The Bangkok nightlife and bar scene is absolute crap now and has been for a long time. You are about 15 years too late. The days of Mystique, Q-Bar, and Bed Supper Club are long gone. Silom Soi 4 now RIP too. 
 

Post Covid all you got left are two nightlife ghettos that were resurrected. You got Sukhumvit Soi 11, which got reincarnated into an Indian ghetto filled with overpriced and uninspiring bars and hookers. And then you got Khao San Road, which is an offensive backpacker ghetto that is way too loud and is now also filled with hookers. 
 

The only nightlife scene you might find without lots of hookers would be something very local, which most foreigners aren't interested in. You could try Ekamai or RCA if you're determined though.

There are a couple of cool cocktail bars down in Chinatown, or there were anyway before Covid, maybe a couple of them are still there, but I haven't bothered checking. 
 

Maybe there are a couple of cool hotel rooftop bars still around, but in general they're going to be pretentious and boring AF.

 

I can't think of any place that I would consider "having a vibe" though in Bangkok anymore and there hasn't been for at least 10 years already. It disappeared with all the Western expats. 

@Yagoda should chime in on this topic. He's the undisputed expert on all nightlife in Bangkok that isn't sleazy or entrenched with hookers. 😉

[Yagoda]

3 hours ago, RSD1 said:

The Bangkok nightlife and bar scene is absolute crap now and has been for a long time. You are about 15 years too late. The days of Mystique, Q-Bar, and Bed Supper Club are long gone. Silom Soi 4 now RIP too. 
 

Post Covid all you got left are two nightlife ghettos that were resurrected. You got Sukhumvit Soi 11, which got reincarnated into an Indian ghetto filled with overpriced and uninspiring bars and hookers. And then you got Khao San Road, which is an offensive backpacker ghetto that is way too loud and is now also filled with hookers. 
 

The only nightlife scene you might find without lots of hookers would be something very local, which most foreigners aren't interested in. You could try Ekamai or RCA if you're determined though.

There are a couple of cool cocktail bars down in Chinatown, or there were anyway before Covid, maybe a couple of them are still there, but I haven't bothered checking. 
 

Maybe there are a couple of cool hotel rooftop bars still around, but in general they're going to be pretentious and boring AF.

 

I can't think of any place that I would consider "having a vibe" though in Bangkok anymore and there hasn't been for at least 10 years already. It disappeared with all the Western expats. 

@Yagoda should chime in on this topic. He's the undisputed expert on all nightlife in Bangkok that isn't sleazy or entrenched with hookers. 😉

How dare you insult me and imply that I don't know anything about filth and sleaze and hookers? I don't go to any place where sex isn't openly sold

[RichardColeman]

Any Thai boxing event will give a good evening of 'alternative' music.

[Upnotover]

Jazz any good for you?  Try;

 

Smalls Bar & Live Music, 186, 3-4 Suan Phlu 1 Alley, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120

or

Groovin High Jazz Bar, 118 Si Lom Rd, Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500

[FritsSikkink]

8 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

https://bk.asia-city.com/nightlife/news/thonglors-favorite-live-music-spot-speakerbox-closes-its-doors-party-weekend

Good info about the closure but crap about the history.

Speakerbox was only one year in the train market. Owner went back to England before he opened the last one.

[Kevin_Beethoven]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Can't say I am surprised. But disappointed all the same.

 

Was in Taiwan for 6 months a while back and was surprised they had some pretty cool places.

And a couple of good alternative night clubs.

Looks like Bangkok is catering to a different market.

 

Jazz, classical, too, I like. Maybe I might have more luck in those departments?

[bkknirvana]

KSR is mainly Thai now anyway. They have ruined the vibe.

[FritsSikkink]

18 minutes ago, Kevin_Beethoven said:

Jazz, classical, too, I like. Maybe I might have more luck in those departments?

Yes, have a look here: 

Saxophone Jazz Pub, Blues Pub, Bangkok Thailand

For some reason the link is getting deleted when submitting.

[kingstonkid]

https://web.facebook.com/FlamencoBKK/?_rdc=1&_rdr

 

[Dan O]

3 hours ago, Kevin_Beethoven said:

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Can't say I am surprised. But disappointed all the same.

 

Was in Taiwan for 6 months a while back and was surprised they had some pretty cool places.

And a couple of good alternative night clubs.

Looks like Bangkok is catering to a different market.

 

Jazz, classical, too, I like. Maybe I might have more luck in those departments?

Internet is your friend. There are plenty of clubs for any variety of music. I wouldnt be looking to this forum for suggestions. 

[richard_smith237]

2 minutes ago, Dan O said:

Internet is your friend. There are plenty of clubs for any variety of music. I wouldnt be looking to this forum for suggestions. 

 

Why wouldn't you ???.. .  This forum can be an outstanding resource for local information, often much better than the AI generated bumf and sponsored results google searches return. 

 

So... whats wrong with the answers this forum may result in ?... 

 

Are you under the flawed impression that all forum members are not capable of providing a healthy decent response because they are too busy propping up a bar in Pattaya ??

[soi3eddie]

Not sure what "Alternative music" is. In my experience, Thailand has a decent amount of live music. Venues open and close and some oldies just keep going.

 

As mentioned above, Saxophone pub (unnofical page - their website appears broken), has good jazz and different bands each night of the week. Normally 2 or 3 bands per night starting at 8pm. No cover charge and food served.

 

If you want Thai style as an "alternative", then any of the Tawan Daeng pubs https://g.co/kgs/hw9P6Te are a good night out. Not just music but stage shows too. The one in Rama 3 is my favourite. Good food and beer too.  Again, no cover charge but best to book in advance.

 

Also, Saeng Jan (many venues all over Thailand), offer similar to Tawan Daeng. Don't be surprised if you, as a foreigner, are a minority of one in these places. I've had some good party nights and the Thais are friendly anf fun.

 

[RSD1]

9 hours ago, Yagoda said:

How dare you insult me and imply that I don't know anything about filth and sleaze and hookers? I don't go to any place where sex isn't openly sold

I was throwing you a bone and giving you a chance to clean up your public image. I forgot though, you love your public image just right where it is. 😂

[Yagoda]

2 hours ago, RSD1 said:

I was throwing you a bone and giving you a chance to clean up your public image. I forgot though, you love your public image just right where it is. 😂

Honesty means honesty, Im not a hypocritical Socialist.

[Dan O]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Why wouldn't you ???.. .  This forum can be an outstanding resource for local information, often much better than the AI generated bumf and sponsored results google searches return. 

 

So... whats wrong with the answers this forum may result in ?... 

 

Are you under the flawed impression that all forum members are not capable of providing a healthy decent response because they are too busy propping up a bar in Pattaya ??

This forum is good for some types of information but consists many in only a few areas of interest. Once you separate fact from opinion if you read back thru the responses supplied when I posted there were 2 relevant comments and a number of outdated replies with basically useless info. Many users are limited in the exposure to what's available in Bangkok and are centered around their specific area of interest only. Many are mongers and not looking for what was asked for by the OP. There are any number of quality venues for various music in BKK. I never mentioned the Pattaya wasted expats so not sure why you threw that area in there as the OP asked about BKK. 

[Thingamabob]

Nothing wrong with having hookers around, but if that offends you have a look at RCA. Many girls, only a few of which are on the game. You will be pushed to avoid  sex workers in most Asian countries. Quite a few in your old stomping ground of Taiwan.

[richard_smith237]

2 hours ago, Dan O said:

This forum is good for some types of information but consists many in only a few areas of interest. Once you separate fact from opinion if you read back thru the responses supplied when I posted there were 2 relevant comments and a number of outdated replies with basically useless info. Many users are limited in the exposure to what's available in Bangkok and are centered around their specific area of interest only. Many are mongers and not looking for what was asked for by the OP. There are any number of quality venues for various music in BKK. I never mentioned the Pattaya wasted expats so not sure why you threw that area in there as the OP asked about BKK. 

 

I already have the primary troll of this thread on Block - so I missed any tosh he may be posting.. 

 

 

Other comments seemed quite useful....   I didn't think of places such as Smalls Bar (which is a good bar but I didn't know they did live music. I overlooked Saxophone bar as that one is obvious and I assumed the Op already knows about that places as its so famous. 

 

Brown sugar used to be a great place for music but sadly closed down - perhaps someone knows similar places ?

 

Iron Faries (in Thonglor) has some excellent vocalist - worth a visit.

 

As peoples specific area of interest varies, and as Bangkok is a wide and vast city with posters living in many different areas, then there will be a range of responses for the Op to chose from. 

 

The Op wasn't clear in his request for 'alternative' music - hence the assumption that he is looking for something beyond the usual cover band type stuff. 

 

 

[Kinnock]

The Golden Giraffe in Soi 11 and good live bands, Saxophone near Victory Monument good for Jazz.  Climax in Soi 11 also has good late night live music, but there a working girl or two, or three, or perhaps 20.

 

Hilary 11 also decent but insanely loud.

[proton]

5 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

Not sure what "Alternative music" is. In my experience, Thailand has a decent amount of live music. Venues open and close and some oldies just keep going.

 

As mentioned above, Saxophone pub (unnofical page - their website appears broken), has good jazz and different bands each night of the week. Normally 2 or 3 bands per night starting at 8pm. No cover charge and food served.

 

If you want Thai style as an "alternative", then any of the Tawan Daeng pubs https://g.co/kgs/hw9P6Te are a good night out. Not just music but stage shows too. The one in Rama 3 is my favourite. Good food and beer too.  Again, no cover charge but best to book in advance.

 

Also, Saeng Jan (many venues all over Thailand), offer similar to Tawan Daeng. Don't be surprised if you, as a foreigner, are a minority of one in these places. I've had some good party nights and the Thais are friendly anf fun.

 

 

Been to all those, there is also Tamnan Khon Isan off Rama 3, Home2 off Rama 2 and Isan Tawan Daeng at Kongtan, think that just pre dates the other three others of similar name. There's one across the road from there but never been in.

[Kevin_Beethoven]

4 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Nothing wrong with having hookers around, but if that offends you have a look at RCA. Many girls, only a few of which are on the game. You will be pushed to avoid  sex workers in most Asian countries. Quite a few in your old stomping ground of Taiwan.

Yeah, didn't want to give that impression. I'm all for hookers in the right place. Just in the past I think I get ID'd as a businessman and get unwanted attention when I just want to chill out.

 

Prostitution in Taiwan? Sorry, have to disagree with you there based on my experience. I never met any in my 6 month stint there. Closest would be ladies night at a few bars where the Vietnamese imports were out for a good time.

 

Appreciate your feedback all the same.

 

[Thingamabob]

8 hours ago, Kevin_Beethoven said:

Yeah, didn't want to give that impression. I'm all for hookers in the right place. Just in the past I think I get ID'd as a businessman and get unwanted attention when I just want to chill out.

 

Prostitution in Taiwan? Sorry, have to disagree with you there based on my experience. I never met any in my 6 month stint there. Closest would be ladies night at a few bars where the Vietnamese imports were out for a good time.

 

Appreciate your feedback all the same.

 

You must have been living a very sheltered life in Taiwan. I was based in Taipei from 1987-1993 and during that time I enjoyed the nightlife area to the max. I must add that Taiwan is a great place, a beautiful island and very friendly, hard working people.

[Kevin_Beethoven]

On 12/27/2024 at 7:25 PM, Thingamabob said:

You must have been living a very sheltered life in Taiwan. I was based in Taipei from 1987-1993 and during that time I enjoyed the nightlife area to the max. I must add that Taiwan is a great place, a beautiful island and very friendly, hard working people.

 

Well, you certainly have more experience than I regarding Taipei. I was there on a 6 month gig. The difference is it was right after the pandemic. Possible things changed since '93?
I was actually pretty bored there, so spent 3-4 nights a week out on the town. I must have hit every major watering hole multiple times.

Taiwanese women are they shiest people I have ever met. On several occasions just attempting to talk to them they would literally "freeze". I found them to be very sheltered.

 

Looking forward to meeting the Thai women 🙂

[Patong2021]

On 12/26/2024 at 1:14 PM, Kevin_Beethoven said:

Title says it all.
Been reading a lot of threads on the site and all I read about are expat pubs, EDM, and Hip Hop themed night life.

 

Being sent over there for work so hopping to find decent Alternative music venues, hopefully not filled with prostitutes 🙂

 

Please define "Alternative". There are many versions of  the term. What someone from Manchester circa 1995 might consider Alternative, is not what an American kid circa 1985 would call Alternative, nor a German or French person.

[Kevin_Beethoven]

16 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

 

Please define "Alternative". There are many versions of  the term. What someone from Manchester circa 1995 might consider Alternative, is not what an American kid circa 1985 would call Alternative, nor a German or French person.

 

Good point. I found this list online. Its pretty decent but focuses mostly on 90's.

It's a good starting point but would love to hear similar genre for more recent alt-rock bands.

Bonus would be any local bands doing similar music!

 

1.    Pixies 
2.    Radiohead 
3.    The Smiths  
4.    R.E.M. 
5.    Talking Heads 
6.    The Velvet Underground 
7.    The Cure 
8.    Pavement 
9.    The Smashing Pumpkins 
10.    Sonic Youth 
11.    Red Hot Chili Peppers
12.    Joy Division
13.    The Replacements
14.    The Strokes
15.    Elvis Costello & The Attractions
16.    The Jesus & The Mary Chain
17.    Interpol
18.    The White Stripes 
19.    Rage Against the Machine
20.    Belle & Sebastian
21.    Ween
22.    Fugazi
23.    Death Cab For Cutie
24.    The Pretenders
25.    INXS
26.    New Order
27.    PJ Harvey
28.    Arctic Monkeys
29.    Echo & The Bunneymen
30.    Arcade Fire
31.    Yo La Tengo
32.    Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
33.    Siouxsie & The Banshees
34.    Beck
35.    Dinosaur Jr.
36.    XTC
37.    The Black Keys
38.    Wilco
39.    Muse
40.    The B-52's
41.    Jane's Addiction
42.    Depeche Mode
43.    Bauhaus
44.    Joe Jackson
45.    The Jam
46.    Yeah Yeah Yeahs
47.    Public Image Ltd. 
48.    Flaming Lips
49.    The Shins
50.    Modest Mouse

[NativeBob]

Nope. No have. Alt music doesn't exist in BKK. 

Been a huge fan of that style and sorry, wrong location. 
Thai's motto is "if you can't play well >>> play loud" or "play expensive" 

The "Alt culture" just doesn't exist here. Not a biggie though, accept it

[Kevin_Beethoven]

2 hours ago, NativeBob said:

Nope. No have. Alt music doesn't exist in BKK. 

Been a huge fan of that style and sorry, wrong location. 
Thai's motto is "if you can't play well >>> play loud" or "play expensive" 

The "Alt culture" just doesn't exist here. Not a biggie though, accept it

No worries.

After reading the thread again I realize It seems i may be trying to bring my own idea of what BKK should be to the table.

 

Time to jump in and just see and enjoy what is on offer rather than what I think it should be!

 

Cheers all.

[Thingamabob]

8 hours ago, Kevin_Beethoven said:

 

Well, you certainly have more experience than I regarding Taipei. I was there on a 6 month gig. The difference is it was right after the pandemic. Possible things changed since '93?
I was actually pretty bored there, so spent 3-4 nights a week out on the town. I must have hit every major watering hole multiple times.

Taiwanese women are they shiest people I have ever met. On several occasions just attempting to talk to them they would literally "freeze". I found them to be very sheltered.

 

Looking forward to meeting the Thai women 🙂

I've been married to a Thai woman for 40 years. Best move I ever made. Hope things work out well for you. 

[Patong2021]

13 hours ago, Kevin_Beethoven said:

 

Good point. I found this list online. Its pretty decent but focuses mostly on 90's.

It's a good starting point but would love to hear similar genre for more recent alt-rock bands.

Bonus would be any local bands doing similar music!

 

1.    Pixies 
2.    Radiohead 
3.    The Smiths  
4.    R.E.M. 
5.    Talking Heads 
6.    The Velvet Underground 
7.    The Cure 
8.    Pavement 
9.    The Smashing Pumpkins 
10.    Sonic Youth 
11.    Red Hot Chili Peppers
12.    Joy Division
13.    The Replacements
14.    The Strokes
15.    Elvis Costello & The Attractions
16.    The Jesus & The Mary Chain
17.    Interpol
18.    The White Stripes 
19.    Rage Against the Machine
20.    Belle & Sebastian
21.    Ween
22.    Fugazi
23.    Death Cab For Cutie
24.    The Pretenders
25.    INXS
26.    New Order
27.    PJ Harvey
28.    Arctic Monkeys
29.    Echo & The Bunneymen
30.    Arcade Fire
31.    Yo La Tengo
32.    Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
33.    Siouxsie & The Banshees
34.    Beck
35.    Dinosaur Jr.
36.    XTC
37.    The Black Keys
38.    Wilco
39.    Muse
40.    The B-52's
41.    Jane's Addiction
42.    Depeche Mode
43.    Bauhaus
44.    Joe Jackson
45.    The Jam
46.    Yeah Yeah Yeahs
47.    Public Image Ltd. 
48.    Flaming Lips
49.    The Shins
50.    Modest Mouse

A solid and beautiful list. All US or UK based. We have just insulted and alienated the Europeans. 😁     And as others  have noted, it isn't available in Thailand.  The gay clubs don't even offer good dance music. It is heavily weighted to really bad techno, like a German interpretation for  a senior residence dance night.