Before a long night out, it’s increasingly popular for Bangkok locals to gather at community hubs like theCOMMONS, now with two locations in Bangkok. These multipurpose venues combine markets, makers, studios and classes, but most gather in the food halls for communal meals and events before heading out on the town. Here you’ll find some of the city’s trendiest bites enjoyed by hundreds of locals nightly, making it a perfect first stop for visitors. Whether you’re just looking for a top meal before your evening plans or are looking for new friends to offer insider recommendations, you’ll find it all here.

Moon Bar at Banyan Tree © Tourism Authority of Thailand

Secret bars — essentially speakeasies — steal the spotlight in Bangkok right now, with nightlifers scouring Google for directions to enticing bars with names like Secret Storey, Secret Chamber and Shuushuu.hiddenplace. You’ll find these hot spots in many Bangkok neighborhoods, as long as you know where to look, and easy web searches for “Bangkok secret bars” generally do the trick. For LGBTQIA+ visitors looking for community-specific revelry, the Silom district remains the center of queer nightlife. Lined with clubs, Silom Soi 2 offers a party-forward atmosphere, while a somewhat calmer scene of bars and restaurants prevails along Silom Soi 4.