Bangkok Nightlife - Do's & Dont's

Thailand is known for its beauty as well as its active nightlife. Many people, from reading about Bangkok's bars and parties, believe that Thailand is a country where "anything goes." This is a misconception. There are laws and regulations in Thailand just like there are anywhere else, so you should familiarize yourself with them before you go.

When traveling in a foreign country, you should not carry certain documents with you unless you know in advance that you will need them. You will almost certainly need your original travel documents when you want to board an international airplane flight. Otherwise, you should make a photocopy of documents such as your driver's license, passport, and birth certificate and store the originals in a hotel safe.

Because bangkok bars are popular tourist attractions, they are also common places for pick pockets, thieves, and others who would like to cheat the unknowing tourist out of their money and/or personal possessions. Always make sure, especially when consuming alcohol (or other drugs that are legal in bangkok) that you keep track of your personal belongings at all times.

Additionally because of the increased popularity for everyone, Thailand's government and bar owners have worked to pass laws that will make tourists feel safer and be better able to enjoy themselves. For example, identification is now required at the entrance before anyone can enter a bar. To guarantee your own entry, you might want to call ahead and ask if your passport will suffice to allow you entry into the place you want to visit.

Much like the United States, second hand smoke has become a major issue in Thailand. Because of this, there are new laws about if and when patrons at bangkok bars are allowed to smoke. The laws are constantly changing and depend on the time of day, day of the week, and the particular club. It is always best to check ahead if being able to smoke is important to you.

Strip clubs are an extremely popular type of bar in Bangkok. These places are open late at night. Compared to clubs and bars in the United States, Thailand's clubs have more relaxed rules. Thailand has different laws pertaining to these establishments. "Katoeys" or transvestites are common terms heard in Bangkok bars. Knowing a little about the culture of where you are visiting can save you trouble and embarrassment in foreign lands.

Although Thailand has many lovely cities, if you are a social night owl, you must check out the bangkok bars. Since there are so many nightclubs in Bangkok, a guide toBangkok bars can be helpful. The variety, style, glamor, and affordable high energy of Bangkok's many nightclubs, bars, and discotheques await your discovery.

- Larry Willis