Hidden Gems: Bars and Massage Shops Off the Strip

A place most first-time visitors would never find on their own, but that is worth the walk. That means small bars down side sois, speakeasies behind unmarked doors, neighborhood massage shops that serve locals and long-stay expats, and late-night spots outside the main strips. We only list places Jimmy has visited, and we drop them when they close or go downhill.

The best areas to explore are Chinatown, especially Soi Nana off Charoen Krung Road (not Nana Plaza on Sukhumvit), the old riverside streets of Talat Noi, and Ari, Ekkamai and Thonglor for small cocktail and music bars. Many have no big sign, so look for a lit doorway or a small crowd outside. VIP members get our list of the bars worth the trip, with the exact location and what to order.

It depends on the bar. Craft cocktail speakeasies often charge 350 to 500 baht a drink, more than a beer bar on Sukhumvit. Small local bars and neighborhood spots are usually cheaper than the tourist strips, with beers from around 80 to 150 baht. Check the menu before you order, and ask if service charge and VAT are added on top.

Walk one or two streets back from the main tourist roads. Shops that serve locals and expats tend to have fixed prices on a board outside, a clean front room and staff in matching uniforms. A traditional Thai or foot massage in these shops often costs less than on the main strips. Read our massage guide first so you know what each type of shop offers and what to tip.

Generally yes. Thai side streets are busy late into the night and violent crime against visitors is rare. Use the same common sense as anywhere: keep an eye on your drink, carry only the cash you need, and use a ride app such as Grab or Bolt to get home. If a bar feels wrong, or the bill does not match the menu, pay what you owe and leave.

Soi Buakhao and the streets around Tree Town have dozens of relaxed beer bars and cheap local food, popular with long-stay visitors. Jomtien has a quieter beach-bar scene. Soi 6 and LK Metro are well known but smaller and calmer than Walking Street. VIP members can see every bar pinned on the Pattaya map, with our notes.

Yes. In Phuket, Old Phuket Town has small bars and late cafes in its old shophouse streets, a world away from Bangla Road. In Chiang Mai, the bars inside the Old City moat and around Nimman are low-key, with live music most nights. Both are good for a slower night or for meeting someone away from the busy strips.

Most small bars are relaxed, but the smarter speakeasies and cocktail bars may turn away men in sleeveless tops, shorts and flip-flops. Long trousers or smart shorts, a collared shirt and closed shoes will get you in almost anywhere. Some speakeasies take bookings and get full on Friday and Saturday nights, so book ahead or go early.

Yes, and a quiet bar is often a better second stop than a loud strip. Small cocktail bars and live music spots are relaxed about couples, Thai or mixed. Some small local bars that rely on their own hostesses prefer you do not bring a companion in, so if in doubt, ask at the door. Read our dating guide for tips on where to go next.