Thonglor & Ekkamai bars

They are along Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor) and Soi 63 (Ekkamai), in the Thonglor and Ekkamai district of Bangkok. Romane, Bombay Blues, Wine Collection, Desi Beats, Pick Me Up and Aupapon are all nearby. Ekkamai also has the Eastern Bus Terminal, for buses to Pattaya and the east coast.

Young, well-off Thais. Thonglor is Bangkok's trendiest nightlife district, with cocktail bars, Thai-style clubs and Japanese restaurants. The crowd is fashionable and local, and the scene is a long way from the bar-girl strips of Sukhumvit and Silom, so expect a different kind of evening.

It is dating-app territory rather than a punter's scene. There is almost no bar-girl scene, so it suits meeting regular Thais. Be ready for a different pace: more conversation, more effort and no bar fine. If you want company quickly, Sukhumvit's gogo and beer bars are easier.

Thonglor is aimed at young, well-off Thais, with cocktail bars, Thai-style clubs and Japanese restaurants. Soi 11 is more tourist-friendly, with a mix of tourists, expats and working girls. Choose Thonglor for a local scene and Soi 11 for easier access and a more mixed crowd.

Smart casual works almost everywhere. Many Thonglor places refuse men in flip-flops, shorts, sleeveless tops or sportswear, especially the bigger clubs. Clean trainers are usually fine, and jeans with a decent shirt will get you into most places. Dress a notch above what you would wear on Sukhumvit.

Octave Rooftop, Tichuca and Tichuca Rooftop Bar are rooftop options, and there are massage shops such as Aupapon, Asia Herb Association and Tulip. Thonglor also has Japanese restaurants and cafes. Ekkamai has Move on Ekkamai and Chun for a late drink.

Soi 55 and Soi 63 are further east along Sukhumvit Road, the main artery under the BTS Skytrain, so the Skytrain is the simplest way. Grab or a metered taxi works late at night. Plan your ride home before you go, since the area is more spread out than Nana.

Start with a cocktail at a bar that suits your mood, then move on to a rooftop or a Thai-style club. Go with a Thai friend if you can, since menus may be in Thai, and set a budget before you begin. Keep your drink in sight and book a Grab home.