In keeping with our long-held, oft-broken promise to periodically revisit Sukhumvit's 'lesser' sois, this month Midnight Hour revisits the Nightscene Venues in Soi's 3 (Nana Nua), 5 and 7 (the Nai Lert twins).
The Check Inn 99, recently under new owner/ management has experienced a resurgence of popularity in recent months. And deservedly so - an entertaining venue....
SUKHUMVIT RD (Between Soi 5 & 7)
These three sois are, at a first glance, entirely separate, however on closer inspection (see map) they are connected by a network of sub-sois. And while cumulatively, or individually, these sois do not constitute self-contained Night Entertainment Areas, there are a significant number of Nitespots, some of which are "A List" venues.
Gullivers, one of the longer-established Nitespots on Soi 5 has, due to it's unique location, become a melting pot of sorts between the African-Middle Eastern tourists and those from the "West".
SOI 5 Sukhumvit
It is interesting to note that Soi 3, to include Soi 3/1, is mostly geared for Middle Eastern and African tourists, and Soi 7 is primarily catering to 'Western' farang, (mostly resident, but to a lesser extent, tourists). Soi 5, however, being the man-in-the-middle, has become, to some degree, a melting pot of both Middle East-African and Western visitors. We note for example, the long-established Gullivers, where inside, Westerners are playing pool and picking up ladies, and outside, Arab families (replete with burka-clad wives) are enjoying food and drink on the patio with their European 'counterparts' at adjacent tables.
If you are up for a multi-cultural walk through some of Bangkok's for-better-or-worse Nitespot Areas and Venues, we would recommend a wander through these sois and sub-sois. And if you are feeling peckish, what could be better than a lamb shawarma or some Lebanese food on Soi 3/1 ?
The Bier Garten (Soi 7 Beer Garden to you...) has been around since th late 1970's - after the departure of the American G.I., there was what we referred to as the "German Invasion", where German tourists 'discovered' Thailand, and flooded (figuratively speaking) Bangkok. Quite naturally, a number of GermanNight Venues sprung up during that era. The Bier Garten is one of the few surviving 'mollusks'.
SOI 7 Sukhumvit
Below are a few of photos of other Venues, which we have annotated accordingly.
The New Wave has moved across the Soi into their new digs (the old area now under renovation). And we must say, they have done a bang-up job - the new place is a real step-up over the old. Welcome them back to the fray...
SOI 7 Sukhumvit
The Public House, in spite of dire predictions of the old hands, has continued to thrive. Mostly tourist oriented. Located at the very top of Soi 5.
SOI 5 Sukhumvit
The Bamboo Pub is no new-kid-on-the-block, having been around for a couple of decades - starting out as Bamboo Bar (no relation to it's namesake in the Soi Cowboy of old). They have successfully made the transition from the 'German Invasion' through to the 'Arab Invasion'.
SOI 3 Sukhumvit
Bible-thumping... ...IN 'LITTLE ARABIA'
If anyone can conceive of a less productive spot to lecture from the Christian Holy Bible than in Soi 3/1, please let me know...
SOI 3/1 Sukhumvit
Most farang will not have heard of the Jacky Bar - a late night African-oriented bar located on a small sub-soi of Soi 3. See map.
First off, thanks a lot for your column, I'm always looking forward to some new stories on your website.
Please let me ask you some question here: There used to be a quite famous seafood restaurant in the alley between Sois 5 and 7, called "24h Seafood". I think most of the ladies of the night on Sukhumvit knew about it... I was a regular guest there for years and when coming back to Bangkok fron Europe I always used to go there for dinner on the first night and always really, really loved the food there (especially there fish in chilly-lemon-sauce). However, on my last trip to Bangkok I sadly had to discover that the restaurant has gone. I have asked some local friends where the restaurant has moved to but unfortunately nobody could tell me. Do you have any information about it?You would be my heroes if you could tell me if the restaurant can be found somewhere again.
Thanks a lot for your help and all the best.
Greetings, Marc
Hello, Marc,
Timing, as they say, is everything. As you may have noticed, this month we went off our beaten path (to some of the Sois that we only visit every few years or so) - and this month, it was Sois 3, 5 and 7.
The seafood restaurant you remember, the 24 Hr Seafood, has reopened/ relocated to the Soi 7 end of that same small alleyway. Both the staff there, and the mamasan of the Happy Krang Soi Bar Beer (in the same small soi) verify that it is the same seafood place. We can't guarantee they have the same Chef, but we can attest that they still do a very good late-night trade. On your return visit, let us know how the fish in chilly-lemon-sauce is....
We can answer virtually any (reasonable) question on the Expat Night Entertainment Scene in
Bangkok - be it Historical or very recent. Send us an e-mail and
we will do our best to answer you soonest.
The King's Corner has reopened after a brief one-month 'renovation'. We note the continuing 'musical chairs' that the King's Group is playing with their Patpong bars: They claim these temporary closures are for 'renovations', however that excuse falls short when, in a matter of months, they set out to renovate Camelot Castletwice. Word on the street is they have experienced a migration of dancers and staff to Cowboy and NEP, so they are only opening some of their bars some of the time.
PATPONG I
King's Corner 2 has reopened after a couple of months' renovations - also a King's Group bar, this one really did undergo renovations, and is looking good.... A mixture of ladies and katoeys. Welcome them back to the nightcircus.
- File photo
PATPONG I
Closed temporarily (for one month) -again- for renovations, is the Camelot Castle. This is actually a part of the King's Group 'musical chairs', while they attempt to staff-up during some actual renovations.... Note that, similarly, the King's Castle 3 (King's 3) has yet again closed for "renovations", sending their katoeys over to the King's Corner 2 (mentioned above). Further note: we won't be including a photo each time the musical chairs starts and stops, and will reserve our further comments to actual "changes".
The Red Rose Bar, open only a few months ago, appears to have closed. But we suspect it may be only a temporary closure, so we will keep an eyeball peeled, and get back atcha should there be any change...
PATPONG 2
The upstairs Red Parrot pool lounge (Bangkok's best, by the way) has closed it's doors for keeps. Having opened on October of 1993, they would have been open for 10 years (plus) had it not been for a makeover of the entire building between November of 2007 and May of 2011 (when they were closed). We look forward to seeing their new digs, wherever they may end up...
Two months after the Asian Intrigue closed it's doors for the last time in May of 1994, the Fantasia rolled out the red carpet. It's hard to believe the Fantasia lasted for almost exactly twenty years before it went the way of the Hesperornis. Taking it's place this last month is the brand newHot Lips A Go-Go. .....Get down tonight.....
SOI COWBOY
Tats... PAYING FORWARD TO ETERNAL YOUTH...
...or not.... Tattoos - like them or hate them, they are not going away any time soon. Our friends from Oz refer to those tats on the lower back as 'ass-antlers', and there are other terms equally endearing out and about. But we're not taking sides, whatever turns your head....
A for-the-archives pic of Hanrahans - an Irish pub of course. May they continue to prosper at the feet of the nightgods....
SOI NANA
The Rajah Hotel has put up some psychedelic new neon.... Note Annies Bar at the lower right, still a major player on the Soi.
SOI NANA
The After Dark continues to boast 6:00 p.m opening, but was closed (again) when we passed by the other night. Although the chattel covers the floor (in the darkened bar) we should note that customers become regular customers when the bar establishes regular hours - and then keeps them..... We'll keep an ear to the ground, and advise if they decide to reopen....
Gone, but not gone, Denny's Corner have reopened as just Denny at the top of the Soi in the main Holiday Inn building. And it seems they have brought a number of customers with them.... May they keep on keeping on...
SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)
The Sidewalk Cafe held on to the end, but finally closed up shop - a victim of "progress" as the Washington Square owners commence redevelopment in earnest.... May the Sidewalk Cafe ladies find that greener grass....
- File photo
SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)
Denny's Corner, the last man standing in the long saga of the closing of Washington Square, has finally called it a night. But as noted above, they have relocated to the Holiday Inn - just up the street at the corner of Sukhumvit Road.
- File photo
SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)
We are pleased to note that the Moderation Bar reopened only days after we went to press last month (having just noted their closure). They continue to do what they do, do well.... (But we wish, and so do customers, that when bars close temporarily, they leave a note on the door telling all when they will return. Who knows, it may lead to some bars having a greater number of regular customers.. Ahemmm..)
- File photo
SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)
The J W Massage is a brand new and notably ambiguous massage parlor located next door (on the south side) to Titanium. May they continue to slip and slide...
SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)
The Yardpetch Massage, has rolled up the red carpet and rolled down the steel shutters. May they find better luck at the next spin of the wheel....
SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)
Jasmine Massage has changed to the Momiya Jasmine without breaking stride, without breaking a sweat. Note the attractive new facelift. Services status quo ante.
SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)
Nutchy Massage has taken over the reins of the "Akasuri & Massage". A name-change, and all is as it was.... Located in Soi Lemongrass.
SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)
The Honey Bee Massage was closed when we passed by the other night, but all the masseuses were standing around outside doing nothing about nothing. Wonder what that's all about? Will definitely revisit next survey. Located in Soi Lemongrass.
- File photo
SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)
What was, last month, the new Lucky Bar bar beer (with massage-on-the-side), has become just "MASSAGE". This is a change of emphasis, not of venues....
Both the Baron Massage and The Club (men's club) have closed. May they each find their own separate way forward....
SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33
The Gauguin Club was showing the world only a darkened doorway the other night - but perhaps it was just a Labor Day off for the ladies.... We'll be keeping a finger on the pulse, and get back atcha if they reappear...
- File photo
SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33
The Ko Ha Ku, located on the ground floor of the S 33 Hotel has changed hands - there is currently a new Japanese restaurant on premises.
- File photo
SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33
The Teen 3 VIP Massage has dropped the "3", becoming Teen VIP Massage -
Taking over the reins from the Katchatara Spa is the Lollipop 1 (there is no Lollipop 2... yet, anyway.) Modus operandi - Thai Massage facade, Full Service upstairs. The more things change, the more they stay the same... Located at the back of the small side soi across from Q Bar. Welcome them to the darker side of bright city lights....
SOI AMBASSADOR - SOI 11
Double Wide has closed again... Consistency is key to customers... but it is not our call, we're just sayin'... We suspect they will be reopening again soon, and will advise of any change of staus....
- File photo
SOI AMBASSADOR - SOI 11
The Alchemist, located out behind in Soi Cheap Charlie, has live music entertainment which is well worth the visit. Let the good times roll....
SOI AMBASSADOR - SOI 11
The All About Massage (located at the end of the Soi, then turn right towards Soi 13) has vanished into the thic night air- the premises, to include shops on either side, are being renovated.
The Tuk Tuk and the 'N Joy have taken a couple of days off for the long Labor Day weekend - we hope... They should be back full-steam-ahead by the time you read this, but should anything adverse come to pass, we will catch up next issue.
The Before After started out a couple of months back as a combo bar beer-restaurant. But just as it looked to be taking off as a comfortable bar beer, it up and closed. We'll keep an eye on this one as well... as we suspect, based on some of the street chatter, it might reopen in the near future
SOI EDEN - Soi 7/1 Sukhumvit
An archive pic of the Crazy Hot ...taken a little early in the evening for the coyote crew to be active.... The beat goes on....
SOI EDEN - Soi 7/1 Sukhumvit
All dressed up.... ...NO PLACE TO GO...
No such thing as "waiting" anymore - one can always immediately switch to an alternate activity, or even more than one alternate activity. All one needs is a 'smart phone'....
Bangkok Eyes goes back in time to see
Who was new - And who was through
in the Expat Night Entertainment world.
How many of these old 'oases'
do you remember ?
Patpong I
* The upstairs Bar Play Boy, open for only a month, closed. No Nitespot exists at that location presently, but it was located next door to the Takara Turkish Bath & Massage (now called just Takara Massage).
*New Castle Bar, also upstairs, and also open for just one month, closed. Joy Bar took it's place. There are no bars at that location presently, however it was located just to the side of Mizu's on the Surawong Rd side.
Patpong 2
* The Melody Bar A Go Go closed - those premises now home to (half of) Cosmos.
* The Montana Pub, up on The Ramp reopened after a one-month closure. Currently there is no Nitespot at that location.
Soi Cowboy
* The Hare & Hound became the New Hare & Hound. Today those premises are occupied by the Dollhouse.
Nana Plaza * The Pretty Girl took over the reins of the Matterhorn (how many of you 'old hands' remember the Matterhorn?) Today that real estate is home to the Spellbound.
Soi Katoey(Silom Soi 4) * No changes that month / year.
- Limited portion reproduced herein meets Copyright Fair Use criteria.
The township of Naperville refers to their mystery spraypainter as El Barto, a fictitious name from the above episode of The Simpsons.
Naperville, a suburb of Chicago, is -according to The Daily Herald- up in arms over a spate of township-wide vandalism. The Bart Simpson-inspired graffiti has been appearing in a variety of unusual places since June of this year. It is therefore no mystery why the graf artist has been dubbed by the townspeople as "El Barto" - after the fictional graffiti artist who tagged same in a recent episode of The Simpsons.
- Limited portion reproduced herein meets Copyright Fair Use criteria.
Two examples of Naperville's spraycan pieces by El Barto.
However, in spite of the newspaper's claim of angry property owners, etc., all interviewed on camera* had smiles on their faces, and were hard put to come out in condemnation of what they saw as a big change over the typical Chicago-style graf. One interviewee said that El Barto, if caught, should be punished by making him scrub it off - a smile still on his face.
Even a Naperville police officer, also interviewed on camera, admitted that, "You're talented, and you have some artistic ability, but please don't paint our buildings up". He noted that the maximum punishment for what he termed a "Class A Misdemeanor" could be up to a 1,000 dollar fine and a year in jail.
The local vigilante group, the Naperville Crime Stoppers has offered a $1,000 reward to anyone who tips off the police as to who the real El Barto, or perhaps, El Bartos, is. (Milhouse Van Houten, perhaps? ...that's an inside joke....) Not inappropriate at this juncture would be a note to the graf artist "El Barto" (who has so-far managed to amuse the local population) : They may even still be smiling at your artwork as they throw you in jail for your vandalism.
May's Nightlife News 
SUKHUMVIT RD (Between Soi 5 & 7) 
TOP
PATPONG I 
MAP
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BANGKOK EYES / bangkokeyes.com