I spent a night partying in Bangkok, the world's nightlife capital. The party ended at 2 a.m., but the night was as memorable as ever.

Marielle DescalsotaAug 26, 2022, 07:13 IST

Insider's reporter in Bangkok.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Bangkok's roaring nightlife is world famous.
In late July, I struck out to experience the city's club scene for myself.

This is a clubbing story that starts at midnight and ends at 2 a.m. Where, you might ask, did my night out end so early — some sleepy, mid-sized city? But no: This is the story of my night out in Bangkok, one of the world's top party destinations.

Bar and restaurant workers wait for customers along the popular tourist and nightlife strip Khao San Road in Bangkok on December 10, 2021.Jack Taylor/AFP/Getty Images

This is a clubbing story that starts at midnight and ends at 2 a.m. Where, you might ask, did my night out end so early — some sleepy, mid-sized city? But no: This is the story of my night out in Bangkok, one of the world's top party destinations.

My cab dropped me off at Route66 at midnight on a Wednesday. The club is in Royal City Avenue, or RCA, a complex dedicated to nightclubs and bars.

Route66 in Bangkok, Thailand.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Everyone has to take a COVID-19 test before getting into Route66 — club rules.There were a dozen people ahead of me when I arrived, but the process was efficient. I took the test and was through the club's doors in a matter of minutes.

Covid-19 testing station at Route66.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Everyone has to take a COVID-19 test before getting into Route66 — club rules.There were a dozen people ahead of me when I arrived, but the process was efficient. I took the test and was through the club's doors in a matter of minutes.

I paid the 200 baht, or $5.60, cover charge (which included one drink and the COVID-19 test), and made my way into the club. A few dozen people were lounging on plush couches outside the club.

Entry coupon at Route66. The cost of entry included a drink and my COVID-19 test.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

I paid the 200 baht, or $5.60, cover charge (which included one drink and the COVID-19 test), and made my way into the club. A few dozen people were lounging on plush couches outside the club.

There were two dance floors at the front of the club. One was a small room with half a dozen people mingling inside. The other was a huge dance floor packed with people.

Inside Route66.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

There were two dance floors at the front of the club. One was a small room with half a dozen people mingling inside. The other was a huge dance floor packed with people.

Feeling slightly out of place — I was alone and on a reporting trip, after all — I posted up at a bar near the back of the dance floor.

The bar inside Route66. The cocktails were cheap, costing between 200 and 300 baht.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

After a short, chaotic foray onto the dance floor, I made my way to the outdoor lounge for a quick breather.

Food menu at Route66.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

At 1:30 a.m., I stepped back onto the dance floor, fully expecting the night to start to take off. Instead, at 2 a.m. sharp, the lights came on.

Route66 at 2 a.m.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Outside the club, I realized the night wasn't over — it was just entering phase two. The people streaming out of the club were filtering into a long line of tuk-tuks and making their way over to street vendors for a post-party meal.

Tuk-tuks and street food stalls just outside the club.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Outside the club, I realized the night wasn't over — it was just entering phase two. The people streaming out of the club were filtering into a long line of tuk-tuks and making their way over to street vendors for a post-party meal.

At 2:30 a.m., roadside hawkers were busy peddling their dishes to partygoers. Yes, the club was emptying out, but the streets were fast becoming the night's new party zone.

Clubbers eating at street food stalls.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

At 2:30 a.m., roadside hawkers were busy peddling their dishes to partygoers. Yes, the club was emptying out, but the streets were fast becoming the night's new party zone.

I took a taxi back to my hostel in Chakkrawat and found a bustling night market.

Night markets in Chakkrawat.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

I'm not here to tell you Bangkok nightclubs are a bad time. The city strikes me as a place where you can find just about anything you're looking for, as long as you know where to find it.

Street peddlers at a night market in Chakkrawat.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

I'm not here to tell you Bangkok nightclubs are a bad time. The city strikes me as a place where you can find just about anything you're looking for, as long as you know where to find it.

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I spent a night partying in Bangkok, the world's nightlife capital. The party ended at 2 a.m., but the night was as memorable as ever.

This is a clubbing story that starts at midnight and ends at 2 a.m. Where, you might ask, did my night out end so early — some sleepy, mid-sized city? But no: This is the story of my night out in Bangkok, one of the world's top party destinations.

My cab dropped me off at Route66 at midnight on a Wednesday. The club is in Royal City Avenue, or RCA, a complex dedicated to nightclubs and bars.

Everyone has to take a COVID-19 test before getting into Route66 — club rules.There were a dozen people ahead of me when I arrived, but the process was efficient. I took the test and was through the club's doors in a matter of minutes.

I paid the 200 baht, or $5.60, cover charge (which included one drink and the COVID-19 test), and made my way into the club. A few dozen people were lounging on plush couches outside the club.

There were two dance floors at the front of the club. One was a small room with half a dozen people mingling inside. The other was a huge dance floor packed with people.

Feeling slightly out of place — I was alone and on a reporting trip, after all — I posted up at a bar near the back of the dance floor.

After a short, chaotic foray onto the dance floor, I made my way to the outdoor lounge for a quick breather.

At 1:30 a.m., I stepped back onto the dance floor, fully expecting the night to start to take off. Instead, at 2 a.m. sharp, the lights came on.

Outside the club, I realized the night wasn't over — it was just entering phase two. The people streaming out of the club were filtering into a long line of tuk-tuks and making their way over to street vendors for a post-party meal.

At 2:30 a.m., roadside hawkers were busy peddling their dishes to partygoers. Yes, the club was emptying out, but the streets were fast becoming the night's new party zone.

I took a taxi back to my hostel in Chakkrawat and found a bustling night market.

I'm not here to tell you Bangkok nightclubs are a bad time. The city strikes me as a place where you can find just about anything you're looking for, as long as you know where to find it.