Bangkok dances in dichotomy, with happy bar-goers strolling home at dawn clutching Singha beers alongside monks dressed in orange robes and clutching alms bowls.

The city has a wonderful New Orleans-meets-New York nightlife vibe, with venues shiny and new, antiquated and obscure. Hitch a ride on a tuk-tuk to Phra Athit Road, where a variety of small, street-front bars and restaurants appease all tastes and tendencies.

HEMLOCK

A long-time favorite of ex-pat artists and writers, Hemlock manages to combine a cooling, chic, white-walled atmosphere with extremely spicy local dishes and a drink list that's closer to San Fran than Siam. The inside is decorated with plants and rock pathways. An open staircase leads to an exhibit of art by local artists.

Hemlock's been around for more than a decade. The signature Miang Kam dish (60 baht, about $2) makes a great cocktail accompaniment. The plate is organized with fresh piper leaves in which you wrap lime, ginger, shallots, dried shrimp, peanuts, dried coconut, drizzles of sweet sauce and slivers of hot chilies. The Margaritas are sublime for soothing the fire, and come by the pitcher for 180 baht (about $5).

Details: Hemlock, 56 Phra Athit, (011-66) 22827 507

Best time to go: Any night, but it closes for major (and occasionally minor) holidays.

BANK BAR

Take a right out of Hemlock and stroll down to the red-hued Bank Bar for live music and a local crowd. Phra Athit's proximity to Thammasat University makes this place a rendezvous for Thai 20-somethings. Translation: It's a fantastic place to hear local musicians while enjoying cheap beer. Grab a membership card off the bar for 10 percent off food costs, and prepare to stand if you arrive late. Bank Bar gets packed as night rolls into day.

Details: Bank Bar, 64 Phra Athit, (011-66) 26292 692

Best bar call: A large Chang Beer, 22 oz. for 50 baht (about $1.50).

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.repliedToText@

@Nyx.replyAnswerText@

Reply to this Comment @Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@