Barhopping: Sathorn Soi 1

Pandanus Bar Bistro
50 Soi Nantha, Sathorn Soi 1, 02-287-4021. Open daily 11am-11pm.
Pandanus Bar Bistro boasts a flawless whitewash exterior and large open spaces. The restaurant on the first floor makes it a great place to get filled up before venturing to the next three bars on this strip. Lovers can sprawl on the sexy day beds in the dimly-lit bar area on the second floor while sipping on a potent Pandanus’ cocktail. Those on the prowl will stick to the bar as resident DJs prep them for the night ahead with mellow chill-out and house tunes.

Red Carpet
G/F, Pantip Park, 68 Sathorn Tai Rd., 02-679-7788. Open Mon-Sat 3pm-1am.
A couple of hops and skips from Pandanus will land you at Red Carpet, an intimate bar-cum-restaurant with a Thai and Western food menu and your regular selection of booze—all at relatively cheaper prices. Though not as sophisticated as Pandanus, Red Carpet will give your wallet a break. And here, you won’t have to worry about acting cool: the décor has a trite Hollywood theme (think portraits of Marilyn Monroe) and there’s a karaoke stage.

MuMu Art House & Caf
106/1 Sribumpen, 08-4374-4252. Open Wed-Mon 12pm-1am.
Now we make a turn at Soi Sribumpen, just off Sathorn Soi 1. Keep going straight and you’ll hit MuMu. This three-story building is an art gallery that also doubles as a café, bar and a yoga studio. There’s a usual mix of Thai and Western food but for drinks, stick to beer (B70-100) as the cocktails (B120-160) are not their strong suit. You’re not ever going to party till you drop here, but MuMu’s homey vibe and friendly staff make it a good chill-out place.

Rain Dogs
16 Soi Phraya Phiren, Rama 4 Rd, 08-7055-9407. Open daily 7pm-late.
From MuMu, go straight into Soi Suwansawat and keep walking until you find another soi called Phraya Phiren. Rain Dogs is located right at the end of the alley (walk alongside the expressway until you hit a dead end). Home to underground parties like Kaos and Bangkok Paradise, Rain Dogs sees an eclectic crowd thirsty for nights with a difference. Their drinks menu consists of the usual: beer (B80) and cocktails (B130).