Bangkok's nightlife has a reputation for being wild and rowdy. But at the same time it's relaxed, safe, enjoyable and great fun! Rapidly establishing itself as Asia's capital of cool, Bangkok's diverse nightlife scene features everything from excellent live music and good jazz clubs to ultra cool bars, trendy clubs and great restaurants - and go far beyond its once-upon-a-time sleazy and naughty image.

After the sun wanes, Bangkok gets its second breath. The heavy traffic subsides, the mad rush is over. This energized city bustles with things to, be it shopping, clubbing, bar flying, fine dining, a cinema, bowling or a cultural show. Tracking these venues down can be a daunting task for first-timers and, so, here we've compiled five nightlife prime areas and descriptions of all that's found within each one. All these areas can easily be reached by using either the BTS (Skytrain) or MRT (underground system).

• Sukhumvit
  Sukhumvit's nightlife is exciting, ever-evolving, cosmopolitan and can be reduced to three main hedonistic pursuits: drinking, dancing and debauchery.
• Khao San Road
  Khao San Road takes off at night: neon signs flicker into life, music begins blasting from streetside sound systems, while the masses begin mapping out about the long, typically alcohol-fuelled night in front of them.
• Silom
  Thailand's 'Wall Street' is by day a place of financial institutions, law firms and multinational corporations. By night however, Silom slips out of its suit, transforming into a bustling shopping street.
• Ratchadapisek (RCA)
  Young partygoers, or those looking to recapture their misspent youth, should head straight for Royal City Avenue.
• Siam
  Shopping, cinemas, bowling, karaoke, some live entertainment and that's about it.