Cultural performances
Golden Dome Cabaret
Another one of Bangkok's typical ladyboy shows. Three shows are given every evening.
Thailand Cultural Centre
The Thailand Cultural Centre is a fully integrated venue for social education and cultural activities. There aren't many foreigners in this area, so most of the shows are aimed at local visitors. It is a world-class centre that has room for more than 2,000 visitors. There's always something on, most of the time international symphony orchestra performances, but most foreigners come over to see a traditional Thai cultural show. You might want to call in first and find out about the current programme before heading out.
Siam Niramit
This is a state-of-the-art cultural performances centre, which uses modern technology integrated with old fashioned drama to depict the history of each region of Thailand. The story also includes depictions of hells, the forest of Himmaphan, heavens and lands beyond imagination from Thai literature, all of which are influenced by Thai common beliefs. There is also a spectacular performance of Thailand's arts and cultural heritage. The show is staged by more than 150 performers.
The area around Thailand Cultural Centre is the place to go for cultural performances. Siam Niramit is one of the best traditional Thai shows in Bangkok.
Entertainment
House RCA
This is a boutique art house cinema with two screens. No typical Hollywood films or Thai chick flicks here; expect Swedish art films and obscure Cantonese dramas. Foreign movies are subtitled both in Thai and in English. The cinema is not as luxurious as those in Siam Paragon, but good enough. Don't trust any listings, as they are often wrong. Just turn up and see what they have on offer.
Muangthai Ratchadalai Theatre
Opened in 2007, this 1,500-seat musical theatre has an extensive schedule of theatre productions and live shows. Most of them cater to the locals, so check before booking.
Blu-O Rhythm and Bowl
Kind of a weird entertainment venue as this complex combines karaoke rooms with bowling facilities, aimed at upper-middle class Thai ladies. Just the entrance is professional and neat in a glamorous blue, gold and white style. The karaoke rooms look much like living rooms with a DVD player and touch-screens. The 22-lane bowling alleys are world-class. After 17:00, bowlers play with a glow-in-the-dark ball in a dimly-lit environment. There are also DJs, lounge seats and you can have cocktails.
Ratchadaphisek is Bangkok's entertainment mecca, offering all the modern entertainment facilities you could expect from a large metropolis, including theatres, bowling, karaoke, go-karts and even an ice-skating rink. Most facilities are sparkling new, as they opened after the MRT line was finalised in 2002.
BSC Bowl
This is a bowling centre that does a fine job if you're looking for a night out with friends. It is really a huge place with dozens of bowling alleys lined up right next to each other.
Sub Zero Ice Skate Club
Yeah, logical, it is 35 degrees outside, let's go to an ice skating club! It's a completely original experience though, as at daytime you can just skate around or take lessons, while at night, this turns into some swanky club complete with strobe lights, live DJs and bars made from ice. Just don't forget to bring jackets.
UMG RCA Cinema
Formerly boasting five screens, now two of them on the third floor have been remodeled into the House RCA art cinema. Three screens remain with about 1,000 seats. It features recently released Hollywood and Thai mainstream films.
Spark Entertainment Center
Opened in April 2007, this is another one of Ratchada's entertainment meccas. This self-proclaimed "entertainment centre" has a game room, karaoke rooms and a snooker table. Also included in the complex is the Carnival Pub with a live band and the Sparks Discotheque dance floor.