Bangkok’s best non-mainstream music venues

Hidden on the second floor of Whiteline in Soi Silom 8, Safe Room is an intimate space where you can let go and dance with a like-minded crowd to deep and dark tunes. The venue was once occupied by a bank, and the actual bank vault inside the club has been converted into a smoking room where you can rest and chill while taking a break from all the raving. Safe Room has hosted well-known electronica figures such as Oskar Offermann and Felix Dickinson.

This club, located in the abandoned Liberty Plaza, is prolific when it comes to hosting all kind of underground gigs. There are some nights when you’ll walk into experimental pulsing techno; another when you might find yourself in the middle of a mad crowd jumping around carelessly while a guy in a mask bleats out distorted sounds from the DJ table. De Commune even hosts live performances by international artists, like Siamese Cats, Tarsius, and FIVE NEW OLD, from time to time. The energy is catching and the crowd really comes for the music. Drink options are limited, but are cheap when compared to prices in other clubs in the area.

This small club comes alive with all kind of underground tunes, from pulsing tech-house to industrial techno, most of which are delivered by renowned Bangkok-based DJs such as Dan Buri, Hexer, Mendy Indigo, and Kuroten, as well as international stars like Nakadia and Marc Marzenit. The vibe is very communal and homely. Mustache is open until late, so if you feel like pulling an all-nighter, this place is it.

If you’ve been hanging around Bangkok’s underground music scene for some time, then you’ve definitely heard of Glow. Cozy, dark, and smoker-friendly (one of the very few clubs in Bangkok that allow smoking inside), the venue was considered “Bangkok’s only underground club” for years and is still a staple for many ravers to this day. The club is a stop for prominent international names like Hamburg-based duo Kaiserdisco and Bangkok-based spinners DJ Dan Buri and Mendy Indigo. Roaring techno and tech-house tracks blare from an A-rate sound system from Wednesday to Sunday.

T-Rex is usually where clubbers go for the after-party (so don’t be surprised if the crowd includes a lot of inebriated revelers). This small, dimly lit hole-in-the-wall, hidden in Soi Thonglor 14, hosts late-night stragglers, some of whom stay until 5 am. The vibe is laid-back and super intimate (literally, since the DJ booth is set right on the bar). Head upstairs if you’d prefer to sit and chill but still want to hear techno or tech-house blasting in the background.

Expect nothing but chill vibes and good music here. You will be surprised by the diversity and uniqueness of the events they have here. Apart from groovy DJ sets, some nights have a live band playing roaring jungle and experimental tunes with a sitar, African drums, and a synthesizer. The decor gives off a bit of a tropical vibe—definitely not a bar that you would typically come across in the swanky Thonglor neighborhood.

Global phenomenal Peggy Gou has spun here (twice). Beam is definitely a crowd favorite, known for having cutting-edge interiors, and top-of-the-line sound and lighting system. Beyond that, there’s no need to say much since the reputation of the club already speaks for itself. There are drinks to cater to all tastes, from well-crafted cocktails to all kinds of spirits. Opt for a bucket if you plan to have a crazy night.

This cozy bar features couches, tables and good tunes that will transport you to another world. 12 x 12 caters to all type of patrons, from those who want to chill after a mad night, to those who just want to mingle, to those who want to go heavy for another round. The music ranges from chill tech-house to ambient dark techno, and even reggae, spun by both local and international DJs. The vibe is super casual, so even if you’re new to the scene, the friendly crowd and distinctive music will definitely make you want to come back.

Located about a ten-minute walk from Khaosan Road, this establishment offers all patrons and ravers the sound of the future like nowhere else. Their Facebook page lists a series of intriguing underground events, from psychedelic sessions to heavyweight DJ sets featuring electronic body music and dark/industrial techno—they’re certainly not afraid to go all the way in. The drinks come with reasonable prices, and the venue is frequented by both local and expats.