R&B Karaoke Sathorn

Ask any group of Thai friends where to go for karaoke and this is the name that often comes back. R&B Karaoke has been running private rooms across five Bangkok neighbourhoods – Sathorn, Silom, Ari, Asoke and Chidlom – since well before the Japanese chains arrived, and it remains the default for locals who want a proper room, a decent drinks menu and 200,000 Thai and English songs without the faff of a minimum spend or a heavily themed interior. The rooms are comfortable rather than stylish, the staff are matter-of-fact and the whole operation is geared towards groups who are there to sing rather than be seen. Pick the branch nearest you; the experience is consistent across all of them. Book ahead, especially at weekends.

1124/2 Narathiwas Soi 9 (Sathorn branch), 02-675-4224. Open daily 6pm-midnight. BTS Chong Nonsi. Additional branches in Silom, Ari, Asoke and Chidlom.