Bangkok’s top non-mainstream music venues

Wanting to ditch the 21st century for a few hours? Head to Velaa Sindhorn Village, in the Lang Suan district. Jazz enthusiasts will dig this place! You walk through the doors at Crimson Room and slam straight into the roaring 1920s. This compact jazz bar throws you a flask and teaches you the Charleston. The space is draped in rich red velvet, and the tiered seating gives you prime views of the performers from all angles. Once the live sets wrap, resident DJs slide in with selections that keep the night flowing. Open daily, 6pm-2am.

Blueprint was born out of Bangkok’s need for a venue that puts live music front and centre – not just as a backdrop for socialising. Designed with purpose, it’s a no-nonsense space, a distraction-free zone where a diverse genre of artists perform. Located on the second floor of Flow House, A Square, Sukhumvit 26, Blueprint houses professional-level sound systems, stage-grade lighting, and a thoughtfully designed stage for an immersive experience. And instead of relying on traditional revenue-sharing for performers, it operates on a ticket-based earnings model – a way to foster an open scene where different sounds, styles, and communities can thrive. Check out the artists taking the stage weekly on Instagram at @blueprintlivehouse, and grab tickets on Ticketmelon.

Revamped in 2023 with a new location in the Ratchaprasong district, and for easiest access, we recommend getting off at BTS Chit Lom. The volume cranks up from 8pm to 11.45pm nightly as live bands take over. They pair a straight-up American-Thai menu with a soundtrack of international hits, pop and rock classics. Work through their cocktail list or grab a cold one and sing along against a backdrop of walls showcasing music collectibles, platinum records, and signed memorabilia from world-famous artists. Additionally, special tributes pop up regularly – keep an eye on their socials to stay clued in. This March 2025 marks women’s history month and Hard Rock International is rolling out limited-edition Shakira tees as part of their year-long campaign celebrating female voices in music. Get a piece!

Bangkok’s audiophiles gather here when generic club beats don’t cut it. Music aficionados might highly rate the custom tube sound system, engineered for acoustic live shows. Studio Lam dishes up international influences, from reggae to funk to jazz, while staying firmly rooted in Thai musical heritage – specifically the Isan region’s molam (a freestyle, rap-like genre) and luk thung (its more traditional rural counterpart). Founder Maft Sai (of Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band fame) created this space as an antidote to Bangkok’s commercial club scene. Check studiolambangkok on Instagram for their rotating roster of live performances. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 6pm-midnight. Closed on Mondays. Studio Lam proves Bangkok’s alternative music scene punches well above its weight. Come for sounds you’ve never heard before, stay for the community – local crowds are thriving out here in Sukhumvit Soi 51.

This joint lives by the ‘no music, no life’ mantra. You’ll find it on Thara Rom Soi 2 in the Watthana district, easily spotted by the row of vintage motorbikes lined up outside. Inside, the decks showcase a revolving lineup of resident DJs and guest mixers from diverse backgrounds. They spin everything from underground house to hip-hop classics, with live bands on special nights. The sound system has crystal-clear acoustics that fill the air without overwhelming conversation. It’s a great atmosphere to have a dance-off or just soak up the melodies while sitting down. Any aspiring DJs reading this? They’re also calling all DJs looking for a welcoming space to spin their sets – the stage is set, bookings are open, and the crowd is lively. It’s time to get your name on the lineup! Keep tabs on upcoming sets through their socials.

Lat Phrao's sonic rebels have found their headquarters at Noise House. By day, this split-level venue caters to gearheads and anyone looking to get their synths sorted with equipment sales and repairs. By night, it erupts into a melody-lit noise house, as the name suggests. Here, genre rules don’t apply – you can catch everything from experimental soul to garage punk on any given night. Beyond music gigs, Noise House also houses recording studios, rehearsal rooms, and tech workshops, creating an open-hearted, complete ecosystem for music lovers.

Bangkok’s premier electronic playground has moved! Mustache Bangkok has relocated from Sukhumvit Soi 23 to its new home at the Escape Glass House on EmQuartier’s 5th floor, now even bougier. This 300-capacity venue delivers house, techno, afro house, and minimal beats through a Funktion One sound system, renowned for its high-quality sound and deep bass. The spacious terrace offers a breather between dance sessions. Their monthly events never disappoint, turning warehouses, boats, and rooftops into one-off party spots. Want in? Keep an eye on their socials and mark your calendar.

Built in a narrow shophouse, Adhere 13th has stood the test of time in Bangkok’s unpredictable nightlife scene, thriving for 17 years in the historic Phra Nakhon district. What started as a cafe has transformed into the city’s much-admired blues venue. This place has character, with vintage decor and a vinyl collection lining the walls – much of it from the owner’s father’s collection. The owner preserves the old charm, said to fix what breaks and only upgrade the sound system when needed. Affordable drinks and casual bites complement the live blues performances. Weeknights offer breathing room, but from Friday to Sunday, it’s standing room only. Outdoor seating is available, and on busy nights, you might find yourself spilling onto the pavement, toasting with strangers.

The revamped Speakerbox is back in its Thonglor stomping ground after a months-long facelift. Now with serious space gains and just a block and a few steps from its original location, Speakerbox 2.0 still retains its no-frills drinking spot with a dive bar soul. Speakerbox welcomes you with the bar area slinging music-inspired cocktails and pulling double duty as a chill café by day, and there’s no entry fee for its bar atmosphere. The main event though is hosting resident musicians and underground acts on the regular. This all happens in the live room, a purpose-built environment where sound quality takes priority, creating an optimal setting for live performances which can easily fit a crowd without anyone having to elbow their way through. Each night brings a different genre, so keep up with the lineup at Speakerboxbkk. And if you find your musical match in the city, tickets are available through Ticketmelon or at the entrance on event nights.