Bangkok's oldest paved road and its current creative district: Talad Noi shophouses, Mandarin Oriental's heritage rooms, hidden cocktail bars and Potong's tasting counter.
The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is the city's oldest jazz room, opened 1953. Bamboo screens, rattan armchairs, a jazz vocalist plus band Mon-Sat from 20:00.
Tip: Smart casual enforced, the only no-collared-tee bar on the riverside. Reserve via the hotel; cocktails from 700 baht, music charge after 20:00.
Soul Bar in Bangkok's Talad Noi is the soul and funk live room next to Chinatown, the first of its kind in the Old Town. Bohemian shophouse, rotating local soul bands.
Tip: Live music Tue-Sat from 21:00. No cover, drinks from 180 baht. Small room, arrive before 21:30 for a front seat by the band.
FooJohn Building in Bangkok's Talad Noi is the three-tier dive in a restored 1960s post-modern shophouse. French bistro ground floor, hidden upstairs cocktail bar, rooftop BBQ.
Tip: Find the mirrored stairwell at the rear for the second-floor speakeasy. No reservations, cash easiest, cocktails from 300 baht. Rooftop opens 18:00.