BANGKOK EYES PRESENTS -
1927 - 2016
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BANGKOK EYES PRESENTS -
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1927 - 2016
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 e hadn't returned to Hua Hin  for a re-survey since August of 2005 -nearly a dozen years- in spite of good intentions along the way. So, we had expected changes, but certainly not to the extent found on our current survey. While there were the anticipated numbers of bars changing hands, the major Nightspot Areas also had experienced a surprising amount of growth.
This time around, we will be addressing the two main Night Entertainment Areas separately - the Bintabaht Area, and Soi 80. The two Nitespot Areas are about a 10-minute walk from one another, so we have provided maps for each Area and an 'area map' showing both Areas.
In the beginning.... In the late 1990's, there was only a handful of beer-bar style Nitespots on Soi Bintabaht. However, sometime prior to 2002 it reached 'critical mass', and on our original survey
<pop> in June of that year, Soi Bintabaht had already grown to 20 
 DOWNLOAD MAP FOR FREE PERSONAL USE - Right-Click on map, and "Save Image As"
DOWNLOAD MAP FOR FREE PERSONAL USE - Right-Click on map, and "Save Image As"
On our re-survey in August of 2005, Soi Bintabaht was still at 20 Night Entertainment Venues, with a substantial increase on the 'Selakam' soi adjacent. But the overall upward trends in the Bintabaht Area were unmistakable - it was apparent that the "Night Entertainment Scene" in Hua Hin was to be a significant and permanent fixture.
SOI BINTABAHT AREA - HUA HIN
Fast-forward to the present. The first thing we noticed going in (how could you miss it?) was Soi Bintabaht had become a "Walking Street" à-la South Pattaya - automatically a very big "plus". While the other adjacent and outlying sois have had their ups-and-downs, the three major sois of Bintabaht, and the two 'Selakam' sois jointly have experienced an almost 70 percent increase in Night Entertainment Venues overall. Since our previous survey, Bintabaht has increased the number of Venues by 40 percent alone.
SOI BINTABAHT AREA - HUA HIN
We note that in addition to a very real increase in Nitespots in the Bintabaht Area, many of the newer bars are two, and three shophouses wide - following the trend in other Night Entertainment Areas in Thailand. We have included a number of photos, above and below, randomly selected, of some of the Bintabaht Area Nightspots. See our map, above, for the complete listing of Venues.
SOI BINTABAHT AREA - HUA HIN
SOI BINTABAHT AREA - HUA HIN
SOI BINTABAHT AREA - HUA HIN
SOI BINTABAHT AREA - HUA HIN
SOI BINTABAHT AREA - HUA HIN
SOI BINTABAHT AREA - HUA HIN
On our August 2005 survey, we - by chance - walked past the top of Soi 80, and thought we saw a beer bar or a massage parlor deeper in the Soi. We thought we should take a look, doing a quick impromptu survey. Since we were already right there, what could it hurt?
We found a total of 5 Venues - we were hoping for more. But we also noticed that there were a good many unoccupied shophouses - potentially a great location for future Nightspot development. In our 2005 article, we included those 5 Venues on our map
<pop>, and noted that Soi 80 was an area to be watched - someone should be keeping tabs.
DOWNLOAD MAP FOR FREE PERSONAL USE - Right-Click on map, and "Save Image As"
Again, fast-forward to the present. We had no idea at the time of our original visit what would transpire in the ensuing years. Soi 80 currently has 45 Nitespots, many of them multi-shophouse wide. (And their own Soi 80 promotional committee.) And, no, it is not a "Walking Street". Yet....
SOI 80 HUA HIN
Soi 80 long ago passed the "critical mass" criterion and has become a major Night Entertainment Area - by any measure or standard. And combined with a number of bar-restaurants and massage parlors on the Soi, it would be quite easy, and quite comfortable to spend any number of evenings there.
SOI 80 HUA HIN
As with the Soi Bintabaht Area, we have randomly selected a number of pics (above and below) of the Soi 80 Night Entertainment Area.
SOI 80 HUA HIN
SOI 80 HUA HIN
SOI 80 HUA HIN
SOI 80 HUA HIN
SOI 80 HUA HIN
SOI 80 HUA HIN
SOI 80 HUA HIN
In summation, Hua Hin's Night Scene has matured greatly over the last 15 years, and while the "open bar" format is still the general rule, more indoor bars are making their way onto the scene. If "Thailand's Nightlife" is a part of your entertainment lifestyle, you would be well-advised to include Hua Hin on your regular visits.
BANGKOK EYES
Let the February 2017 Follies begin-
Rising Phoenix-like from their own ashes, Radio City has reopened once again. We haven't been inside yet, but from the outside, it can't be all bad.... Welcome them back to the bright city lights.
PATPONG 1
After a closure going on 5 months, the King's Garden is once again up-and-running. No explanation forthcoming as to why they bothered to close in the first place. Nevertheless, welcome them back to partytown.
- File Photo
PATPONG 2
PATPONG 2
If the Glamour (Glamour Girls), closed since January of last year, hasn't already reopened by the time you read this, it will be doing so in the next couple of days. We'll come around next time for some additional photos.
PATPONG 2
PATPONG 2
The on-again, off-again Top Light Bar is "on-again". How long this will last is anyone's guess.... Welcome back to the sharkpool.
 - File Photo
PATPONG 2
An unusual shot (for the archives) of the Asoke entrance to Soi Cowboy. Taken from the Asoke BTS station.
SOI COWBOY
Another pic for the archives. This time of the new-ish Enter A Go-Go, up on the 3rd level. May they continue to thrive.
NANA PLAZA
Bunnies A Go-Go's 'back room' is set up to be a pool bar, a place to do your email, and / or a live music venue. And, one day, it will make up its mind. Meanwhile, the rest of Bunnies rocks on....
NANA PLAZA
A 'For-the-Archives' pic of 4 Bar, an open-fronted two-level (note the mezzanine) bar beer that has stood the test-of-time. May they persevere....
SOI NANA
Heaven's Bar, up on the 2nd floor across the street from Country Road has reopened, after being closed briefly last month. Welcome back to the neon circus.
 - File Photo
SOI NANA
Soi Katoey's For Fun was one of the few Nitespots on the Soi that did justice to, and with their Chinese NewYear celebrations. May they keep on keeping on...
SOI KATOEY
The tiny, most well-appointed Sugar Bowl has plummeted headlong into the Abyss. Darwin, in the long run, will not be denied...
 - File Photo
SOI KATOEY
The Orchid Spa & Massage should be opening right about.... now. Located in the small sub-soi which once was home to the Euphoria Massage, across from Asia Massage. We'll check back next time to confirm...
SOI 22 (Sukhumvit)
The Phussapa Thai Massage 2 has taken over - lock-stock-and-KY - from the Bongkoch Massage. Welcome to the slippery slope...
SOI 22 (Sukhumvit)
The similarly named Bongkot@22 Massage located in Soi Titanium has succumbed to the ravages of competition on a Soi literally inundated with massage parlors. May they find things more to their liking a little further on down the road a piece.
 - File Photo
SOI 22 (Sukhumvit)
The Bit Style Japanese Massage didn't make it out for the next round. The sign says, 'renovating', but we don't know whether or not it will reopen under the same name.... We'll keep an ear to the ground, and get back atcha.
SOI 22 (Sukhumvit)
The 8 on Eleven opened as we suspected it would (in our last issue). But, wow, we had no idea.... It is seven (7) shophouses wide and two floors high. What do we call it? 'Entertainment Emporium'? 'Super-Pub'? How are they going to fill it with customers? Do they know something about 'trending' that we don't? -We sincerely hope so. Welcome them to the machine.
SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit 11)
Last month we noted the opening of the brand-new Harmony 2 Massage, however, we are just now getting around to getting a photo posted. Located on the ground floor, in the parking area of the Le Fenix building, near the old Q Bar. May they maintain the rhythm.
SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit 11)
Below is the photo that we promised of the Grace Spa which reopened two months ago, after an extended closure - and a try at something not-quite-the-same. Continue to do what you do well...
SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit 11)
The Happy Station 11 has re-opened in the tiny walking Soi 11/2 Looks to be under new management. Welcome back to the piranha pool.
SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit 11)
The Alchemist, located in Soi Cheap Charlie, has closed its doors... Is this just temporary for the Chinese New Year, or have they closed in anticipation of the approaching re-development? Wait and see... We'll be around again at month's end, and get back atcha.
SOI AMBASSADOR (Sukhumvit 11)
A For-The-Archives pic of Country Road's neon - (that's the Country Road branch that most people forget exists - located way in the back of Queen's Park Plaza). May they continue to rock-n-roll.
QUEEN's PARK PLAZA (Sukhumvit 22)
Last month we reported the opening of the Charming Massage & Spa, and noted that they would get some signage soon... They now have said sign, albeit hard to read from the main Soi. May they prosper in the fickle hands of destiny.
SOI DEAD ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33)
The Moulin Rouge appears to have battened down against the harsh snows. Unfortunately, there is no snow, and no one knows to where they have shuffled-off. We'll keep an eyeball peeled, and provide further status next time around.
 - File Photo
SOI DEAD ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33)
The just-opened (2 months) 'S Cafe, located in the S 33 Compact Hotel, has already beat a hasty retreat into the shadows. Looks like someone didn't have a business plan that would carry them through a possible rough opening. Greener pastures.
 - File Photo
SOI DEAD ARTISTS (Sukhumvit 33)
Mike's Corner has been around almost since the 'beginning' - that is to say, since the Soi reached 'critical mass' - entertainment-wise. Always low-key, they have recently upgraded their serving counter and drinks menu. Located at the end of the Soi at the entrance to Maxim's Inn. May they continue to ride high in the saddle.
SOI EDEN (Sukhumvit 7/1)
Last month the Alice bar beer (no sign) was closed for whatever reason. This month they are open, and one of the few bars in the Twilight Zone properly decked out for the Chinese New Year.
SOI TWILIGHT
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The MIDNITE HOUR Graffiti Page is prepared by Staff Contributor "Boge" Hartman . (Boge's photo, above, is not a graffiti per-se, although there are those who have insinuated.... - Ed) 
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William R. Morledge |
2002 - 2017 BANGKOK EYES - bangkokeyes.com
February's Nightlife News 
