Thailand is a country known for its epic parties, from the wild and raucous Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan to the intense pool parties in Bangkok. Thailand is truly a country that never sleeps.

But everyone has heard of Full Moon party, Khao San Road, and Bangla Road walking street in Pattaya. What about the hidden nightlife gems? The places where you can party like a local in Thailand.

How can I experience the nightlife like a local in Thailand?

Lucky for you, in this article we will guide you through the best under-the-radar nightlife spots in Thailand. Because, if there is one thing we know, Thais love to drink and party.

So don’t mistakenly assume the nightlife scene starts and ends with the most well-known tourist spots in Thailand. Other lesser-known Thai destinations also pack a surprising punch when it comes to having an awesome night out.

Speaking some Thai language also helps tremendously when searching for off-the-beaten-path nightlife destinations.

Best 3 Cities to Party Like a Local in Thailand:

1. Udon Thani: Isaan’s Best-Kept Party Secret

Venture northeast to Udon Thani, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Isaan, where the parties are as spicy as the local cuisine.

Unfortunately, there might not be a whole lot to do in the city, but that doesn’t mean the nightlife isn’t great. Udon Thani’s famous Day and Night Complex is a great pre-drink spot but the main event is at one of the city’s two most famous nightclubs: Rhythm Bar or Mars Udon Thani. Both of these places are filled to the brim with Thais looking to drink the night away.

Other highlights include The Library Udon, Tawan Daeng, Ekkamai, and Cheers Club for an after hours party.

• Best luxury hotel in Udon Thani: Centara Udon (~$61)
• Best mid-range hotel in Udon Thani: Kavinburi Green Hotel (~$31)
• Best budget hotel in Udon Thani: The Old Inn (~$24)

2. Hua Hin: Seaside Parties in a Chill Beach Town

Hua Hin is primarily known as being a hot spot for retirees who want to settle down in Thailand. That might be the last thing you expect to hear when it comes to a thriving nightlife, but you’d be surprised.

Hua Hin is basically the more laid-back and dare we say more “normal” version of Pattaya and its over-the-top nightlife. Situated only two-and-a-half hours drive outside of Bangkok, Hua Hin features a solid bar scene and a couple of nightclubs super fun nightclubs: Sam Sam Bar and Panama Club.

On top of that (quite literally), you could go to the swanky Vana Nava Sky bar on top of the nearby Holiday Day Inn for a perfect view of the ocean and city.

• Best luxury hotel in Hua Hin: The Standard, Hua Hin (~$383)
• Best mid-range hotel in Hua Hin: The Lapa Hotel (~$50)
• Best budget hotel in Hua Hin: Kiang Haad Beach (~$39)

3. Khon Kaen: A Buzzing Nightlife in One of Thailand’s Biggest University Towns

If you know anything about Thailand, you shouldn’t be surprised that another city on this list is from Isaan, which Thailand’s northeast region known for its love for friendly spirit, spicy foods, and love for alcohol.

Khon Kaen is home to a few large universities, which means it’s a city full of students looking to drink their stresses away once the weekend rolls around. The main campus area is full of lively bars such as Replayground and Hashtags. And not too far down the road is the main nightclub area. The highlights here are Icon Club, 99 Vintage, Roo, and The Library Khon Kaen.

• Best luxury hotel in Khon Kaen: Avani Khon Kaen (~$61)
• Best mid-range hotel in Khon Kaen: Kosa Hotel (~$41)
• Best budget hotel in Khon Kaen: Piman Garden Boutique Hotel (~$20)

Partying Off-the-beaten-path in Thailand

As you can see, the Land of Smiles is just as much known for its nightlife as it is for the tuk-tuks zooming through its chaotic streets or the mind-blowing temples.

So if you get bored of the most well-known Thai party destinations such as Bangkok or Koh Phangan, then you can give these more local party scenes in Thailand a chance. Not only will you experience a great night out or two, but you will also see the more local side of Thailand’s nightlife.

And trust us, you’ll love it.