BANGKOK — For those who live and breathe Latin dance, swaying one’s way through the week in Bangkok’s salsa hubs can be a reality.
With the recent reemergence of Zaks and Shangri-La in the capital’s salsa scene, the city center boasts of venues where one can dance to the Latin spirit from Monday to Sunday the year through. Here’s a seven-day schedule:
Monday
AmBar
Mondays are known for being tough and bringing people down. Luckily AmBar has the ideal way to raise spirits – all the way to the rooftop of the Four Points by Sheraton. This chill-out bar eight stories above Soi Sukhumvit 15 turns into a dance spot for those who wish to start the week with a Latin vibe. From 8pm onward, the venue offers a one-hour bachata lesson for 150 baht, with an instructor to guide you through the steps to master this Dominican dance.
AmBar can be reached through a five-minute walk from BTS Asok’s Exit 5.
Tuesday
La Rueda Latin Club and Studio – Bachata
For those who take dancing up a level, La Rueda is the perfect pick for a Tuesday night of bachata vibes. Dedicated more exclusively to the art of dancing, La Rueda gathers the capital’s most avid Latin dance fanatics. Not to fear though – beginners are welcome all the same, as Tuesdays see bachata classes from 8pm through 9pm before the floor opens to the general public. The venue hosts various dance events throughout the week, more information can be found on their Facebook page. Classes range from 100 baht to 150 baht.
La Rueda is located on Soi Sukhumvit 18, a five-minute walk from BTS Asok.
Wednesday
Above Eleven
Overlooking the capital’s lively Soi Sukhumvit 11 from 33 floors up is Wednesday’s ideal spot for an after-work dance. Above Eleven pairs ladies night with salsa night and sees Latin dance lovers take to its rooftop for the evening. Novices and advanced dancers alike convene from 9pm onward as Peruvian DJ Ricardo covers a selection of salsa, bachata and other Latin beats well past midnight. Entry is free.
Above Eleven can be reached by a two-minute taxi or motorcycle ride or a 10-minute walk from BTS Nana.
Revolucion Cocktail
If you’re feeling revolutionary come Wednesday night, head over to this Cuban-themed venue instead. Located at the heart of Sathorn, Revolucion Cocktail provides free salsa lessons for beginners from 8pm to 9pm – though the times are flexible and dancing can start a little later. The floor then opens as the night gets on for you to put in practice what you’ve learned – or to let the savvy sway you through the steps. Spontaneous pyrotechnics and bottle juggling from the barmen accompany the DJ’s rhythms, all of which adds to the fun.
Revolucion cocktail is located on Soi Sathorn 10 and can be reached by a 10-minute walk from BTS Chong Nonsi. Entry is free.
Thursday
Havana Social
Thursdays continue to be an awe to Cuba, this time at a semi-secret hideout at the end of Soi Sukhumvit 11. Tucked away behind a classic “telefono” sign perched above a payphone cabin, Havana Social is the perfect setting in which to sway away on a polished marble dancefloor emulating those found in the Cuban capital’s old neighborhoods.
Look out for the latest secret entry code on their Facebook page, grab a hat on your way in and let the trumpeters and live music accompany the Latin vibe. Eight or 9pm is a good time to head over. Entry is 300 baht and includes a drink of choice.
Havana Social can be reached by a two-minute taxi or motorcycle ride or a 10 minute walk from BTS Nana.
Friday
Zaks
After months of absence, Zaks reopened recently to re-establish itself as a Friday-night salsa hub. Known for its large dance floor and acclaim among salsa lovers, Zaks is a perfect place for those who showcase what they’ve learned throughout the week. Entry is 300 baht and includes one drink. Things start getting fun toward 8pm.
Zaks is located on Soi Sukhumvit 11 and can be reached by a five-minute walk from BTS Nana.
Volti, Shangri-La
Your other Friday option is Volti, at the Shangri-La hotel, where bachata and salsa take center stage. If you’re a beginner there’s good news, as you can join the free salsa lessons at 9pm for an hour of practice before showing off what you’ve learned on the wooden dancefloor. Happy hour and food promotions couple to make it a perfect option to end the weekday.
Entry is free and the music starts at 8pm. Shangri-La is located on Soi Wat Suan Plu. The closest station is BTS Saphan Taksin.
Saturday
La Rueda Latin Club and Studio – Salsa
It’s La Rueda again for Saturday nights, as this day is specifically dedicated to salsa classes. Starting at 8pm and 9pm, depending on ability level, those eager to learn can take to the dancefloor under the lead of an instructor. At 10pm, the floor opens to the usual variety of Latin music until early morning.
La Rueda is located on Soi Sukhumvit 18, a five-minute walk from BTS Asok.
Sunday
8 on Eleven
To round off your week, head to 8 on Eleven for a Sunday evening of Latin dance. Starting at 8pm, an instructor will lead those interested through a one-hour dance workshop before the floor opens to salsa, bachata and kizomba tunes. Entry is free and drinks and food specials are offered the night through.
Located on Soi Sukhumvit 11, 8 on Eleven can be reached by a one-minute taxi or motorcycle ride or a seven-minute walk from BTS Nana.
