INTRO:-
When I used to visit Bangkok, I appreciated the Suan Lum Night Bazaar next to Lumpini Park.
Cheap Eats, Outdoor venue, Girls ... Bangers, Beer Garden, Band - Bloody ripper!
But it closed a few years ago and have been searching for something that came close in atmosphere.
On Sunday night we visited Miami Bayside Sukhumvit, Samut Prakan at the behest of a Staff Member we are related to.
In true Thai Style ... same, but different.
Same Cheap Eats, Outdoor venue, Girls ... Bangers, Beer Garden, Band - Bloody ripper! ... just a smaller venue.
We were sat at the back of the venue. Early in the night, maybe 7ish, Sunday night.
Much smaller scale the the old night market, but a similar vibe.
A 360o pan.
Same theme as the old night market.
Open Venue
Live Band
Customer seating
Framing that are food vendors
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SUPPLEMENTARY ATTRACTIONS:-
We sat in front of the 'SamutPrakan Eye', for want of a better name ... and yes, it does tower above the site.
It goes very slowly around.
You get one revolution per fare.
Adult = 80
Kid = 50
I thought my kids might get a bit scared ... but they apparently LOVED it.
Then there, of course, is the actual Night Market ... it was decent, without being notable.
The main drawcard was the central square and the band, beer and to a lesser extend ... the Girls.
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THE GIRLS:-
We know Staff who work there we got some 'Mates Rates' and the Staff did seem to take good care of us.
Like any place, be a 7/11 or a Girly Bar ... there some lookers, some keepers and some you were just happy if they served you beer.
In no particular order ...
Genuine Smile, seemed a pleasant Lass, but we ween't served by her ... no English to speak of.
Good Worker ... actually, no-one seemed to rest on their laurels.
Wasn't serving our area ... so a bit of a crappy shot.
We had this Lassie, hence the 2 images.
Pleasant enough and had a little English. Maybe that's why she was assigned to our table.
Also, you can see the place is only, maybe 1/2 full.
Give that an hour and it was 'wait please sir' as the Tables were full.
I'm not sure 100%, but I think these girls worked for the Leo Company
as opposed to working for the Bar.
Flattering photo ... not as good in real life.
Best for last ... must have been the only smile she cracked all night,
but one of the best workers.
Tall .. I like 'em Tall ...
My understanding also is that the Girls aren't 'Available' as they sometimes
are in other Venues.
So, that was maybe 60% of the Staff (in photos).
Difficult to make photos from a stationary position long distance.
My two, 3 yo rugrats were sat either side.
My understanding is that the non-full time staff earn a salary of 300 - 400 Baht a night.
And tips average out about the same. Tip goes straight to girl.
The Owner doesn't take a cut, nor are they pooled.
Apparently a nice guy to work for also.
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THE BAND:-
Catering purely for the Thai Clientele.
Soft Rock, some Pop and thankfully NO COUNTRY MUSIC !
I'm no musician, but they sounded good to me.
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CLIENTELE:-
Definitely catering for the Thais.
In the crowd of thousands who thronged through the Market, I was the only white guy.
Like the Wait Staff ... some lookers, mostly average and the fuglies.
We had the MiL with us and I reckon she was the oldest one there.
So, a generally 'youngish' crowd.
Confession, I was a little taken by a patron sitting close by ... had to get snaps without being obvious.
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PRICES:-
Not my squeeze, but another 'related party'. No English, just sharing the table.
A 3 litre tower will set you back BHT 400
A 1 litre Jug is BHT 180
I though it was good value, given the atmosphere, service, band and you never felt pressured for drinks.
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WHEN and WHERE:-
OPEN:- 6 nights a week TUES - SUN. Closed Monday night. Band every night Tues - Sun
^ Being an outdoor venure, that might change in the Rainy Season.
NAME:- Miami Bayside Sukhumvit, Samut Prakan
Public Transport. Take the BTS to Bearing (end of the line) Exit #1 or #3 and take a taxi. Those exits put you on the 'right' side of Sukhumvit Rd.
No idea about Busses ... it's Mini Van territory out there.
Driving ... assuming you are coming from an expressway or along Old Sukhumvit Rd itself, simply look for the coordinates for Ancient Siam ... it's almost directly opposite.
Did a google search, in English and this reference was the best I could uncover ... https://en.klaiklai.com/address/TH1028057654738
Sign posts to look for ...
Once on Old Sukhumvit Rd approaching Ancient Siam on your left, look for the wheel (Samut Prakan Eye) turning. There is a U-Turn directly opposite where you park ... but you'd be a brave man to cross the 3 lanes of traffic there to enter.
Better to stay on Sukhumvit Road, pass Miami Bayside on your right, pass Ancient Siam on your left and continue maybe a kilometre further down the road (it seems like ages when you are looking for it) and U-turn at the next available opportunity.
Easy to spot that one as it's adjacent the local Honda Dealership and there is a tall Honda sign, white with the red H.
U-Turn there, past MacDonalds on the left and slow as that is near the entrance.
At the time of posting, the entry to the car-park is just a little further past Miami Bayside and there was, on the night, private security waving you in and was well organised.
Maybe someone can provide a better map or GS reference?
VERDICT:- RECOMMENDED !
Kids got a bit restless, but MiL, Squeeze, SiL, and, importantly Me ... are looking forward to returning.
NOTE:- there is no cover over the square at the time of writing, so only go if it's fine.
If it's fine ... you'll be fine.
ENJOY