Tep Bar (Soi Nana, Chinatown)

A moody two-storey Thai heritage bar on Soi Nana (the Chinatown one, not Sukhumvit) pouring ya dong herbal spirits with live traditional Thai music most nights. This is where locals take visiting friends to show off Thai drinking culture done right. Book ahead — it's small, popular, and weekend walk-ins often get turned away.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What time does the live music start at Tep Bar?

The traditional Thai ensemble usually plays a set mid-evening, roughly 8-9pm, most nights. Check their Instagram or Facebook the day of, since the schedule shifts.

How much does a night at Tep Bar cost?

Expect roughly 300-500 THB for cocktails or ya dong flights, and most people spend 800-1,500 THB with food. Fair for the quality and the show — this isn't a tourist-trap markup.

What is Tep Bar known for?

Ya dong — Thai herbal infused spirits — served in flights, plus Thai tapas and live traditional music. It's the bar that kicked off the whole Soi Nana Chinatown revival, and it still feels special rather than gimmicky.

Do I need a reservation at Tep Bar?

On weekends, yes — book via TableCheck or their socials, and note prime seats may require a deposit (around 800 THB per person, deducted from your bill). Weeknights you can usually walk in early.

What else is near Tep Bar worth checking out?

Soi Nana is a compact bar strip — Wallflowers, Teens of Thailand (gin), and Asia Today are all steps away. Do dinner on Yaowarat Road's street food strip first, then bar-hop the soi.

Is Tep Bar good for a date?

One of the best date bars in Bangkok, honestly — candlelit, atmospheric, and there's a built-in conversation topic in the music and drinks. Just book ahead so you're not standing on the soi looking sheepish.

Which Soi Nana is Tep Bar on?

The one in Chinatown near Hua Lamphong, not the Nana on Sukhumvit with the red lights. Taxi drivers mix them up constantly, so say 'Soi Nana, Yaowarat' or drop a map pin.

What should I order at Tep Bar?

Start with a ya dong sampler flight to taste a few herbal infusions, then their Thai tapas — the grilled meats and spicy dips hold up well. Cocktails riff on Thai ingredients if straight ya dong sounds intimidating.

Nearby in Ask Bangkok

• Teens of ThailandBar0.17 km · 2 min walk
• Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)Attraction0.4 km · 5 min walk
• Nai Ek Roll Noodle (Yaowarat)Restaurant0.49 km · 6 min walk
• Yaowarat (Chinatown)Neighborhood0.62 km · 8 min walk
• Wat Mangkon KamalawatAttraction0.69 km · 9 min walk