Flourish, Fights, and Food: Must-See Live Performances in Bangkok

If you don’t know how to get around Bangkok, you’ll find your trip wasted and all you’ll ever do is visit temples and eat the food. Not the worst experience, but you’re definitely missing out on so much else the city has in store. There’s also the clincher that you bought a somewhat pricey airline ticket and booked a hotel just to…walk around. If your plans sound tragically like this, then you need to add something to your Bangkok itinerary.

It may be a little cliché, but live cultural events in Bangkok are a great way to spend a night or two in the city. Think of it as a way of getting to know someone, because it is. Beyond the amazing food and hospitable people, these shows are also a pillar of Thai culture.

Cabaret Shows

To say that Bangkok’s cabaret shows are bombastic can hardly describe this festival of colourful dancing. It’s not exclusive to the capital, so if you happen to be in Phuket or Pattaya, there’s probably one or two cabaret productions in the area. But, the Bangkok ones, Mirinn Cabaret and Muay Thai Show, Calypso Cabaret Show and Golden Dome Cabaret Show are what you come to expect from this form of theatre: loud (in more than one way) and energetic.

There’s artistry involved in Bangkok’s cabaret shows, from singing and dancing to the costumes. Everything is elaborate and entertaining, but most of all, most of these productions are family-friendly. So, if you have your parents in tow, this is something they will enjoy.

Muay Thai

You don’t know how much Thailand takes pride on Muay Thai until you reach Bangkok and watch a local match. If you’re a fighting sports fan, then this is a must-watch for you. These athletes are purists in action, trained and are only allowed to fight in the martial arts of the eight limbs. A ticket will most likely mean hours of Muay Thai action, so it’s worth the money.

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is probably first in mind should you visit the capital. Unlike your other option, Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium, this one is newer, cleaner, and is generally geared towards the tourist crowd. But, Rajadamnern, what it lacks in modern amenities, it makes up for the rich tradition of Muay Thai that has been built in here since the first fight in 1945. Either way, this is like watching UFC without all the hoopla. Good sportsmanship and good fights, this is a live event you can’t miss.

Bangkok NANTA Show 

This show, despite being the only one in existence in all of Thailand, deserves a spot here. A non-verbal comedic production with origins from Korea, the Bangkok Nanta Show is entertainment at its best. It’s funny, friendly to all ages, and most of all, the performance itself smells so good. It’s going to activate your olfactory senses to the max, and once the show is over, you’ll be heading straight to dinner.

“NANTA Show will make your day,” says their Facebook page. It’s a theory that has been proven by those who watched it, who went out with their hearts happy and tummies hungry.