Adhere the 13th Blues Bar
Adhere the 13th Blues Bar is a tiny, much-loved live blues institution on Samsen Road in the Banglamphu old town, just a short walk from Khao San Road and the canal. Widely considered Bangkok's best blues bar, it packs first-class local musicians into a cramped, atmospheric room whose walls are plastered with album covers, road signs and musical memorabilia of every kind. There is authentic live music nightly, usually with two acts starting around 9 to 9:30 pm and running until roughly midnight or 1 am, with short breaks between sets; the house band and regular players such as Ped Bluesman and Chai and the Blues Maniacs are crowd favourites. Mid-week jam sessions are common as musicians drift in from other gigs, and weekends often bring guest vocalists and one-man guitar acts. Guests can sit indoors in air-conditioned comfort or spill out onto the pavement for a street-side drink. The drinks list keeps it simple and affordable with cold local beers and well-made cocktails like its popular margaritas. Admission is free, but the room is small, so regulars advise arriving early to grab a seat. The vibe is down-to-earth, intimate and friendly, drawing a warm mix of locals, expats, backpackers and blues lovers.