Going out in style

Going out of course is a universal thing. But the concept is the same everywhere. Dress up a bit and have fun with friends. Cultural differences happen to appear here also. For example singing Karaoke is the equivalent of going to drink a pint in Europe. But this I want to inspect discotheques.


Thailand

Going to a discotheque in Thailand is not a big thing, it is quite open for everyone and a mix of the population can be found there. A normal discotheque is safe and enjoyable. Only problem is that legally they can only open until 2 o'clock so you have to start going out early. If you want to continue partying you can follow the Thai crowds, who surely will invite you, to a more underground place.

The party will start with a warming up band which will play some cover songs. After the band some Dj's will spin their tunes until closing time.
Thai people will mostly order a bottle of whiskey or bring their own bottle and mix it with ice, coke, sprite, soda or any combination from these.
If you want to check out some discotheques in Thailand go to RCA (Royal City Avenue). This is a street full of major dance temples. Every weekend international DJ's will be invited and every sort of music is found over there.

I was in RCA on New Year's Eve in a smaller but cosy discotheque. As usual the band started to play first and the Dj took over. So after we heard some Thai classics the Hip-hop beats started to pour out of the speakers and the climax was of course the New Year countdown. Thai people are known for their "joie de vivre" and the bottles of whiskey got emptied. Some young teenagers started throwing with glass around. Immediately the music was stopped and the lights went on. The whole crowd 'booed' at these individuals and they were asked the leave the place by the other party people. So security took them out and the party could start again. A scenario I could not imagine in a European discotheque.


China

As for in China discotheques and nightclubs are a more new phenomenon. They tend to be expensive compared to other countries and are more reserved for the happy few. These are places for the trendy youth. Of course in China there is a lot of youth and thanks to the economical wonder and one-child policy these young adults are not poor. So the nightlife in China is an expanding business.
In contrary to Thailand there are no closing hours, so that means you can go out till the early morning. In China you will find the kind of discotheques as in Europe, so mostly no live bands and good danceable music.
The most common drink again would be whiskey; some places don't even serve beers. But the whiskey will be mixed wilt Chinese cold tea. Which sounds weird but isn't too bad, because it mineralizes the chance of a headache next morning.

The best know chain of discos in China must be Babyface. In all major cities in China this venue can be found, with even in Beijing 2 Babyfaces. If you are looking in Beijing for same places to hang out, go to the are of the Worker's Stadium, that's where all the big discotheque's as Vics and Mix are located. Also here International Dj's coming every weekend to impress Chinese youngsters.

Personally I find discotheque's in China very fascinating. Upon entering you will be stunned by the decorations. But the people who flock inside are my main point of attention. You will obviously find those fancied dressed girls who are dancing with their friends. Now they are not really dancing to the beat but just dancing like they have practised. Exactly those girls have studied some impressive steps at home and just come to show them on the dance floor; even they are not matching with the song, hilarious.
Around the dance floor are some private corners with tables where you can just sit down and relax. Some of these private corners are private spaces (balconies, rooms) and you have to pay for them. These spaces are located where so everyone can see you. Like in Babyface you will find separate rooms with a balcony on the second floor looking down on the dance floor. And that's where you will find the big guns of China. These people look like fat Chinese godfathers. These older, fat and especially rich Chinese want to be seen and do it in style. They have a couple of beautiful babes dancing around on there private balconies and they drink the most expensive drinks available. Again I found this behaviour a typical aspect of fast evolving China, but o so hilarious.

So yeah I don't go too often to a disco, but when I go I enjoy the music and of course the surroundings.