Old Leng: Calm in the storm

Old Leng is the black sheep venue on Bangkok’s premier clubbing lane, RCA Road, but that is part of its appeal. While the busy street shudders with bass-heavy club anthems, Old Leng swings to goofy renditions of 1980s-era love songs performed by a ragtag cover band.

Old Leng’s interior seems appropriately ancient, like a centuries-old Chinese drinking hall. Dusty Marlboro ads and faded signs hang from the rafters. Avoid the bar’s sugary, homemade booze concoctions and have a Sangsom whiskey and Coke instead.

 And don’t be afraid to request a song. The versatile cover band can crank out both Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” or Lionel Ritchie’s “Hello” on command.