The Best Arthouse Cinemas in Bangkok, Thailand

A long-standing institution offering a vintage cinematic experience, the La Scala first opened its doors in 1967. La Scala is a beautifully maintained one-screen movie theatre which shows an eclectic range of films including blockbusters and independent films from Europe and Asia. Transport yourself back in time as you marvel at the films on offer from outside the cinema in hand-placed red letters. The La Scala experience is like no other in Thailand and worth every minute including purchasing your cheap ticket and popcorn in the lavish domed-ceiling entrance and then moving on into the 1000 red velvet seat cinema.

La Scala, Siam I, Rama I Rd – Siam Square Soi 2, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, Thailand, +66 2 251 2861

The Lido cinema is owned by the same family as La Scala and offers a similar yet varying experience. The Lido Cinema dates back to the late 1960’s yet does not have quite the architectural charm of La Scala. The Lido Cinema is one of the cheapest in the capital and tends to show first-run Hollywood films and arthouse films from Japan and Korea as well as other parts of the world. The La Scala and Lido Cinemas also have a yearly Little Big Film Project, an independent film festival spanning several weeks.

Lido, Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, Thailand, +66 2 252 6498

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G10ajFV2JQw

The Friese-Greene Club is a membership-based club that shows a range of films from yesteryear with each month focused on a different theme, director, genre or era. Sunday evenings are particularly popular with old classics being screened like Citizen Kane, Cinema Paradiso and Some Like It Hot. The cinema includes a bar, lounge room and bookshelves packed with magazines and books on everything film related. Becoming a member not only gives you access to this avid film lovers community it also gives you access to exclusive screenings and talks with alternative film directors passing through Thailand’s capital. Reserving a seat in advance is highly encouraged as this intimate nine-seat cinema books up fast.

The Friese-Greene Club, 259/6 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand, +66 87 000 0795

Located in Bangkok’s trendy Royal City Avenue, also known as the RCA, area the cosy House RCA offers a wide range of independent films for art and indie film lovers. If you are in search of Thai films, House RCA specialize in showcasing Thailand’s quirky and artsy films. This boutique cinema has two cinema screens, a cafeteria and a comprehensive DVD library from which you can borrow and a selection of documentaries and art-house films on sale too.

House RCA, พระราม 9 ซอย 26 Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok, Thailand, +66 2 641 5177

Arthouse cinemas are actually relatively rare in Thailand with the masses generally going for the latest action-packed blockbuster. The non-profit Goethe-Institut Thailand is a great place to come and see alternative German films with both English and Thai subtitles. The cultural association has 159 institutes worldwide. Besides films, the Goethe-Institut also encourages cultural exchange through music, theatre and literature.

Goethe-Institut Thailand, Soi Sathon 1, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok, Thailand, +66 2 108 8200