Red light districts in Bangkok: Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy and Patpong, hotspots for tourists
Soi Cowboy in Bangkok (CrackerClips Stock Media / Shutterstock.com)
In Bangkok are a number of red-light districts that are popular with curious foreign tourists. are the most famous Patpong, Nan Plaza en Self Cowboy.
Red light districts have always had a strong attraction for tourists. A red-light district is a prostitution area (Red-light district) where prostitution is openly practiced. In the Netherlands, the Amsterdam ramparts are world famous and therefore a popular tourist attraction.
Nightlife
Those who stay in Bangkok for the first time will also find themselves in the bustling nightlife want to deposit. Bangkok has something to offer even the most spoiled tourist, including multiplexes, theatres, jazz clubs, discotheques, bars and restaurants. Make no mistake, the offer is so large and diverse that it nightlife in Bangkok can compete with cities such as New York and London.
Bangkok is of course no stranger to erotic entertainment. The many Gogo and Beer bars, nightclubs, sex shows and massage parlors in the city speak volumes.
Nana Plaza (TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock.com)
red-light districts
The red light districts in Bangkok are an interesting and controversial part of the city. They attract both local visitors and tourists from all over the world and are known for their lively and sometimes bizarre nature. Although these neighborhoods are associated with prostitution and sexual services, they are also a source of entertainment. The three most famous red light districts in Bangkok are Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza and Patpong.
- Self Cowboy: Soi Cowboy is a street in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok and is named after the American cowboy who opened a bar on this street in the 70s. The area consists of about 40 bars and clubs brightly lit with neon lights. In addition to the go-go bars, there are also beer bars, sports bars and live music venues, where visitors can enjoy drinks and entertainment.
- Nan Plaza: Nana Plaza, located on Sukhumvit Road Soi 4, is a large entertainment complex often referred to as "the largest adult playground in the world". The complex consists of three floors with go-go bars, beer bars and other forms of entertainment. Many of the bars have themes and shows designed to entertain visitors. Nana Plaza is a popular destination for tourists as well as expats and locals.
- Patpong: Patpong is one of the oldest and most famous red light districts in Bangkok. Located in Silom district, it consists of two parallel streets, Patpong 1 and Patpong 2. Patpong is known for its night market, where tourists can buy souvenirs and counterfeit branded goods. In addition, there are plenty of go-go bars, nightclubs, restaurants and bars with live music.
These are not the only places for nightly entertainment, by the way, in some side streets of Sukhumvit Road and elsewhere in the city you will also find bars and other places for paid sex, but more fragmented or smaller.
Patpong (Christopher PB / Shutterstock.com)
Patpong
Patpong, in the Bang Rak district, is one of the city's most famous and historic nightlife areas. Its rich history and background date back to the 40s and 50s when it was originally developed as a trading center. The origins of Patpong lie with the Thai-Chinese businessman Luang Patpongpanich, who bought land in Bangkok to create a trading center. In the 50s and 60s, Patpong flourished as a commercial center, with shops, offices, warehouses and eateries. This area was known for its trade in precious stones, antiques and silk, which attracted both Thai and foreign businessmen.
The metamorphosis of Patpong into an entertainment area took place during the Vietnam War, when American soldiers in Thailand discovered the area. Bars and nightclubs opened their doors in the 60s and 70s, making Patpong a popular hangout for military and expats in Bangkok.
Thanks to the growth of tourism in Thailand in the 80s and 90s, Patpong's popularity as a nightlife destination increased further. The area developed with the advent of go-go bars, nightclubs and other forms of adult entertainment. Today, Patpong is known for its vibrant nightlife and the famous Patpong Night Market, where visitors can purchase local products and souvenirs.
Patpong has many Gogo bars and focuses specifically on Western visitors. The prices for a drink are therefore considerably higher here than in the other erotic entertainment areas. Moreover, you will find the most Katoey's (ladyboys) at Patpong. The sex shows on the second floor are notorious. Often it concerns the so-called 'sex show scam'. In these bars you are under pressure to pay a lot of money for a drink or for the show. Avoid these shows and occasions to avoid problems.
Nevertheless, Patpong has more and more luxurious restaurants and other entertainment venues, such as bars with live music that provide a different atmosphere. Even some popular nightclubs are located here. In the streets of Patpong there is a famous night market for tourists. Many counterfeit items, wood carvings and other tourist knick-knacks are for sale at this market. Although this market is more expensive than many other markets in Bangkok, it is popular and busy due to its location near the business district of Silom.
Next to Patpong is Silom Soi 4, an area that focuses on gay nightlife. However, more and more trendy bars and restaurants for straight people are appearing there. Close to Patpong is Soi Thanya, also called Thanya Plaza. This nightlife mainly focuses on Japanese men. Western spectators are not allowed in the nightclubs.
Although Patpong is primarily known for adult entertainment, the offerings have become more diverse over the years. There are now also more mainstream nightlife venues, galleries and cultural events. Feel free to check it out.
Nan Plaza
Nana Plaza (officially Nana Entertainment Plaza) is a three-story complex of Gogo and beer bars. The entrance is opposite the Nana Hotel. The area is walking distance from Nana BTS skytrain station. The name Nana comes from a well-known wealthy Thai family who own many properties in the area.
Originally established in the 70s, Nana Plaza has a fascinating history spanning several decades. It all started as a simple piece of land with a few shops and places to eat. The transformation into the current nightlife area started in the early 80s. Real estate developer Nana decided to transform the site into a small shopping center, which was eventually named Nana Plaza. At first, the center mainly offered clothing, jewelery and a few restaurants.
In the mid-80s, the first bars appeared in Nana Plaza, targeting foreign tourists and expats in Bangkok. Over time, the number of bars grew, and the mall steadily developed into a prominent entertainment center. During the 90s, Nana Plaza went through a real transformation with the arrival of go-go bars and nightclubs.
This development coincided with Thailand's increasing popularity as a tourist destination and the growing reputation of Bangkok's nightlife. By the late 90s, Nana Plaza had established itself as one of the largest and most visited adult entertainment complexes in the city. Over the years there have been several renovations and redevelopments to modernize Nana Plaza and improve security. The complex now consists of three floors, with an open courtyard surrounded by an array of bars, go-go bars and nightclubs.
Today, Nana Plaza remains a major tourist attraction in Bangkok, known for its vibrant nightlife. Although it is best known for adult entertainment, there are also more usual bars and clubs that offer visitors an unforgettable night out.
Soi Cowboy (Christopher PB / Shutterstock.com)
Self Cowboy
Located in vibrant Bangkok, Thailand, Soi Cowboy is a popular nightlife area with a fascinating and colorful history. This entertainment district is named after an American man, TG “Cowboy” Edwards, who pioneered it in the 70s by opening one of the first bars on this street.
TG Edwards, a former United States Air Force pilot, started his bar in 1973. He got the nickname “Cowboy” from wearing a cowboy hat, which eventually influenced the naming of the street. In the beginning, Soi Cowboy was a modest entertainment area that catered mainly to expats and US military personnel.
In the course of the 80s, Soi Cowboy became more known and started to grow. The number of bars steadily increased, and the nightlife attracted a more diverse crowd, including both tourists and locals. During this period, some go-go bars were also introduced, further increasing Soi Cowboy's appeal as a nightlife destination.
Until 2001, this street was frequented by Western expats who wanted to avoid the busy Patpong and Nana Plaza, which are mainly visited by tourists. Since 2001, however, the area has become much more commercial. As a result, Soi Cowboy has also lost its old original atmosphere.
Tourist hotspots
There is nothing wrong with visiting the red light districts of Bangkok as a tourist. In terms of accessibility, you can compare it with the Red Light District in Amsterdam. You can even bring your husband or wife and have a quiet drink in a Beer or Gogo bar. Soi Cowboy is perhaps the most suitable. The neighborhood is less exuberant and busy, but a bit more relaxed. Sex show scams or drink bill scams are less common here.
In recent years, efforts have been made to reform and diversify Bangkok's red light districts, with a greater emphasis on entertainment and culture. Despite this, these neighborhoods remain a source of controversy and discussion, both in Thailand and abroad.
For those absolutely uninterested in screaming neon signs, loud music and voluptuous ladies, there are plenty of other nightlife options in bustling Bangkok.
Editors: This article was modified and updated on March 28, 2023.
About this blogger
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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Great story with good information about the three “hot spots”. For me, Patpong has always been a favorite. Watching the market build up around five o'clock in the afternoon, unbelievable, that this swarm of workers succeeds every day in getting the market ready on time.
I have written before about my favorite a gogo bar “Safari”, where I first met the Thai ladies.
Indeed, never be persuaded to see a show on a second floor, because you are guaranteed to be cheated. When I fell for it years ago and with my Thai wife such a disgusting show (ping pong balls, razor blades, flowers from "the box", etc. we had to pay 500 Baht for a Heineken. Protest of course, but then there was a assisting gorilla to smooth out the folds So pay and go My wife still gets mad when I remind her.
Now that I live in Pattaya, I can't help but say that in my opinion the hot spots here are much more customer-friendly and therefore less aggressive to seduce a lady drink.
Fun to read – and at the same time a bit of a signpost for the newcomer to Bangkok. I myself have only been to Bangkok a number of times for business, and have not visited the above areas, but it always struck me that taxi drivers, etc., simply assumed that you came to Thailand for eroticism. An elderly man, traveling alone, 'supposedly' for business: you immediately make all kinds of offers for his supposedly much-needed relaxation. Also when leaving the hotel (usually Amari Watergate, not far from CentralWorld) you were jumped by all kinds of figures, often with photos or even complete photo albums from which you could choose a lady - from highly illegal ages. I got sick of it, but you can't help but let it slide off your back. Doesn't just happen in Thailand, of course; for example also in Bali I couldn't set foot outside the hotel without immediately getting someone after me who had 'a very young girl' on offer.
A side jump: I sailed in the navy in the distant past. In certain foreign ports a list was posted on the bulletin board of the neighborhoods and establishments where you were not allowed to go because of the 'depraved' character. A fantastic service: people crowded in front of the board to copy that list, because then you at least knew where to go……….
A few times I stayed in the immediate vicinity of Nana Plaza for a few days. That in itself is a nice place. Soi Cowboy is already very limited in size and I have always left Patpong for what it was based on the increased scam/security risk.
The prices are a lot higher than in Pattaya, the ladies are generally more seasoned, the risk of coming into contact with things you don't want ("I want to smoke, okay?" have a cigarette.” “I actually mean something other than a cigarette.”) is larger, while as a 'not interested tourist' you can have a drink almost everywhere in Pattaya and elsewhere without any problems.
Laid-back no-hassle beer bars, which are so characteristic of Thailand, can only be found sporadically in Bangkok.
From my notes from my first ever visit to Bangkok:
Perhaps it is nice to tell you how Frans was bottled last Monday afternoon. He had just arrived in Bangkok and was walking around the area around the hotel. It was about 4 o'clock and not much was open yet. He followed some big arrows that were supposed to lead to Nana's Entertainment Bar and they also said 'open', so that got the attention. Just before arriving at the bar, Frans was accompanied unsolicited by a taxi driver who immediately started to recommend the bar. So I abandoned the plan to go inside and walked on. There wasn't much further on, so I walked back, now alone again, and went to the entrance. The moment I opened the door I suddenly felt the taxi driver's hot breath on my neck again. I couldn't understand what he was saying, but he was undoubtedly letting me know that it was he on whose recommendation this Frenchman had come to this bar, which, although it is called Nana's Entertainment Bar, has nothing to do with Nana Entertainment Plaza.
I was personally warmly welcomed by the apparent owner, an Italian-looking mafioso in a very large and very dark suit, who congratulated me on my wise choice to pay a visit to his establishment, and I was lucky, as I had (only) customer can still choose from all twelve girls.
At that point I wasn't assertive enough, of course I should have just turned around and walked away, but let me serve a beer anyway. Stupid, stupid stupid. After two sips I indicated that I wanted to pay. I gave the man 100 Bath, not expecting to get anything back, but even that turned out to be a miscalculation, for less than 250 Bath ( 5 Euro, pure scam ) the door to the outside would not open. Avoid this tent!
In practice, the entire stretch of Sukhujmvit between Nana and Cowboy can be regarded as RLD after sunset. Many 'freelancers' on the doorstep, especially for the larger hotels, in almost all bars there are 'workers' walking around and in various sois are 'special occasions' (dr. bj. & co). A large hotel like the Ambassador (soi 11) just has its own 'massage' street and underground Climax nightclub and so on. I've even had an offer in a travel agency when booking a bus trip 🙂 Personally I see the fun in it, belongs to Bangkok, but those who don't like this better book a hotel riverside.
Besides these tourist attractions, there are countless karaoke clubs, night clubs, gentlemen clubs, entertainment areas, where you can see the more beautiful Thai ladies in front of the overall Thai public.
So you have to speak some Thai to get in, but then you have a nice evening that can be replaced in a slightly more erotic form, depending on the lady. Oh yeah, don't forget your haircut…hahaha
The nightclubs as mentioned Climax are located throughout Bangkok and every taxi driver knows them..
Then you have the massage palaces and clubs where you can also go and no Thai is necessary
And there are the Japanese karaoke bars and clubs. very hard to get in, but Jacob; Grab that maker, so I managed to do little for once, the ladies speak Thai and Japanese and sing in Japanese… not really entertaining…
If I had to go to Bangkok for work or business from Udon Thani, I always took a hotel in the vicinity or even in the middle of Patpong. The prices were very reasonable and after work and serious company it was nice to relax in the evening. I also have great experiences in Soi Cowboy. I knew a bad fellow countryman who bought up debts from bar owners that they had with the Thai Mafia and so he was popular and co-owner. He also opened up his market for drug sales as a result.
I sometimes took my then 75 year old mother to Patpong and then she said, under all the attention she received from the girls, that she understood why Western men liked to go to Thailand so much. I also took my eldest daughter with me at the age of 10 and she also enjoyed all the nice attention she received. We once took a very sweet woman home at my daughter's request (Budha Monthon) who lived with us for a few months. I used the evening / tourist market on Patpong to buy nice clothes in Western sizes and it was not expensive at all because you can haggle everywhere. Never pay the asking prices, knowing that there is a 100% profit! When I paid for company I thought it normal with the knowledge that they had to support a whole family and their own existence in the big city while taking care of me in a nice way. What I wanted to recommend has already been mentioned, never go up stairs anywhere, usually the way down is very long when you want to leave. Extra charges are often written on the walls that you don't pay attention to. Shows are charged even if you have been watching them with disgust. If you want to leave quickly without paying or after paying too little, you will see young men springing up in every dark corner who are ready to intervene. I have once called someone down for me to go up the stairs and the bouncers didn't thank me for that. Don't try to frighten them by saying you're going to get the Tourist Police involved because they're somehow closely involved in the system and you're not afraid of that.. With your feet on the ( ground) floor you can enjoy yourself very well. If you are late and drink too much you will probably be overrun and harassed on the street by very pushy ladyboys.
A well-known trick when paying with a 1000 B. note is to pay you back as if you had given a 500 B. note.
Protests do not help because the cashier is immediately joined by women who 'saw' that I gave a 500 B note.
That happened to me 4 times on soi Cowboy.
is a well-known trick in Thailand.
It happened to me 4 weeks ago at a restaurant in Chiang Mai.
I had just withdrawn money and only had 1000 baht notes.
I could talk whatever I wanted, but you just lost that 500 baht.
4x?
So it is not true what people say about the donkey that does not hit the same stone twice... 😉
I almost did, because an honest chef had seen me pay a thousand dollars... And since then, when I paid with a thousand dollars, I said it out loud, even in the Seven or the Lotus: nung phan baht, di mai? Nung phan…. And if you are in company, people have that thing in their hands all the time, let someone take a photo... Although that is a loss of face because it is a show of distrust...