If you are planning to visit Bangkok, taking a peek at one or few of Bangkok red light districts most probably is on your to do list as the capital Thailand is well known for its entertainment nightlife and go-go bars.
There are 3 main red light districts in Bangkok: Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza and Patpong. Plenty of go-go bars can be found in any of these Bangkok red light districts but they all have something unique and offer different experience. Bangkok red light districts open daily and the action there usually starts at around 7 pm.
Soi Cowboy
The most famous Bangkok red light district is Soi Cowboy. Soi Cowboy is a short (only 150 meter long) street, which becomes Bangkok’s brightest street as soon as the sun sets.
The selection of venues at Soi Cowboy is really good as you can find more than 20 go-go bars and more than 10 beer bars there. You will never be short of the options to choose from and experience Bangkok’s nightlife at its best. The most popular go-go bars in Soi Cowboy are Baccara and Tilac.
Thinking of what to expect Soi Cowboy during the day? Look around and you will get an idea about Soi Cowboy Red Light District at the Daytime.
Nana Plaza
Another popular red light district in Bangkok is Nana Plaza - a U-shaped three story building-sex complex, claiming to be “The World’s Largest Adult Playground”.
There are around 30 go-go bars spread over all three levels of Nana Plaza building. Go-go bars within Nana Plaza offer all that Thailand’s red light districts are famous for - go-go dancers, live shows, pole dancers and relaxing atmosphere. Nana Plaza is known for having the biggest selection of ladyboy bars as well. There are also beer bars on the ground floor and even short time hotels on the upper level of Nana Plaza building. The most popular go-go bars in Nana Plaza are Angelwitch and Rainbow 4.
Patpong
Patpong is the oldest red light district in Bangkok located at the heart of Bangkok's sex industry where Thailand's go-go culture started. Patpong Red Light District consists of two parallel streets surrounded by well-known Patpong night market.
More than 20 go-go bars, some of them older style, can be found at Patpong. There are also many bars of various kinds on both of Patpong’s streets. The history and surrounding night market offers unique experience here if compared to other Bangkok red light districts. There are also sex shows, including Ping pong shows, featured on several upstairs bars, but most of them are run by scammers and better to be avoided.
Patpong Night Market is one of the best known night markets in Bangkok and it’s quite popular between tourists. Souvenirs, gifts, clothes, handbags, jewellery and other touristy stuff can be found on sale at this night market.
Places to Stay near Red Light Districts
Best places to stay near specific Bangkok red light district are listed here: Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza, Patpong.
If you are planning to visit all 3 Bangkok Red Light Districts, the most convenient areas to stay are Asok area near Soi Cowboy and Chidlom area near Erawan Shrine.
Places to stay in Asok area
While staying in Asok area you will be in a walking distance from Soi Cowboy, one BTS SkyTrain stop from Nana Plaza and a short ride by MRT Metro from Patpong. You will find a number of hotels and other places to stay in this area with 5 best places to stay in Asok area being:
Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal21
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Places to stay in Chidlom area
If you want to stay not too far from all Bangkok's Red Light Districts but spending all your time near one of them doesn't seem attractive to you, you should consider staying in Chidlom area near Erawan Shrine as all 3 nightlife entertainment spots are just a few BTS SkyTrain stations away from there. Nana Plaza is 2 stops and Soi Cowboy is 3 stops away from Chidlom on BTS Sukhumvit line. Patpong is even more near, just on another BTS line - Silom. You will find a number of hotels and other places to stay in this area with 5 best places to stay in Chidlom area being:
Map of Red Light Districts in Bangkok
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
What is the best area to stay in Bangkok if not only red light districts interest you? The answer can be found here: Where to Stay in Bangkok - Guide to Bangkok Best Areas.