Bangkok’s Red Light Districts Overview

Thailand is home to one of the most notorious red light districts in the world. There’s nothing quite like Bangkok’s red light districts, and if your only exposure to the crazy adult entertainment venues that exist here is from the movie “Hangover 2,” you are in for a treat.

I’m sharing my Thailand red light district guide in hopes of enlightening foreign tourists to the incredible chaos that ensues in this world famous area as well as offering a few words of caution so you can safely explore this area.

All You Need to Know About Adult Entertainment in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is internationally known for its vibrant nightlife, which includes entertainment zones like Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy, and Patpong. These areas feature everything from bars, go-go clubs, and escort services that cater to both locals and tourists.

Adult entertainment operates legally in Bangkok’s red light districts under certain licenses, but sex work is still technically illegal. In a nutshell, it’s a paradoxical environment of tolerated deviancy.

The Story Behind Bangkok’s Red Light District

This industry can be traced all the way back to the 1960’s and it was largely created to serve the American soldiers in the Vietnam War. In Bangkok you’ll find four major red light districts:

• Patong
• Nana Plaza
• Soi Cowboy
• Khaoson.

In these areas you’ll openly encounter sex shows, brothels, street vendors, and much more. Here’s an overview of what you can expect in each of these zones.

Bangkok’s 4 Red Light Zones

I wouldn’t recommend bringing the family to any of these venues. There, you’ve been warned!

Patpong

The oldest red light district in Bangkok features a massive amount of bars and nightclubs on it’s small street. Patpong has two very distinct zones: one is a popular shopping market while the other is simply a massive sex tourism destination.

You can encounter strippers, pole dancers, go go bars, and many massage spa’s. The major languages spoken here are Thai, English, Chinese, and Japanese, so there’s a lot of range in languages like most places in Southeast Asia.

Words of Wisdom:

You can get cheated out of money in Patpong if you aren’t careful. A common trick these night clubs use is to not charge an entrance fee and offering cheap beers ranging from 120-200 baht. However, when you get your bill, you’ll see a charge up to 2,000 THB even if you just consumed the one beer. When you bring this to their attention, they tell you that you are paying 2,000 Baht to watch the dancers for 5 minutes!

This being said, I created a list of reputable establishments that you can visit without being scammed. The only time you’ll get overcharged is going to be by one of the working girls. (The same can be said for any strip club in the USA, let’s be honest.)

Best Bars in Patpong

King Castle

This is operated by King’s Group and it’s the largest entertainment venue in Patpong. You can get cheap beers here for only 120 Baht.

Bada Bing Go Go Bar

The women here dress in different themed outfits every night in this two floor bar with a massive main stage. The seating and VIP rooms are on par with Las Vegas and Miami strip clubs and there’s many different theme parties here. You’ll find a wide variety of beers both locally and internationally sourced at fair prices.

Nana Plaza

Another red light district in Bangkok is Nana Plaza. A sign claims “The World’s Largest Adult Playground” as you enter on Sukhumvit Soi 4. While this isn’t factual (Walking Street in Pattaya wins that prize) it’s still a massive complex that you must see to believe.

This three story entertainment complex was originally built in the 1970’s with the original concept being a center for restaurants and shopping. Fast forward a decade and the retail establishments started being replaced by go-go bars.

The ground floor consists of many beer bars and features open air seating, but as you go up each floor you’ll find more themed bars. Careful, some of these are lady boys!

You can expect drinks to cost THB 150 – 200 and you opt to pay a bar fine to take the girls out of the bar with you if you want to spend THB 600 to over THB 4,000. The price is determined on the amount of time you wish to spend with a Thai working girl.

For a comparison, the THB 4,000 price is about $108, making it cheaper than Costa Rica’s ladies of the night.

The neon lights and blaring music makes this a high energy vibe where you can explore all your vices, or simply just have a few cold beers and enjoy the people watching.

Soi Cowboy

You can’t claim you’ve done Bangkok night life unless you’ve been to Soi Cowboy. Soi Cowboy Street is the heartbeat of Bangkok’s thriving night life scene. This is where The Hangover 2 was filmed!

Located near the commercial area called Terminal 21, this was named after an African American cowboy who started the whole movement in the 1970’s by opening the area’s first bar called Cowboy Bar.

Soi, in Thai, means street.

Typically safer than Patpong, this area is only foreign tourists – don’t expect to see many locals here. The area closes around 3:00 AM and as the night market gets towards the later hours, Thail working girls will become more aggressive. They work for the bars, and are not independent, so expect to pay a fee if you leave with one.

Expect to see leggy women dancing in bikini’s and performing strip teases – just like in The Hangover 2.

Soi Cowboy Travel Tip:

If you are the shy type, don’t sit in row 1 of a sex show. People seated in the first row are invited on stage. But hey, if that’s what you want, head to row 1!

Bars in Soi Cowboy

Here are some bars on Soi Cowboy along with known specials. I cannot guarantee the specials still apply — always check in-venue.

Bar	Vibe & Notes	Example Special or Price Cue
Baccara Bar	One of the most famous go-go bars in Soi Cowboy.	Beer about 180 THB per bottle in this venue.
Shark Go‑Go Bar	Double-floor go-go bar next to Baccara; calmer upstairs.	Happy hour until ~8pm: drinks for ~80 THB in some cases.
Kiss A Go Go	Described as “top rated yet higher priced” in the district.	Happy hour ~7-8:30pm; bottle beer ~180 THB.
Suzie Wong Go‑Go	Has special shows after ~10pm according to posts.	No fixed price listed, but shows may add premium.
Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Pub Bangkok	At end of Soi Cowboy, more “pub” style rather than go-go.	Happy hour daily 3–7 pm: local beers and Heineken/Asahi for ~100 THB.

 

Khao San Road

If you are looking for a budget-friendly red light district in Thailand, check out Khao San Road. It’s mainly built for backpackers and offers cheaper dining and entertainment. Everything from street vendors, to ping pong shows, etc, are all more affordable here.

Bangkok Safety Tips

A lot like the Red light district in Amsterdam, Bangkok’s red light districts are relatively safe. You should always check with your country of origin to see if there are any politically charged travel warnings before visiting, (For U.S. residents, it’s here) but there is very little violent crime in Bangkok.

The main things you’ll want to look out for in Bangkok as a tourist are pick-pocketing, getting over-charged by vendors, and petty crime. Other than that, I find Bangkok to be safe despite the lively night market where drinks are flowing. I’ve felt far more danger in Miami’s red light districts and just steps off the Vegas strip.

Keep your valuables in your front pocket, don’t be flashy, and be respectful of the Thailand sex workers and you’ll be in good shape.

Also, always get the prices for your drinks up front to avoid being ripped off by establishments. This is very important as sometimes your bill will be inflated if you aren’t understanding of their prices in advance.

Due to the neon lights and vibrant scene, tourists are much safe here vs. another popular sex tourism destination I’ve visited – the San Jose Costa Rica red light district.

Types of Bars in Thailand

It’s important to understand the varying types of bars in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. Here’s a list of bar types that you’ll encounter as well as what to expect in each environment.

Go Go Bar

Go Go bars are similar to strip clubs and are the most populated venues. Expect to find scantily-clad women dancing on poles and doing strip teases.

Beer Bars

Beer Bars exist for people to drink beer. (Duh.) However, in Thailand a beer bar typically doesn’t offer any adult entertainment and isn’t associated with the sex industry.

Ladyboy Bars

Ladyboy bars in Bangkok are similar to Go Go Bars, but the entertainers are transgenders.

Girlie Bars

Girlie Bars have scantily clad women sitting around waiting for some paid company. Essentially, these are brothels.

Ping Pong Shows

These shows typically take place on the upper floors of go go bars and feature live sex shows where the women on stage use their pelvic muscle areas to perform a variety of “tricks” using foreign objects. The most commonly used item, as the name suggests, are ping pong balls.

Some of the more risque, deviant shows use candles, needles, cigarettes, razor blades and even live animals! Use your imagination – if you can envision it – it happens here.

If you want a true Thai cultural experience on the X-rated side of things, check out a Ping Pong Show!

Soapy Massage

Image Credit:  Bangkok Nightlife

While this isn’t a bar, it’s important to understand that Soapy massages in Thailand are akin to what we know as “rub and tugs” in the United States. However, this erotic massage isn’t done by the hands, it’s entirely performed by the body of a soapy, sultry woman. There are various types of soapy massages offered but one thing is for certain – you can get a happy ending if you wish.

There’s a great SubReddit on Thailand Tourism that delves into this even more if you want more clarity.

Street Vendors in Bangkok

You’ll find the crowded streets lined with vendors in Bangkok’s red light districts. You’ll find all sorts of local cuisine in front of the bars that line the streets no matter which red light district you choose to go to. Generally the food is delicious and a great value when compared to other areas in the world. I can’t tell you how sick I got from street tacos in Tijuana and I’m glad I never experienced that in Thailand!

Legal Prohibitions (Criminal & Civil)

These are activities that are illegal under Thai law and can result in arrest, fines, or imprisonment. Many travelers make the mistake of going to red light districts and thinking everything is complete lawlessness, but it’s often not the case. Knowing the laws in Thailand ahead of visiting the red light district or any other area is something not to be taken lightly.

Drugs & Controlled Substances

• Illegal drugs (methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, LSD, etc.) are strictly prohibited.
  • Penalties can include long prison terms or death sentences for trafficking.
• Even small possession of marijuana or vaping liquids with THC outside licensed venues is punishable.
• E-cigarettes (vapes) are illegal to import, sell, or possess — offenders can be fined or jailed.

Gambling

• All forms of gambling (casinos, betting, online gambling) are illegal except for the national lottery and horse racing at specific venues.
• Private poker, dice, or sports betting can lead to police raids and fines.

Prostitution

• Prostitution is technically illegal, although tolerated in certain areas.
  • The “Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act” forbids solicitation, pimping, or operating brothels.
  • Raids and fines do happen, especially when underage or trafficking issues are suspected.

Pornography

• Producing, possessing, or distributing pornographic material (digital or printed) is illegal.
• Filming explicit content for OnlyFans or adult websites without permits can lead to arrest or deportation.

Lèse-Majesté (Insulting the Monarchy)

• Criticizing, mocking, or showing disrespect to the Thai royal family is a serious crime (Article 112 of the Criminal Code).
  • Punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison per offense.
  • Applies even to social media posts or foreign nationals.

Public Nudity & Obscenity

• Nudity, public sex acts, or flashing in public places are illegal under Thai obscenity laws.
• Bikini tops are fine on beaches, but topless or nude sunbathing is not.

Unauthorized Protests or Gatherings

• Demonstrations require government approval.
• Unapproved protests, blocking roads, or criticizing officials can lead to detainment.

Restricted or Regulated Behaviors

These aren’t always criminal, but can cause fines, deportation, or police trouble if ignored.

Alcohol

• No alcohol sales between 2:00–5:00 PM or midnight–11:00 AM, except in licensed hotels.
• Alcohol is banned on Buddhist holidays (Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, etc.).
• Drinking or being intoxicated in temples, government buildings, or public parks is prohibited.

Smoking

• Smoking is banned in air-conditioned areas, markets, bus stops, parks, beaches, and many public zones.
• Fines up to 5,000 THB for violations.
• Cigarette butts discarded in public can also lead to fines.

Public Conduct

• Arguing with police or disrespecting officials is taken very seriously.
• Public displays of affection (kissing, groping) are frowned upon, especially in temples or rural areas.
• Taking photos of monks, military areas, or police operations without permission can be restricted.

Temple Etiquette

• Removing shoes before entering temples is mandatory.
• Revealing clothing (short shorts, tank tops) is prohibited.
• Touching monks (especially if you are a woman) or sitting above Buddha statues is forbidden.

Tourist-Specific Restrictions

These apply mainly to foreigners and visitors.

• Drone flying requires a license and insurance from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
• Working without a work permit (including modeling, online content, bartending, etc.) is illegal.
• Importing or using vapes — even for personal use — is prohibited.
• Taking or exporting Buddha images larger than a small souvenir without permission is illegal.
• Feeding street pigeons is banned in Bangkok (fine up to 25,000 THB).
• Jaywalking can result in on-the-spot fines (500 THB+).

Cultural Taboos (Social Deviance)

Not illegal, but deeply offensive in Thai culture:

• Touching someone’s head (especially a child).
• Pointing your feet at people or religious objects.
• Stepping on money (it bears the King’s image).
• Raising your voice or showing anger publicly.
• Criticizing Buddhism or monks.

Summary

Visiting Bangkok’s red light districts were an eye opening experience for me. This place makes Las Vegas look watered down. Childs play, if you will. Nana plaza, Patpong, and Soi Cowboy were the highlights for me, but don’t sleep on ping pong shows. Remember to follow local laws, be respectful to the local Thailand prostitutes, and adhere to any travel warnings before visiting.

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