Bangkok : Nana Entertainment Plaza

Without a doubt, presently the busiest and most well known entertainment venue on Sukhumvit Road. Located on Soi 4, this congregation of go-go and beer bars has to be seen to be believed.

If you are a first time visitor to the kingdom you could easily spend a couple of evenings wandering around here without having to get into a taxi and visit anywhere else. As you walk into the plaza you will be greeted by a neon playground rising 3 stories above you.

A lot of people say that Nana-plaza has gone downhill in recent years and we have to agree. You will find nowhere near the same number of stunners that can be still found in Patpong but that is reflected in the prices that the majority of the girls expect you to pay here.

There are obviously some exceptions here such as bars like Play Skool, Angel Witch and G-spot. Play Skool is one of if not the most consistent bars in Nana Plaza for the quality of the girls and always gets good reviews for being an honest well run bar.

Angel Witch is a real star in Nana Plaza also, with a good selection of girls and some of the best shows in Thailand. G Spot is one of the Crown groups Flagship bars, they have more than a few above average girls working there and it has to be one of your stops if your're heading on an NEP tour of duty.

The quality of the girls in the bars varies as much as the style of the bars themselves. If there is a particular style of music you like then somewhere in NEP there's a bar to suit you.

With the current crackdown in the night-time entertainment scene, nudity is not as common as it once was in Nana Plaza. It can still be found occasionally, but expect to see the girls clad in bikinis more often than not.

If, however, you happen to be in a bar where the girls are naked and you see all these beauties diving off the stage in a hurry, that's usually a sign that the signal has been made that the police are approaching. Sometimes it's a funny site with all these naked bodies falling over each other in a rush to get into some sort of "respectable" attire.

The days when Nana Plaza was an ex-pat's hangout are long gone and in the high season it can get very busy. The long awaited "Japanese takeover" never really occurred as the doomsayers were foretelling for so long and Nana is going to be a must visit place for a good while yet.


Bangkok : Sukhumvit Road

Bangkok, amongst other titles, is known as the City of Angels and for a lot of people that is exactly what they find as soon as they get off the plane. The Bangkok Nightlife will continue to amuse, astound and amaze you long after the initial thrill has passed. It is well advised, however, that before you start to indulge in any of the pleasures that are found here we strongly suggest you read through our.

Although Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, there are plenty of people who would like to relieve you of your hard earned cash as soon as possible. In common with any other countries you may have visited, it's best to be aware of the various pitfalls you may come across. If you use our information but ignore our advice and warnings, don't be surprised when you come unstuck.

The main entertainment areas of Bangkok Nightlife are situated in several different areas of the city. The first area we will visit is the Sukhumvit Road district. Running between east and west Bangkok, this road probably has the highest concentration of nightlife venues for the open-minded visitor.

Starting at the western most end, you will find yourself looking at a large collection of outside bars sitting under the expressway, known collectively as Soi Zero. Although strictly speaking there isn't actually a Sukhumvit Soi Zero, this area was named such because of its location west of Soi 1. It was formerly called the Buckskin Joe Village. There are quite a few beer bars, some of which have pool tables and are air-conditioned.

Keep walking along Sukhumvit heading east and quickly you will come to Soi 4, the home of Nana Entertainment Plaza. Nana Plaza is a complex full of go-go and beer bars and is probably the best known adult entertainment venue in the area.

Further along at Soi 7 is the aptly named Soi 7 Beer Garden, a daytime venue for both visitors and working girls.

Continuing on to the Soi 23 area we come to another large entertainment centre located in a single road known as Soi Cowboy. Soi Cowboy is an ex-pat's favourite haunt and some people will never go anywhere else. Soi Cowboy is undergoing a kind of self re-invention. In the past year or so there have been a lot of changes in the Soi starting with the opening of the Dollhouse.

This large, two storey go-go came as a kind of a wake up call to other bars in the Soi which had remained unchanged for many years. After the opening of this 'diamond among the rough' other bars started to sit up and take notice. Recently refurbished or rebuilt bars include Suzie Wong, Baccara, Shark, Cowboy 2 and the soon to be finished Sheba.

In the same area are the Asoke beer bars, another collection of outside bars similar to what you might find in Pattaya. It's a bit hard to describe these. As with most small beer bars, the owners seem to change on a regular basis. If you want to check these out it will take you about five minutes to decide for yourself what you think of them. And just around the corner is Soi 23 itself which has a few bars some of which are done out in the interiors of whichever country they are meant to represent.

On the other side of the road is Soi 22, home of Washington Square, mainly frequented by ex-pats and ex-Vietnam vets who couldn't bring themselves to leave Thailand. Washington Square is definitely one of the more quiet bar areas.

A little further along you will arrive at Soi 33. This is where you will find the area containing the establishments known as Painter or Artists Bars, so called because most of them are named after various different artists. Soi 33 bars are a totally different style from a lot of the places you may visit. Again, some people love them and some hate them.

PATPONG AREA, Patpong Area Map
Silom Road area, as well as being the main business district of Bangkok, contains probably the most well-known red light district in the world as well as being about the most well known area of Thai Nightlife :

Patpong. Many terms could be used to describe Patpong. A t-shirt used recently to promote a conference on world sex workers sported a logo, "Patpong - more than just a street". This phrase is not only very apt, but makes us think a little more about this street (actually 3 streets) in Bangkok.

Despite never having been promoted officially, Patpong has become one of the worlds most famous (or if you prefer, infamous) tourist attractions. Almost everyone you speak to about Thailand conjures up at least one image of this most famous of streets.

In recent times, the image many people have had of Patpong is the one propagated by TV documentaries and travel programs, an image that would have us believe Patpong in Bangkok is nothing more than a seedy rundown red light area run by pimps and gangsters. This is an image created by TV producers to make their programs more appealing to a mass audience of gossip and scandal hungry TV viewers. Despite this image, Patpong remains one of the major tourist attractions in Thailand.

Today Patpong, with its night markets, has become an area frequented by all types of visiting tourists, including families. The go-go bars and beer bars still survive and still operate as they always have done. In fact, today they are as busy as they always have been, and if you really want to see the prettiest girls working in a go-go then Patpong is where you must go.

Patpong attracts males, and some females, from all over the world into what many describe as a fantasy world full of exotic girls and bright lights. Every night you can see the madness on the streets of people braving the touts and crowds of the night market to find their own little piece of magic in this 'field of dreams'.

Patpong to the many that work there has come to represent a distinct area separate from the rest of Bangkok. To many girls working here, it's a sort of home from home where they can relax and feel comfortable amongst friends. Where else in the world would you find employees arriving at their place of work 4 hours before they start just so they can talk, eat and relax together before the day begins? Many tourist and expatriates find themselves drawn to Patpong with no other reason than they to feel at home here.

Patpong, a continual favourite night time haunt to many, is once again recapturing some of its former glory as the number one nightlife area in Thailand. There have been a few contenders to this crown. Still, Patpong reigns supreme despite the competition and the image portrayed by the world's TV.

More than just a street it surely is. To some it's life itself, for others a playground. To many it's a place of employment, but most of all it's a place like no other.

To get into a bit more detail, the main two areas are Patpong 1 and 2, two roads running adjacent to each other. Patpong 1 is home to the night market. The crowds that the night market attracts are the main reason that a lot of long time residents stopped coming into the area. If, however, you just ignore the throng of people and get yourself into a bar you will find the highest concentration of beautiful girls in any of the farang orientated nightlife areas. Two of the bars in particular, King's Castle 1 and King's Castle 2, always have a great selection of girls.

The next road over is Patpong 2, home to the famous Rififi, the Rififi bar is as famous as any bar in Bangkok, the bar stools could tell thousands of stories, this is one of Bangkok's legendary bars. There is no night market here and you can also find some 24-hour beer bars. Another go-go located here that cannot go without a mention is Pink Panther which seems to attract a steady flow of good looking girls, certainly as many as most of the better known go-go bars.

Soi Thaniya truly is Bangkok's "Little Tokyo", mainly catering to Japanese clientele. It really helps if your Thai's in good shape to explore any of these bars.

A lot of people seem to think that a farang speaking Japanese would be preferable but as these girls are Thai you can soon lose them if your Japanese is really up to scratch.

If business is quiet, then it's possible for a farang to enter one of the hostess bars along this soi quite easily. Prices vary but most of the establishments that are not KTV bars are the usual hostess type arrangements. You pay for a girl - and there are some beautiful girls here - to sit with you and drink. What you will be charged for is "lady drinks" but that's not what you are being charged for. A lady drink is usually a block of time anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes depending on the bar. Expect to pay between 300 - 750 baht depending on the bar and your language ability for each of these time increments.

As far as barfines go, if the girl is willing to go out the barfines are in the region of 1000 - 2500 baht and some of the bars have short time rooms on the premises. What you pay the girl is between you and her in some bars and an all-in price with an optional tip in others.

Basically, Soi Thaniya is not recommended unless you really know the scene well or are accompanied by someone who does. You could really run up an astronomical bill without trying here.


Bangkok : Patpong Night Bazaar

Mention the word Patpong almost anywhere in the world and most people will think of Bangkok’s famous red light district. But in the evening it has one of the best tourist markets in town.

If you visit it in the day time it's just a simple insignificant street that links Silom and Suriwongse Road. Around about 5pm the transformation begins. Out of nowhere or so it seems, come large metal trunks on wheels with all the stock.

Team of workers are frantically putting together two aisles of stalls, metal frames slotted together, board laid on them to make the counter, cables thread between them for the light, vendors busily displaying their goods to maximum advantage. By around 7pm the show is ready to begin. Patpong is more about theatre than anything else, everything an illusion, nothing is real.

In the warm balmy night, tourist will see an array of exotic watches, its says Rolex, it looks like a Rolex but is it? And then what price should I pay. The vendor will tell you a tale that it’s the latest model, the mechanism is special and will start the bidding high. It now up to you to cut him down in price. He asks 1,500, counter with 600. If you speak a few words in Thai it helps but if you don’t just mutter Peng, too expensive, and be firm.

A mistake that a lot of visitors to Thailand make is they convert the price being asked into their own currency and then consider how does that compare with what I would pay at home. Of course it’s cheaper but you are in Thailand and need to think in terms of local prices if you are ever to get the best deal.

I was once buying a shirt with an asking price of 800 Baht and I negotiated to 200 Baht. Standing next to me was another foreign visitor who was happy to pay 600 baht for the same shirt.

Patpong has an excellent selection of clothes, watches, leather goods and shoes. For the tourist who is in town for a couple of nights it's possibly the most convenient and user friendly place to shop. It’s not the cheapest anything you can buy in Patpong can be bought about 40% cheaper in Pratunam market just off Phetburi Road but the shopping experience is not as easy and will take twice as long. That the choice, time versus money.

Beware of the taxis waiting either end of Patpong, they always have some tale that there metre isn’t working or it’s a fixed fare to wherever you want to go. I just won't take them, either use a taxi that’s moving in the street or if you are staying close to a skytrain station take the BTS home.


Pattaya Nightlife Introduction

The nightlife in Pattaya is legendary. Whatever you want, you will be able to find here. Nightlife is a bit of a misnomer as the action continues 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The possibilities are literally endless from bars, pubs and a-gogos to excellent cabaret shows, restaurants and other live entertainment.

A word of warning to the few who come looking for under age girls and boys. Yes they are available although not obviously. If that is want you want you will no doubt find it here. You will also likely end up in a Thai prison (very unpleasant) and have your name published in all the newspapers back home (very embarrassing). Thai law requires all people who work in bars to be 20 or older. Prostitution is illegal although generally ignored provide the participants are aged 18 or over. Any foreigner caught having sex for money with under 18 year olds, will receive a mandatory minimum two year jail sentence and if the girl is under 16 the penalties are very harsh. People are being caught regularly, so don't do it. All Thai's carry ID cards and if you have any doubts, ask to see it. This year (2004) is 2547 in Thailand, so you will need to do a little math to work out the age. If their birth year is 2528 or more - move on . . . quickly.

Thai bar girls are not like their counterpart back home. You can expect to find a loving, considerate companion who will stay with you for a few hours (short time), overnight (long time) or several days on up. Generally speaking these girls come from the rural North East and are working in Bars because it is the only way they can earn money to support their family. They are not hard nosed hookers and you should not treat as if they were. Once you agree to go with a girl, she will consider herself your girlfriend and if you act accordingly the rewards are many.

There are three main areas where you will find the action, although they have sort of merged into one giant area. If you want to follow the details below, it would be helpful to refer to the Map in the orientation section - Map of Pattaya.

North Pattaya
Centred along Second Rd, Soi 2 to Soi 6. There are mainly beer bars, mixed in with a few A Go Gos. This is the quietest area, so you will find yourself very welcome here. The famous Sabai Dee Massage Parlor is also here, next door to the Big C shopping centre. The action is mainly on Second Rd although some of the Soi's do have a few places. Also Naklua Rd near the junction with Second Rd has a few places to amuse you.

Central Pattaya
Clustered around Soi 7 and Soi 8 and extending from Second Rd to Beach Rd. This area has developed quite a lot lately and although smaller than South Pattaya, it has a lively atmosphere. Most of the action occurs in the Sois, with a spill over on to Second Rd. You will find mainly Beer Bars here although there are three A Go Gos on Soi 8. Many hotels are also clustered around this area.

South Pattaya
This is where it all started, and South Pattaya still contains the largest collection of Restaurants, Discos, A Go Gos, Beer Bars and Massage Parlours in Pattaya. It's also where you will find FLB Bar.

Starting from Soi Pattayaland 2 and extending South to Soi 18, this is a big area, with many side streets (sois) and much to do and see.

The action takes place in the Sois, and along Beach and Second Rd. Beach Rd from South Pattaya Rd to Soi 18 is closed to traffic at night and metamorphoses into The Famous Walking Street. This area is boisterous, noisy and full of bars. Many of the bars stay open 24 hours a day and there is always some weird sights to astonish you.

Other Areas
Although most tourists stick to the above three areas and you will always feel safe there, there are many other places to visit in Pattaya. South Pattaya Rd between Second Rd and Sukhumvit Rd has many Massage Parlours, bars and a discos frequented by lots of locals. There are quite a few establishments that cater to Thais which you can recognize by the fairy lights, although all signs are in Thai. Basically wherever you go in Pattaya, something will be going on.


Phuket : Patong Nightlife

The main nightlife area in Patong is in and around Soi Bangla, even if during the recent years bars and clubs has been poping up all over the place, patong has expanded quite a bit in the past year and new areas has been formed. Bangla Road still is the main nightlife area with the Sois, Soi Sea Dragon, Soi Eric, Soi Katoey, Soi Easy, most of them have had a serious facelift during the past year, with the famous Shark Club beeing shut down, and now reopened as Star Club (Star Warz, Star World).

And Tiger Entertainment beeing one of the hotests new night clubs on bangla road, the pub Scruffy Murphys keeps atleast one clean irish pub for those of you that enjoys the pub feeling.

The Sois are entire lanes of beer bars packed side by side with loud music and provocative hostesses. Beware that many of the girls clustered around Tequila Bar are in fact katoey or transvestites. Here you can enjoy a beer or two, maybe a couple of drinks with a lady, before heading to one of the nightclubs, or gogo bars.

Go-go-style bars are found at Rock Hard (recently totaly renovated, and looks great) in Soi Bangla, Flash A Go Go at Soi Eric is a hot spot, especially late friday / saturdays when they use to have lesbian shows.

A load of a-go-go clubs are also located on Soi Sea Dragon, any of them are usually a good chooise for some adult fun. Ladies usually charge around 1,000 - 1,500 baht for a night of full value entertainment, some will only want to spend a few hours, please make sure she understand your plans, with a bar fine of 500 baht (a-go-go), and 200 baht (beer bar).

Patong has changed alot in the past years, and if you visited a couple of years back, you might not find your way around in the night, but that wont be for long, you will soon be familiar with all the new hot places, and where to be and where to not.

Simon Cabaret in Patong, on the exit road to Karon, holds three opulent transvestite stage shows a night, two in low season.

The innocuous and very entertaining 90-minute shows with a cast of 80 girls costs 400-500 baht, depending on seating. The ticket price is inclusive of an alcoholic drink.

Christin Massage on 200 Year Road specializes in assorted body massage techniques. Here you can select from a number of girls to entertain you for a few hours, starting with a relaxing bath followed by a full body massage.

The gay bar area of Patong is concentrated in the Paradise Complex in front of the Royal Paradise Hotel on Rat-u-thit Road.