Even if no one likes to say it out loud, it’s an open secret that millions of men every year flock to Thailand in search of some, let’s say… fun and relaxation–if you catch my drift.

That’s why Bangkok’s red light districts have long been a mainstay of Thailand’s buzzing nightlife scene. While prostitution is technically illegal in the country, it’s something that authorities in Thailand look the other way from.

In fact, just walking around Bangkok–not even in the red light districts–you’ll see the occasional “karaoke” lounge, go-go bar, or sex worker walking the streets. It’s simply a normal and tolerated thing in the Land of Smiles–even if it’s not as in your face as some outsiders would make it seem.

So if you want to spice up your next Thailand trip a bit, then heading to any of Bangkok’s famous red light areas is probably a smart choice. From the neon-lit streets of Soi Cowboy to the bustling alleys of Patpong, here’s our ultimate guide on the best Bangkok red light districts.

What are the famous red light districts in Bangkok?

There are five main red light districts in Bangkok: Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza, Patpong, Phrom Phong, and Huai Kwang. The first three red light hotspots are centered on go-go bars and beer bars employing working girls, the second two are primarily focused on “massage parlors” offering more than traditional massages.

Top 5 Red Light Districts in Bangkok, Explained

1. Soi Cowboy

Let’s kick things off with Soi Cowboy, a legendary stretch of bars and clubs nestled in the heart of Bangkok.

Named after an American who opened the second bar here in the 1970s, Soi Cowboy is a kaleidoscope of neon lights. The short street is filled to the brim with go-go bars, strip clubs, and even a few bars playing live music. There is also a late-night hip-hop club called Penny Black that you shouldn’t miss. Other highlights of Soi Cowboy include Tilac Bar, Crazy House, and Country Road Bar.

As with pretty much every red light district in Bangkok, be careful about filming or taking pictures of the girls or inside of the bars. They can be touchy about it.

• Best luxury hotel near Soi Cowboy: The Westin Grande Sukhumvit
• Best mid-range hotel near Soi Cowboy: Sukhumvit Suites Hotel
• Best budget hotel near Soi Cowboy: Red Planet Bangkok Asok

2. Nana Plaza

The moment you walk into the notorious Nana Plaza situated on Sukhumvit Soi 4 near Nana BTS, you know you are in for a wild night. The towering complex of go-go bars has something for every appetite.

There are ladyboy bars, bars with 300+ sex workers, bars specializing in certain sex acts, and much more. The most famous go-go bars in Nana Plaza are Billboard, Butterflies, and Hillary 2. And, if you want, you can even buy some weed from Lucky Luke’s Tiki Joint on the bottom floor.

Just be prepared to buy some lady drinks if you want to chat and have some fun with the girls at the go-go bars in Nana Plaza. They expect a drink for their time and attention.

• Best luxury hotel near Nana Plaza: The Landmark Bangkok
• Best mid-range hotel near Nana Plaza: ibis Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit 4
• Best budget hotel near Nana Plaza: Miami Hotel

3. Patpong

Located in Silom, Patpong is another great Bangkok red light district to enjoy a night out at.

While the red light district has seen better days, it is still a wild and raucous place filled with every kind of lady bar you can imagine. And, on top of that, it’s known for having the naughtiest and kinkiest go-go bars that specialize in things like BDSM, bondage, and–of course–Ping Pong shows.

The most famous go-go bars in Patpong are Bada Bing, King’s Castle, XXX-Lounge, and Glamour.

While in Patpong you should also explore the bustling night market, where you can buy all kinds of trinkets, souvenirs, and knock-off items at a cheap price.

• Best luxury hotel near Patpong: The Standard Bangkok
• Best mid-range hotel near Patpong: ibis Styles Bangkok Silom
• Best budget hotel near Patpong: The Urban Age DeLuxe Hotel

4. Phrom Phong

Phrom Phong is known for being one of the more upscale neighborhoods of Bangkok with luxury shopping malls like Emquartier and the brand new Emsphere featuring an IKEA.

But behind that upscale demeanor, Phrom Phong has a red light area loaded with happy-ending massage shops looking to service foreigners. The road is called Sukhumvit Soi 24/1, near the Phrom Phong BTS station.

The massage girls working there pretty much offer everything you can imagine in addition to a massage. But depending on what you choose, the prices will differ. But compared to other Bangkok red light districts, it is quite cheap.

Just walk down the alley and choose one of the many options at your fingertips.

• Best luxury hotel in Phrom Pong: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
• Best mid-range hotel in Phrom Pong: S33 Compact Sukhumvit Hotel
• Best budget hotel in Phrom Pong: Narawad Boutique Hotel

5. Huai Kwang

Last but not least, we have Huai Kwang, the home of countless soapy massage shops.

To call them shops might be misleading. In reality, they are hotel-sized buildings where you go in and pick a girl from a lineup and then she gives you a soapy massage service and more. These places typically also have bars and restaurants on site where you can also interact with the girls working there. Put simply, they are akin to a brothel.

The most famous soapy massage parlors in Huai Kwang include Poseidon and Emmanuelle. The price depends on the girl you choose.

• Best luxury hotel in Huai Kwang: Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada
• Best mid-range hotel in Huai Kwang: ibis Styles Bangkok Ratchada
• Best budget hotel in Huai Kwang: Mestyle Garage Hotel

Bonus: Other Red Light Districts in Bangkok Worth Checking Out

There are other smaller red light districts scattered across Bangkok. While they are less showy than those listed above, they are still worth going to if that’s your kind of thing. These include:

• Sukhumvit Soi 7: Small road of chill lady bars with a Pattaya vibe.
• Saphan Kwai: Red light district targeting local Thai clientele.
• Petchaburi Road: More soapy massage parlors.

Are Bangkok’s red light districts safe?

Yes, of course. Much like Thailand in general, Bangkok’s red light areas are very safe.

There is no threat of getting robbed or pickpocketed or anything like that. The only thing you have to watch out for is petty scams, which can consist of being given the wrong change or being overcharged by a tuk-tuk driver or at a Ping Pong show or karaoke room.

Just be smart and you shouldn’t have any problem.

Take in the Naughty Side of Bangkok Nightlife

And there you have it. A comprehensive tour of Bangkok’s most iconic red light districts. If you are visiting Bangkok with some extracurricular activities in mind, then these are the places to be.

Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

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