Nana & Soi Cowboy Introduction

Nana and Soi Cowboy are two out of the 3 biggest red light districts in Bangkok. I've kept their information here because both are very close to each other. You can walk to one another easily in 15 minutes. And there other plenty of beer bars, freelance pick up spots such as the Thermae.

And there are also many hotels right between or near Nana Entertainment Plaza and Soi Cowboy that are girl friendly. So you won’t be hit with an extra charge for taking a Thai bar girl or Freelancer to your room.

The last red light district is Patpong which is about 20 minutes away by BTS Sky Train. You can find out more info at Patpong Red Light District Guide.

Some would say that Nana and Soi Cowboy has retained the old flavor of what a real red light district should be. I'm not saying you won't have a great time at Patpong. But when you visit Patpong you'll notice that the atmosphere is different compared to the other two bigger red light districts.

It's mainly due to the fact that you'll see families, couples and honeymooners strolling through Patpong's night market shopping for souvenir trinkets and fake Rolex. It's the consequences of the Thai government officially anointing Patpong as an 'Official Entertainment Zone'.  And I guess most male tourists visiting the city’s go go bars feel uncomfortable seen going into a go go bar with a family of 4 outside watching.

There's a major road called Sukhumvit connecting Nana and Soi Cowboy together and it’s just a straight walk. Sukhumvit is an ideal location for single men on the prowl for Thai freelancers. But that’s not all.

It’s a great place to be if you are unfamiliar with Bangkok. Because Sukhumvit district is a major expat center. So there are many types of restaurants and shops that you are familiar with in your home country. You can find familiar fast food restaurants, ethnic restaurants and Thai street food and barbecue.  So don't worry you won't starve if you can't speak Thai. Many restaurants along  Sukhumvit road will have someone who can speak and understand English.

But if you don't really care about food and more about beer and booze and the company of a Thai girl then you'll love Sukhumvit road. There are many indoor bars, beer bars, pool bars, clubs, pubs, street side bars, you name it, a bottle of Jack is never out of reach. Drinking beer on a public side walk is legal in Bangkok and a bottle of locally brewed liter of Heinken at a 7 Eleven is not expensive.

If you want to truly enjoy and immerse yourself in the red light districts of Bangkok I highly recommend that you stay at a hotel near Nana or Soi Cowboy. You can find a list of guest friendly hotels on this website.

You've probably heard of other terms such as bar girl friendly, girl friendly or even gay friendly. They all mean the same thing which is a hotel that doesn't charge their guest a fee for taking a companion(s) back to their rooms.

By staying near Nana and Soi Cowboy you won't have to get too far to your favorite go go bar or  places to pick up freelancers.  You'll be in a very strategic location in the day time for shopping and exploring  parts of Bangkok by using the city's elevated train system called the BTS and underground train called MRT. Both train systems have stations entrances right by all of the 3 nightlife districts in Bangkok.

I have maps of go go bar locations in Nana Entertainment Plaza and Soi Cowboy. They are all current and up to date and can easily guide you on where to go and what to see.

In addition to these maps you'll also find tips and other helpful information especially rates that bar girls and Thai freelancers charge. Plus you'll learn here how to negotiate for lower rates and what not to do in a go go bar to get charged double.

Bangkok's red light districts may seem intimidating to most. But that's good. It means that you'll keep your guard up. Because go go bars and freelancers see customers as a cash cow ready for the milking.

But if you learn a few things from this website you'll be fine. If you're traveling alone I recommend making some friends at a bar. Though be careful, Bangkok attracts loads of unsavory characters. There are many like minded people just like you and believe me you'll have more fun with a friend.

Finally I just want to remind everyone that Thailand has much more to see and do then sleeping all day and frequenting go go bars at night. Respect the people and culture as a visitor at all times.

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 Jim Hunt

Jim Hunt is an expat in Bangkok. He is a writer and contributor to numerous guides and articles about Bangkok's wild and infamous nightlife.

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