Nana & Soi Cowboy Introduction

Nana and Soi Cowboy are just two of the 3 red light districts in Bangkok. I've kept their information here because Nana and Soi Cowboy are very close to each other. Both are just a 10 minute walk from each other with plenty of beer bars, freelance pick up spots and girl friendly hotels in between. 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 Nana and Soi Cowboy. 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'.

There's a major road called Sukhumvit connecting Nana and Soi Cowboy. Sukhumvit is an ideal location for single men on the prowl for midnight company. 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 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 just 45 Baht.

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 near Nana and Soi Cowboy.

I have maps of go go bar locations in Nana Entertainment Plaza and Soi Cowboy. They are all current and up to date.

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, the 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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