A Deep Dive into Patpong: Bangkok’s 3rd Red Light District

Patpong Overview

Patpong, the historical birthplace of Bangkok's Go Go Bar culture, has long been overshadowed by Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy on Sukhumvit Road. Its decline mainly comes down to two things: tourist-trap scams run by shady bars, and the chaotic street market that kills the authentic red-light vibe. While Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy are tightly watched by local police, Patpong feels completely left to its own devices—almost like the city just treats it as a standard night market.

To be fair, if you're treating it as a market, the street food prices here are higher than average, and the taste is pretty mediocre. Unless you're out of options, don't eat at the night market. You're much better off grabbing some solid Japanese food in the adjacent Japanese Town (Thaniya Road). (I'll share some of my favorite spots around Patpong in a later food and entertainment guide.)

If you've never been, getting to Patpong is easy: just take the BTS to Sala Daeng Station or the MRT to Silom Station, and walk about 5 to 6 minutes. You won't find many local drivers recommending Patpong's Go Go bars, mostly because online forums are packed with horror stories about tourist scams, giving the area a terrible reputation. While that's true to an extent, it doesn't mean Patpong is a complete write-off. Just dodge the shady spots. In fact, given the current state of Bangkok's Go Go bar scene, I actually recommend giving Patpong a shot—you might just find some unexpected gems. At the very least, whereas places like Rainbow 4 might cap LT (Long Time) at 5 hours, many girls in Patpong are willing to stay with you until the next afternoon. (Though knowing my luck, once this post blows up, the service quality will probably tank in no time.)