Patpong is undoubtedly the best-known and most notorious red-light spot in Bangkok, one of the few government-designated nightlife zones. It is located between Silom and Surawongse main roads in the heart of Bangkok's most prestigious commercial district. The Head Office of Bangkok Bank is just across the corner on Silom Road.
Patpong During The Day
Patpong Getting Ready for Nightlife Action
The nightlife strip runs along two short lanes, Patpong 1 and Patpong 2, with a couple of small interconnecting sois (side-streets). A night market selling clothes, fake watches and souvenirs runs down the center of Patpong 1 stretching out along the Silom Road. Neon-lit go-go bars share sidewalk-space with restaurants, massage parlors, tiny hotels and shops on both lanes.
Night Market
Patpong Sizzling Night Bazaar at Full Motion
Unlike any other red-light districts of Bangkok that are worshiped almost entirely by men, Patpong receives a large number of individual and group tourists including couples, females and even children. Many western expats are frequent Patpong as well. Thus contributing a touristy feel to the area. Add to this a Foodland supermarket in Patpong 2, which is open for business 24/7. Also, open air bars, live music venues, pool halls, quite a few tastefully decorated Irish-style pubs with attractive hostesses in evening outfits and a laid-back ambience are found there as well.
Patpong Busy Night Market
Privately owned by Patpongpanich family and thus called Patpong, this plot of land is rather profitable. Over 10 million Baht is collected monthly from the rent alone. Everything is available at Patpong (behind closed doors) from go-go bars to massage parlours, discos, blowjob bars and sex shows. It is one of the best places to go if you want to see Bangkok's famous sex shows. For the law-revering reason these shows are performed upstairs on the second floor (so that by the time the police gets there, any illicit activities can be stopped). To enter the den of sin, one have to pass two sets of closed doors.
If it is your first time in Bangkok, you must visit Patpong to see it for yourself. And thousands of tourists attending the spot on a daily basis - night after night.
Saffron-Robed Monks at Patpong
To be continued...
