Gone are the days when Patpong Night Market and it's so called infamous Red Light District in Bangkok was known as the nightlife destination of choice for all tourists. You'd be better off roaming the red light district of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. There appears to be more diversity on offer there than seems to be here. I stand to correction but will be more than happy to explain why this is so.
It matters not what you have read in the papers, seen on the telly or what your faithful friends may have told you. Unless you have actually been here before, you'll never really know what it's like. You may of course come to love it or you may even come to loath it, though for two very different reasons.
If you are into the whole sex thing, then this may just be up your ally. However please bear in mind that there are other areas around Bangkok that are so much more worthier than this. It's just a matter of knowing where the finer places are.
Also this particular adult playground is definitely not suitable for young children. Some might argue that this market is not so much in your face, but the fact is many of the go-go bars are quite frankly unavoidably whichever way you view it.
Shops and Stalls at Patpong Night Market
Patpong essentially consists of two streets situated between Suranwong Road and Silom Road known as Silom 1 and Silom 2. They are rather cramped making your journey up and down a bit of a hindrance to say the least. The center of the road is over-crowded with stalls selling all sorts of over-priced merchandise.
Though this market still attracts thousands of visitors nightly, there are choicer markets in the city. One thing you can be absolutely sure of and that is, prices for goods here are way over the top. It matters not how much you try your hand at bargaining, you'll still end up paying two or three times the price you'd find at similar markets around Bangkok. For that matter anywhere else too. The prices here are geared up specifically to rip of tourists, so tread with caution.
Fake designer clothing, watches, handbags and just about anything in between are common place here as are the assortment of pirated CD's and DVD's which could get you into a little trouble back home. Personally I would avoid buying any of the items at this market. Better to just stroll around and take in the ambiance.
Though it is fairly safe on the streets Bangkok, you will need to keep your wits about you when visiting this market. Bad behavior in the area is extremely rare, however pickpockets like to practice their skills and are sometimes difficult to spot. It's important to keep a tight grip on your wallet and handbag at all times.
Thai Pole Dacing in a Patpong Go-Go Bar
One of the very reasons you may want to visit Patpong Night Market is to be able to go home and say to your friends... well I've been there, done that and bought the T-Shirt to prove it. It's certainly not at all doom and gloom either. There is this intensely active atmosphere here if not somewhat amusing too.
Walking through the market place checking out all the shops and stalls, it's more than willing staff as well as the general public, can be immensely entertaining. However you need to pluck up the courage to simply walk away when persistent touts try their luck in luring you to view some of the seedier side of this region.
You can of course spend some time here relaxing at one or other restaurant or bar while observing all the comings and goings. It's without doubt a collective kaleidoscope of colour and chaotic charm. More than that it can easily get a tad hectic at times. Unintentional rubbing of shoulders is all part and parcel too as hundreds of tourists jostle up and down for whatever small space there may be.
For the more curious adventurer their must be at least a hundred or so neon-lit strip bars offering a variety of some of Thailand's rather risque sex shows as well as the usual scantily clad pole-dancers. Be aware that there are some go-go bars here that are home to what may appear to be sexy
Thai girls
but are in fact
ladyboys
known locally as katoeys. As a first timer it's hard to detect the subtle difference in characteristics until it's way to late. But then again, perhaps this is just what you're looking for. Wishing you all the luck whatever you fancy.
Outside one of many Patpong Go-Go Bars
Patpong Night Market
How to avoid being ripped off
Being ripped off is something that should not be taken without some form of trepidation in this region. It can happen before the blink of an eye. Go-Go bars located along the two streets here are free to enter but that's where it ends.
Now we all know that you have to pay for your drinks no matter what type of bar you visit but you need to be wide awake for the unexpected too. It all boils down to just how much that drink costs that really matters. Drink prices can start from as little as 59 baht but they can also increase to as much as 300 baht. Most of the imported beers will usually cost you around 140 baht.
Watch out too for the girls who come and sit down next to you to offer small talk and then ask for one of their so called lady drinks. They can easily cost 200 baht or more each. Perhaps one for my pretty sister too, she may politely ask. Before you can say jack s*** you are surrounded. Next comes the real shocker.. your bill. If you are not careful enough, this could escalate beyound your means.
What you need to do. First inquire as to the price of your particular drink or any other for that matter and ask for the drink-slip to be brought to your table each and every time you order. The waitress will usually place the slip in a bill-holder. This way you can check each slip as they arrive which will also allow you to stay in control. Don't ever neglect this small detail and don't wait until the last minute before you leave the bar as your worst nightmare could easily become a reality.
Never drop your guard for one split second. Always ask a girl how much her drink will cost. Usually the answer will be same as yours. However don't be fooled by this statement. Ask again until you are one hundred and ten percent sure. If the going gets rough, get tough and ask for the mamasan to help you out. You will recognise her immediately. She's the one with the big wart on her nose or chin.
Patpong Night Market
Patpong Night Market
How to avoid the Touts of Patpong
For those of you who don't know what a tout is... they are unscrupulous beings whose soul aim it is to prey on the ignorant and the innocent. They are in your face, they are unavoidable and they are everywhere. Dodging them is not easy.
A tout will ultimately approach you with a list of what appears to be some form of adult entertainment. While this might seem fun to some, you'd be better of ignoring the offer altogether. What it really amounts to is a likeness to a rather dodgy ping pong show complete with all the bells and whistles. No need for further detail here. They are crude in manner and are a total waste of money.
What touts offer and what you get are two entirely different entities. You will not miss thing by giving this one a thumbs down. By going you will miss a heck of a lot more than just your money. In many cases you'll be taken out of the area, up a flight of dark stairs and into a bar with no name. Be afraid and be ready to be ripped off Thai style. Friendly but effective. Once inside you get little of what was initially shown to you. What you do get is a poor show for which you are expected to applaud and donate generously. These shows are cheap and nasty and the only thing you get is a bruised ego and a deep hole in your pocket.
It's not my intention to put you off going to Patpong night market but quite honestly it is a little overrated, but go if you must. After all, when in Bangkok, you should try everything at least once. It's certainly a enlightening experience.
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