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Patpong is Bangkok’s original red-light district — two neon lanes off Silom that pack go-go bars, the city’s infamous ping-pong shows and a busy night market into one block. This 2026 guide covers what’s there, what to watch out for, and how it stacks up against Nana and Soi Cowboy.
Where is Patpong?
Two parallel sois — Patpong 1 and Patpong 2 — run between Silom and Surawong Roads, a couple of minutes from Sala Daeng BTS and Silom MRT. The night market sets up right down the middle of Patpong 1 most evenings.
Go-go bars
Ground-floor go-go bars line both sois: standard format — stage dancing, lady drinks, and a bar fine to take a girl out. They’re generally more tourist-oriented and tamer than the big two. For the heavier go-go scenes see our Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy guides.
Ping-pong shows — and the scams
This is the main thing to know about Patpong. The upstairs “ping-pong show” bars are notorious for scams: a tout lures you in with a cheap-drink promise, then you’re hit with a huge bill — thousands of baht per drink — and pressured into paying. If you go in: agree the exact price of everything before you sit down, keep the menu, and be ready to walk out. Better yet, treat the ground-floor go-gos and the market as the draw and skip the upstairs shows entirely.
The night market
Patpong 1 doubles as a bustling night market — counterfeit watches, bags, clothes and souvenirs. Haggle hard (start around a third of the asking price). It’s a hassle-free way to experience Patpong without setting foot in a bar.
Patpong vs Nana vs Soi Cowboy
Patpong is the most touristy and the most scam-prone of the three; Nana Plaza is the biggest and most full-on; Soi Cowboy the most relaxed. First time out? Start with our first-timer’s Bangkok guide.
Patpong FAQ
Is Patpong safe?
The street and the market are fine — the real risk is the upstairs ping-pong show bars and their inflated bills. Agree prices up front and you’ll be OK.
Are the ping-pong shows worth it?
Most visitors decide the scam risk isn’t worth it. If you go, confirm every price before ordering anything.
What time does Patpong open?
The bars and the night market get going from around 7–8pm.
Guide last reviewed: 2026 — treat prices as estimates and confirm on the spot.