Are you looking for a thrilling and unforgettable nightlife experience in Bangkok? If so, you might want to check out Soi Cowboy, one of the most famous and popular red light districts in the city. Soi Cowboy is a short street lined with neon-lit bars, clubs, and shows, where you can enjoy a drink, a dance, or a more intimate encounter with the friendly and attractive workers.
Whether you are a curious tourist, a solo traveler, or a couple looking for some spice, Soi Cowboy has something for everyone. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive and updated guide to Soi Cowboy for 2023, covering everything from how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and what to expect. Read on to find out more!
History and Background of Soi Cowboy
Soi Cowboy was named after an African-American cowboy hat-wearing bar owner who opened the first bar there in 1977. He was one of the many American servicemen who came to Thailand during the Vietnam War and decided to stay after the war ended. He saw the potential of the area, which was then a small alley near a major road, and started to attract customers with his distinctive style and personality. Soon, other bars and clubs followed suit, and the alley became a bustling red light district.
Over the years, Soi Cowboy has undergone many changes and challenges, such as the Asian financial crisis, the SARS outbreak, the political unrest, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these difficulties, Soi Cowboy has managed to survive and thrive, thanks to the resilience and adaptability of the owners, the workers, and the visitors. Today, Soi Cowboy is one of the most well-known and visited red light districts in Bangkok, and has been featured in several movies and documentaries, such as Bangkok Dangerous, The Hangover Part II, and Bangkok Girl.
What Happens at Soi Cowboy
Soi Cowboy is a short street, about 150 meters long, that has around 40 bars and clubs on both sides. The street is closed to traffic at night, and is illuminated by colorful neon signs and lights. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with loud music, laughter, and chatter filling the air. The bars and clubs vary in size, style, and theme, but they all offer similar services and entertainment.
You can find regular bars, where you can sit and drink with the workers, who are mostly young and attractive women, but also some men and transgender people. You can also find go-go bars, where you can watch the workers dance on a stage, wearing skimpy outfits or nothing at all. You can also find show bars, where you can see the workers perform various acts, such as pole dancing, fire breathing, ping pong shows, and more.
If you like someone, you can buy them a drink, chat with them, or invite them to join you in a private room. The prices and quality of the drinks, the workers, and the shows vary depending on the bar and the time of the night, but you can expect to pay around 150 to 200 baht for a drink, 600 to 1000 baht for a bar fine, and 2000 to 4000 baht for a short time or a long time with a worker.
When you visit Soi Cowboy, you should follow some rules and etiquette to avoid any trouble or misunderstanding. First, you should dress casually and comfortably, but not too revealingly or offensively. Second, you should always check the prices and the policies of the bars and the workers before you order or agree to anything, and pay as you go to avoid any disputes. Third, you should tip the workers and the staff generously and respectfully, as they rely on tips for their income.
Fourth, you should never take photos or videos of the workers or the shows without their permission, as this is considered rude and illegal. Fifth, you should never touch or harass the workers or the other visitors without their consent, as this is also rude and illegal.
Sixth, you should always use protection and get tested regularly if you engage in any sexual activity with the workers, as this is safer and healthier for both parties. Seventh, you should always respect the rights and dignity of the workers and the other visitors, as they are human beings with feelings and emotions, not objects or commodities.
Soi Cowboy at Night
Soi Cowboy is open every night, from 6 pm to 2 am, but the best time to visit is between 9 pm and midnight, when the street is the most crowded and lively. During the day, Soi Cowboy is quiet and empty, and most of the bars and clubs are closed or under renovation. However, some bars and clubs are open during the day, and offer cheaper prices and more privacy for those who prefer a more low-key experience. Soi Cowboy is different from the other red light districts in Bangkok, such as Nana Plaza and Patpong, in several ways.
Soi Cowboy is smaller and more compact, which makes it easier to walk around and explore. Soi Cowboy is also more relaxed and friendly, which makes it more suitable for beginners and couples. Soi Cowboy is also more diverse and inclusive, which makes it more appealing for those who are looking for something different or exotic. However, Soi Cowboy is also more expensive and touristy, which makes it less authentic and more commercial. Soi Cowboy is also more conservative and regulated, which makes it less adventurous and more predictable.
Some of the best bars and clubs to visit at Soi Cowboy
Baccara:
This is one of the most popular and famous go-go bars in Soi Cowboy, and has three floors of stunning workers, who dance on glass ceilings and wear schoolgirl uniforms. The drinks are pricey, but the shows are worth it.
Cockatoo:
This is one of the few ladyboy bars in Soi Cowboy, and has some of the most beautiful and feminine transgender workers, who are friendly and fun. The drinks are reasonable, and the atmosphere is welcoming.
Shark:
This is one of the best show bars in Soi Cowboy, and has some of the most talented and skilled workers, who perform amazing acts, such as fire breathing, ping pong shows, and more. The drinks are cheap, and the entertainment is impressive.
Some of the worst bars and clubs to visit at Soi Cowboy
Spice Girls:
This is one of the most notorious and shady bars in Soi Cowboy, and has some of the most aggressive and rude workers, who will try to rip you off or scam you. The drinks are expensive, and the service is poor.
Midnite:
This is one of the most boring and dull bars in Soi Cowboy, and has some of the most old and unattractive workers, who will barely dance or interact with you. The drinks are mediocre, and the vibe is depressing.
Rio:
This is one of the most disappointing and overrated bars in Soi Cowboy, and has some of the most average and bland workers, who will not do anything special or exciting. The drinks are overpriced, and the shows are boring.
Soi Cowboy Location
Soi Cowboy is located in the Sukhumvit area, between Sukhumvit Soi 21 (also called Asoke) and Sukhumvit Soi 23. You can see a map of the area [here]. The easiest and fastest way to get to Soi Cowboy is by taking the BTS Skytrain to Asoke station, or the MRT Subway to Sukhumvit station, and then walking for about 5 minutes to the entrance of the street. You can also take a taxi or a tuk-tuk, but be prepared to pay more and deal with traffic jams. The approximate time and cost of each option are:
BTS Skytrain: 15 to 30 minutes, 25 to 50 baht
MRT Subway: 15 to 30 minutes, 20 to 40 baht
Taxi: 20 to 40 minutes, 100 to 200 baht
Tuk-tuk: 20 to 40 minutes, 150 to 300 baht
There are many attractions and landmarks near Soi Cowboy that you can visit before or after your night out, such as:
Terminal 21: This is a huge and modern shopping mall that has a unique theme of different cities and countries, such as Tokyo, London, Istanbul, and more. You can find a variety of shops, restaurants, cinemas, and services there. It is located right next to Asoke station, and is open from 10 am to 10 pm.
Benjakitti Park: This is a beautiful and peaceful park that has a large lake, a jogging track, a cycling path, and a playground. You can enjoy a relaxing walk, a scenic view, or a fun activity there. It is located about 15 minutes walk from Soi Cowboy, and is open from 5 am to 9 pm.
Soi Arab: This is a lively and colorful street that has a lot of Middle Eastern restaurants, cafes, and shops. You can enjoy a delicious meal, a refreshing drink, or a cultural experience there. It is located about 10 minutes walk from Soi Cowboy, and is open from 11 am to 11 pm.
Soi Cowboy Hotels
There are many hotels near Soi Cowboy that you can stay at, depending on your budget, preference, and purpose. Some of the best and worst hotels near Soi Cowboy are:
The Continent Hotel Bangkok:
This is a five-star hotel that offers luxurious and comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool and bar, a fitness center and spa, and a stunning view of the city. It is located right next to Asoke station, and is only a few steps away from Soi Cowboy. The prices range from 3000 to 6000 baht per night, depending on the season and the room type. The hotel is guest-friendly, and does not charge any joiner fee.
CityPoint Hotel:
This is a three-star hotel that offers cozy and clean rooms, a friendly and helpful staff, a free breakfast and wifi, and a convenient location. It is located about 5 minutes walk from Soi Cowboy, and is close to many shops and restaurants. The prices range from 1000 to 2000 baht per night, depending on the season and the room type. The hotel is guest-friendly, and does not charge any joiner fee.
Red Planet Asoke:
This is a two-star hotel that offers basic and budget rooms, a 24-hour front desk, a vending machine, and a free wifi. It is located about 10 minutes walk from Soi Cowboy, and is near a 7-Eleven and a McDonald’s. The prices range from 500 to 1000 baht per night, depending on the season and the room type. The hotel is guest-friendly, but charges a joiner fee of 300 baht per night.
Some of the hotels that you should avoid near Soi Cowboy
Darjelling Boutique Hotel:
This is a one-star hotel that offers dirty and smelly rooms, a rude and unprofessional staff, a poor breakfast and wifi, and a noisy and unsafe location. It is located about 15 minutes walk from Soi Cowboy, and is next to a construction site and a garbage dump. The prices range from 800 to 1500 baht per night, depending on the season and the room type. The hotel is not guest-friendly, and charges a joiner fee of 500 baht per night.
S Sukhumvit Suites:
This is a four-star hotel that offers decent and modern rooms, a rooftop restaurant and bar, a laundry service, and a free wifi. However, the hotel is notorious for its scamming and cheating practices, such as overcharging, double booking, stealing, and blackmailing. It is located right next to Soi Cowboy, and is often crowded and noisy. The prices range from 2000 to 4000 baht per night, depending on the season and the room type. The hotel is guest-friendly, but charges a joiner fee of 500 baht per night.
Soi Cowboy is one of the most exciting and fascinating places to visit in Bangkok, especially if you are looking for a nightlife and adult entertainment experience. Soi Cowboy has a lot to offer, from the colorful and vibrant bars and clubs, to the friendly and attractive workers, to the amazing and diverse shows and entertainment. However, Soi Cowboy also has some drawbacks, such as the high and variable prices, the touristy and commercial atmosphere, and the potential risks and dangers.
Therefore, you should always be careful and respectful when you visit Soi Cowboy, and follow some of the tips and advice that we have given you in this article. We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article, and that you have learned something new and useful about Soi Cowboy.
If you have any feedback, questions, or experiences to share, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. Thank you for choosing Tripoto, and have a great time at Soi Cowboy!
