Nana Plaza Bangkok is one of the most famous red-light districts. Here, you can find out whether a detour is worthwhile and what to look out for.
Besides Soi Cowboy, you will find another red light district in Sukhumvit, one of the most famous in Bangkok.
We are talking about the infamous “Nana Entertainment Plaza” – or Nana Plaza.
As the name suggests, Nana Plaza Bangkok is located at the BTS Skytrain station “Nana.”
However, when people talk about “Nana” in the Thai capital, they usually refer to the red light district along Soi 4.
Soi 4 branches off from the endlessly long Sukhumvit Road. Here, everything revolves around the garishly lit “Nana Entertainment Plaza.”
The square around the building is full of go-go bars and pubs and is one of the epicenters of sexual services in Bangkok.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Nana Plaza Bangkok and tell you if it’s worth visiting or if you should avoid the area.
Getting there: By BTS Skytrain (Light Green Line) to Nana station or by cab.
Opening hours: 19:00 till 02:00
Admission: Free
This is how the Nana Plaza Bangkok was created
The beginnings of Nana Plaza Bangkok date back to the 1980s.
This is where the entertainment complex was launched, which has since become firmly established in Bangkok’s nightlife as well as the city’s red light milieu.
This is partly because Nana Entertainment Plaza is located in the Sukhumvit district – one of the city’s most popular and dynamic areas.
Known for its mix of entertainment, shopping, and cosmopolitan flair, Sukhumvit is popular with locals, expats, and tourists alike.
Many of them are in Bangkok looking for an exciting and casual atmosphere and an adventure or two.
It’s no wonder that Nana Plaza Bangkok has become a popular place to go over the years.
Tip: Book a guided tour of the city’s main sights to learn more about Bangkok’s history.
What can you expect at Nana Plaza Bangkok?
Nana Plaza Bangkok is famous for its various bars, go-go clubs, and entertainment options.
You can expect loud music, colorful neon lights, and a shrill atmosphere here. Promoters, scantily clad ladies, and ladyboys will persistently try to lure you into their establishments.
The bars offer various entertainment options, from live music to dance shows, and comedy to erotic shows.
Before your visit, however, you should know that the red light district is far less populated by “normal” tourists than, for example, Patpong or even Soi Cowboy.
Nana Plaza Bangkok is clearly focused on adult entertainment and prostitution. So for families and couples, this place is definitely unsuitable.
Even during the day, a detour is not worth it. There is little going on here, and the whole area looks relatively desolate and run down.
What is hiding in the Nana Entertainment Plaza?
Although the name Nana Plaza Bangkok has become established for the entire plaza, the actual “Nana Entertainment Plaza” consists of several three-story buildings.
These are connected via a gallery and look a bit like a Western backdrop bathed in neon light.
The Plaza is not hard to find either: A huge sign is already shining towards you right at the entrance.
The Nana Plaza Bangkok is divided into different areas.
For example, the “Billboard” zone is known for its lively music scene, while the “Rainbow 4” and “Rainbow 5” zones are known for their famous go-go clubs and dance shows.
The “Nana Beer Garden” zone offers by far the most relaxed atmosphere. Here, visitors can relax with a cool drink and snacks.
Many tourists visit Nana Plaza Bangkok to see one of the bizarre ping-pong shows live.
However, we at Bangkok Insiders have never experienced anyone actually enjoying or recommending them in all these years.
Prostitution at Nana Plaza Bangkok
Visitors to Nana Plaza Bangkok realize pretty quickly that it doesn’t stop at go-go shows and cold drinks.
In addition to the famous ping-pong shows, young women loll around on carousels and poles. Ladyboys show off their dazzling outfits.
Nana Plaza Bangkok also houses a hotel of sorts where rooms are rented by the hour.
Especially for men traveling alone or in groups, Nana Plaza Bangkok can also become relatively exhausting.
Because the competition is fierce and the sexily dressed promoters try to lure especially the male audience with all tricks and sometimes loudly into their bars and clubs.
Tip: Book a bike tour through Bangkok, which will take you through the hidden backyards and alleys of the city.
A moral tightrope walk
ATTENTION: Please remember that prostitution is illegal in Thailand, and buying sexual services is prohibited.
You should also be aware that child prostitution is widespread in Thailand.
So hold back, especially when prostitutes appear conspicuously young.
Because children in Thailand sadly have a religious duty to contribute to the family’s income, making the country a hotspot for child prostitution.
But even adult prostitutes are largely unprotected in the country. They work illegally and are often helplessly at the mercy of their pimps.
They cannot expect any support from the police and the judiciary either – often, these are even part of the problem themselves.
Most of the exploited women (and men) come from educationally disadvantaged families and are accordingly unaware of their rights.
They are all regularly forced to put their health at risk. Accordingly, they often suffer from venereal diseases.
You can find more information about this topic in this article.
Tip: You can also escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok for a while on a day trip – for example, to Ayutthaya.
What else you should know about Nana Plaza Bangkok
The aggressive behavior of the promoters and the provocative looks of the strippers and prostitutes is completely unusual for Thai culture.
So if you are not looking for sexual services, you should rather avoid Nana Plaza Bangkok, because the atmosphere on site is actually not very relaxed.
If you still want to visit the red light district, you should always remain responsible and respectful.
Photography is not allowed in almost all bars and clubs. If you are not sure, you should ask the staff first.
If you’ve changed your mind but are already in the area, you’ll find many nice restaurants and bars in Sukhumvit. The popular Terminal 21 shopping center is also worth a visit.
You will also find various restaurants and bars at the Nana Plaza Bangkok for the small hunger in between. In general, however, the Plaza is not known for its culinary highlights.
Tip: This Bangkok Food Tour is perfect if you want to learn more about Bangkok’s local cuisine and history and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nana Plaza Bangkok
Here, we answer some frequently asked questions about the Nana Plaza Bangkok.
More highlights from Bangkok’s nightlife can be found here.
The most exciting Bangkok sights can be found in this article.
What is the Nana Plaza Center in Bangkok?
Nana Plaza Center is one of the most famous red-light districts in Bangkok. The square around the center is full of go-go bars and pubs and is one of the epicenters of sexual services in Bangkok.
Where is the Nana Plaza Bangkok located?
Nana Plaza is located in Sukhumvit district, one of the busiest areas of Bangkok. The exact address is Sukhumvit Soi 4.
Are there different zones at Nana Plaza Bangkok?
Yes, Nana Plaza is divided into different zones, each with its own atmosphere and entertainment options. Some zones are known for live music, go-go shows or relaxed get-togethers.
What are the opening hours of Nana Plaza Bangkok?
Nana Plaza usually comes to life in the evening hours (around 7:00 pm) and stays open until the early morning hours (around 2:00 am). The exact opening hours may vary from bar to bar.
Are there food and drinks at Nana Plaza?
Yes, Nana Plaza also offers a selection of bars and restaurants.
How do I get to the Nana Plaza Center?
Nana Plaza is easily accessible by public transportation. The BTS Skytrain station Nana is just a short walk away, and cabs are also readily available.
- About the Author
- More info
Franzi is a long-term travel blogger, online editor, and content creator specializing in Tourism in Bangkok and Thailand.
Leave a Reply