Bangkoks - Patpong

For most visitors to Bangkok a prerequisite visit to Patpong red light district is a must. It's alluring go-go bar lights and chrome stripper poles have attracted tourists from all corners of the globe. But today Patpong is not just a front for the sex industry anymore. With more and more commercial businesses propping up it has become more of a watered down sleaze district.

Located in the commercial business district called Silom, Patpong is indistinguishable from any other local businesses without its neon signs turned on. But by sundown and when the shops of the popular night markets have finished setting up on the streets of Patpong 1 the surrounding area takes on a whole different energy level.

You can easily find Patpong red light district without any problems at all. There are two train systems, one underground and the other an elevated train system with stations just a few minutes walk to Patpong. And any taxi driver will without a doubt know where Patpong is just by mentioning it.

Patpong was once the king of Bangkok's 3 red light districts. Though its glory days are surely not gone and forgotten. As of writing Patpong's major go-go bar group King's entertainment has followed suit to its brethren Soi Cowboy red light district and started making improvements and renovations in their own clubs.

And that's not all where its transformation ends. After Patpong was deemed as an official 'Entertainment Zone' by the Thai government back in 2004, more mainstream business have started between the niches of go-go bars and sex shows. There is more of a noticeable police presence - and with that no more prostitutes working on streets of Patpong no matter how clear sex for sale goes on inside of the go-go bars.

Is Patpong safer? Well Patpong was never dangerous. Although occurences of pick pocketing happens as it does in any other tourist heavy destinations. Patpong has always been relatively safe back since the days when American soldiers stepped through the doors of a go-go bar during the Vietnam War era. Though the only real annoyance are the touts trying to sell you on taking a trip to up the stairs of a go go bar to see a sex show.

Today many hotels have opened up near Patpong drawing vacationers of all varieties - not just sex tourists. So you will often find many families, retirees and honeymooners strolling through the lanes of Patpong shoulder to shoulder and ogling at the scantily clad women prancing on stage.

Patpong may go down in history as Bangkok's prime red light district but it certainly has an all new appeal for visitors looking to trek through the sleaze without getting too dirty.